Book with Confidence: Enjoy peace of mind — your 20% deposit is fully refundable up to 60 days before departure. See terms & conditions.

Self-Guided Elche to Valencia EuroVelo 8 Costa Blanca Bike Tour

Begin your journey in Elche, a historic city known for its palm groves and Mediterranean warmth. Spend relaxed time soaking in the river views and charming monuments before your adventure begins. This route is part of the EuroVelo 8 corridor and offers a scenic blend of coast, countryside and timeless Spanish culture.

As you ride onwards, the landscape gradually transforms from arid terrain to gentle green valleys and natural parks. Quiet cycle paths and easy dirt trails take you past palm trees, pine forests and fruit plantations. The route flows through welcoming towns like Alicante, Alcoy and Gandía, each with a rhythm and flavor of its own.

Wetlands, orange groves and shimmering rice fields await as you approach the Albufera Natural Park. Expect peaceful pedaling, coastal views, charming promenades and authentic regional cuisine along the way. Your final stretch leads right into Valencia, arriving through its modern City of Arts and Sciences for a memorable finale.

Tour Type

Self-Guided

Lodging

Casual+ hotels

Start

Elche

Finish

Valencia

Level

moderate

Avg. Daily Distance

49 km / 31 mi

Cycling Days

6

Group size

Min. 2, Max. 12

Fly-In

Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernández Airport (ALC)

Fly-Out

Valencia Airport (VLC)

Highlights

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Ride a Section of the Costa Blanca

Experience the beauty of the Costa Blanca during the first two days of your journey. This stretch offers warm Mediterranean light, coastal views and the relaxed seaside atmosphere that defines Spain’s famous shoreline.

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Historic Coastal Towns

Spend time exploring lively towns such as Alicante, Alcoy, Gandía and Cullera. Each destination offers rich heritage, seaside life and delicious regional cuisine. Make space for port strolls, castles and local cafés.

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Albufera & Orange Country

Cycle peacefully through orange plantations and agricultural villages before entering the wide rice fields of the Albufera. The natural park feels calm and open with wildlife, wetlands and uninterrupted scenery.

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Grand Arrival into Valencia

Finish your journey in style as you pedal toward Valencia by the sea and through scenic dunes and beaches. The City of Arts and Sciences provides an unforgettable arrival into one of Spain’s most vibrant cities.

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Cycle Along the EuroVelo 8 Route

Follow a designated section of the EuroVelo 8, one of Europe’s iconic long-distance cycling routes. This well-marked corridor guides you through varied Mediterranean landscapes, lively towns and peaceful natural areas at your own pace.

Itinerary

Brief Itinerary

Meals are indicated as B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.

Listed hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with similar alternatives of equal standard.

Detailed Itinerary

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Day 1: Elche

Arrive in the charming city of Elche, known for its stunning palm grove, Europe’s largest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Settle into your hotel and take time to stretch your legs after your travels. The warm Mediterranean light, riverbanks and historic streets make for a relaxed first evening.

Spend the afternoon discovering the heart of the old town, wandering past monuments and tree-lined promenades. A peaceful stroll along the Vinalopó River gives you a pleasant preview of the natural surroundings you will enjoy over the next few days.

Meals:
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Day 2: Alicante

After breakfast, the journey begins with a gentle stage through an arid yet surprisingly atmospheric landscape. Palm trees and fruit plantations line the way, offering a truly distinctive first day on the saddle. The terrain is mild and warm, an easy way to settle into your holiday rhythm.

Alicante soon appears along the coast, full of seaside energy and Mediterranean flair. Spend time strolling the lively harbor and the sandy Postiguet beach, both framed by the dramatic Santa Bárbara Castle above the city.

The evening invites you to explore relaxed promenades, waterside cafés and the gentle hum of coastal life. Take in the sunset, unwind by the sea and savor a well-earned Spanish dinner before calling it a night.

Elevation- 100m

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 40 km / 25 mi
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Day 3: Castalla

Today brings the most demanding stage of the trip as you leave the coastline and head toward the peninsula. The famous Maigmó Greenway guides the way, a peaceful former railway route now transformed into one of the region’s most scenic cycling paths. Pine forests begin to appear, shifting the mood from seaside landscapes to mountain freshness.

The engineering heritage of the railway adds a sense of surprise along the way. You will pass viaducts like Forn del Vidre and the impressive Palomaret, remarkable structures that open wide views over the valleys. Each bridge feels like a balcony over the wilderness, with quiet mountain air and dramatic contours.

Castalla provides a calm and authentic overnight stop, surrounded by rural scenery and classic Spanish small-town life. Pause, refresh and enjoy the slower rhythm after a satisfying day.

Elevation- 650m

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 50 km / 31 mi
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Day 4: Alcoy

This morning begins with a gentle stage toward the historical town of Alcoy. The environment shifts once again, taking you closer to the beautiful Carrascal de la Fuente Roja Natural Park. The route is peaceful and feels restorative after yesterday’s climb.

The park offers a rich Mediterranean landscape, with pine-covered hills, valleys and small rural settlements. Wildlife, birdsong and open skies give the day a sense of natural quiet.

Alcoy makes a cosy place to settle in for the evening, with elegant architecture, leafy boulevards and a proud local culture. Enjoy dinner in a traditional restaurant and soak up its relaxed mountain-town ambience.cter.

Elevation- 150m

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 35 km / 22 mi
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Day 5: Gandía

Today, the landscape gradually opens toward the sea again. Your stage winds along the Serpis River, following a pleasant and curving valley route once used by the railway to reach Villalonga. Nature feels close again, with greenery, riverbanks and a sense of easy forward motion.

Before long, Gandía appears with its bustling coastal personality and golden beaches. Wander through the old streets or admire the waterfront atmosphere, where cafés and port life blend effortlessly with holiday relaxation.

Gandía is also known for its celebrated regional dish, Fideuá, a flavorful seafood specialty similar to paella but made with thin noodles. Treat yourself to a local meal and enjoy a calm evening by the Mediterranean.

Elevation- 250m

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 55 km / 34 mi
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Day 6: Cullera

After breakfast, the route leads through wetlands, orange plantations and fertile countryside. Fruit trees, farms and gentle waterways give the day a peaceful character, with lots of rural charm along the way. The scenery becomes progressively greener before the first rice fields of the Albufera begin to appear.

Cullera rises dramatically as you approach, marked by a striking stone hill crowned with a historic castle. Its long sandy beaches and relaxed coastal life make for an inviting arrival.

Spend the evening unwinding by the sea, taking a swim, strolling the waterfront or enjoying a simple sunset meal. Cullera feels slow, summery and wonderfully easygoing.

Elevation- 20m-200m

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 57 km / 35 mi
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Day 7: Valencia

Your final day offers gentle riding through coastal wetlands and rice fields just beside the Mediterranean Sea. The surroundings feel wild yet spacious, with dunes and protected beaches that give a sense of untouched nature. This part of the Albufera Natural Park is one of the region’s most serene highlights.

Continue north past quiet stretches of coastline and small seaside enclaves until Valencia begins to reveal its urban energy. Your entry into the city is unforgettable, with modern architecture and wide spaces creating a dramatic contrast to the rural days before.

Arrive triumphantly to the famous City of Arts and Sciences, your first glimpse of Valencia’s world-class cultural scene. Celebrate a wonderful week with tapas, historic squares, lively cafés and vibrant Mediterranean spirit.

Elevation- 50m

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 60 km / 37 mi

Day 8: Departure

After breakfast, your journey concludes in Valencia.

Spend a final hour enjoying the city’s parks, cafés or coastline before departure.

Meals: Breakfast

Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.

Map

Dates and Prices

Book with Confidence: Enjoy peace of mind — your 20% deposit is fully refundable up to 60 days before departure. See terms & conditions.

Single Supplement

From US $700

E-Bike Upgrade

From US $150



Couldn't find a trip with convenient dates?

Open your date as a join-in tour or customize further as a private one.


Essential Info

Inclusions

LODGING

All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).

bike

Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.

Luggage Transfer

Transportation of luggage from one hotel to another.

meals

Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.

Exclusions

Airport pickup

We recommend to book direclty from airport.

Airport drop

We recommend to book direclty from your last hotel.

Beverages

Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.

Gratuity

Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.

Bikes

A great ride begins with a great bike. Our tours typically include the models listed below, though in some cases—due to height or availability constraints—we may provide an equivalent alternative.

Bike Image

Focus whistler 3.9 or similar

mountain

Included in your trip price

Bike Image

Focus Aventura or similar

ebike

Available at a surcharge

Arrival & Departure Details

Arrival

Your tour begins in Elche, and the most convenient point of entry is Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernández Airport (ALC). It is the 5th busiest airport in Spain with international flights connecting it to major European destinations such as London, Madrid, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt.

From the airport, you can reach Elche city center quickly by taxi, which typically costs €22 to €30, depending on time of day and traffic. A more economical option is the C6 or airport bus connection, which runs frequently and costs €2 to €5 per person, depending on the route taken. The ride takes around 20 to 30 minutes, making arrival easy and stress-free. Once in Elche, you can comfortably reach your first hotel and begin your self-guided adventure.

Departure

Your journey ends in Valencia, and the most convenient airport for departure is Valencia International Airport (VLC) having flight connectivity to major European destinations. Public transport is simple and affordable: the metro or city bus from central Valencia to the airport typically costs €1.50 to €5 per person, with a travel time of approximately 20 to 25 minutes. If you prefer to return via Alicante–Elche Airport (ALC) for your flight, regular trains and buses connect Valencia with Alicante/Elche. Travel time is generally 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on the service chosen, and offers a smooth connection back to ALC. Both airports are well connected, allowing you to choose the departure option that best fits your onward travel plans.

Weather

This route enjoys a classic Mediterranean climate, making it pleasant to ride for much of the year. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons, with daytime temperatures typically ranging between 18 °C and 26 °C (64 °F – 79 °F). Landscapes are fresh and green, and conditions are ideal for relaxed cycling.

Early summer brings sunnier and warmer days, especially on inland stretches, while high summer can be hot and best suited to early morning or late-afternoon riding. Coastal breezes along Alicante, Gandía, Cullera and Valencia help moderate the heat and make seaside evenings very enjoyable.

Mild winter days are common along the coast, though cooler inland temperatures are possible. Riders should expect some variation across stages as you move between farmland, wetlands, coast and hills, so light layers, sun protection and good hydration are recommended throughout the trip.

January

Offseason

February

Offseason

March

Good

April

Best

May

Best

June

Good

July

Mixed

August

Mixed

September

Best

October

Best

November

Mixed

December

Offseason

Best

Good

Mixed

Offseason

What to Pack

Packing smart is essential for a safe and enjoyable cycling adventure. From essential biking gear to clothing and travel necessities, this guide ensures you're prepared for any terrain or climate.

Recommended Bicycling Clothes & Gear

  • Bicycling shoes or stiff-soled sneakers.
  • Padded cycling shorts.
  • Short-fingered cycling gloves (personal gloves are ideal).
  • Brightly colored cycling jerseys or synthetic T-shirts for visibility.
  • Synthetic cycling socks.
  • Sunglasses with UV protection.
  • Personal helmet (recommended even though provided).
  • Personal saddle (optional for added comfort).
  • Rain jacket or windbreaker.
  • Cycling water bottle (to reduce plastic waste).

Note: Helmets, gloves, and water bottles are personal items, so bringing your own is recommended for maximum comfort and hygiene.

Clothing

  • Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
  • Full-sleeved clothing for sun protection.
  • Warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings (if traveling in winter).
  • Comfortable footwear for non-cycling time.
  • Bring a compact rain jacket in case of sudden weather changes.
  • Ethnic or modest clothing for exploring towns and temples.

Other Necessities

  • Toiletries: Basic hygiene essentials, including insect/mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
  • Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
  • Plug socket adaptor.
  • Binoculars for wildlife spotting or desert landscapes.

Pro Tips

  • Pack light but plan for the varying temperatures: warm days, chilly evenings, and desert winds.
  • Use brightly colored clothing for visibility on roads.
  • Pack light to leave room for shopping.

Luggage

Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on bag. Mark your luggage with your name, address, and phone number.

Visa Information

Before venturing on your adventure, make sure you're equipped with essential travel advice, including security updates, local laws, and crucial passport and visa information. Start by visiting the official government website of your home country for accurate and reliable guidance:

Note: Passport and visa regulations can change at any time. Stay proactive by checking for the latest updates to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.

Insurance

Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.

We recommend to purchase adequate travel insurance in order to participate in our tours and protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance—including coverage for all activities on the itinerary, trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses (including Covid-19), and personal liability—travel with greater peace of mind.

Can I use my credit card insurance?

Yes, as long as it meets our requirements and provides adequate coverage. Ensure you have an emergency contact number and policy number available.

When should I buy travel insurance?

Purchase travel insurance as soon as you've paid in full or booked your flights.

Is proof of travel insurance required?

Yes. You must provide your insurer's name, policy number, and emergency contact via our reservation form. This is mandatory. If you cannot provide proof, you’ll need to purchase insurance before traveling with us.

Does Art of Bicycle Trips sell travel insurance?

We do not sell travel insurance directly, as we believe our customers should have the freedom to choose a policy that best suits their needs. However, we recommend Insured Nomads as a great starting point.

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided bike tour allows you to explore independently using our detailed app-based navigation and pre-arranged logistics. We provide route notes via app, luggage transfers, hotel bookings, and emergency phone support. There is no local guide riding with you, so you manage your own navigation and basic bike upkeep.

For self-guided tours, the fitting process is designed to be simple and flexible while ensuring you start with a bike that suits your measurements.

Before Your Tour

When you book, we ask for your height. This allows our local partners to select the correct frame size and prepare the bike in advance so it’s close to your ideal fit when you arrive.

At the Start of the Tour

The setup experience varies by destination:

  • In some locations, you may receive an in-person handover with basic adjustments made by the local partner.


  • In others, especially in more remote regions, you may receive a bike that is pre-set based on the measurements you provided.


All self-guided bikes include basic tools, so you can make simple adjustments such as raising or lowering the saddle yourself.

During the Tour

You can adjust the bike as you ride using the provided tools. If anything feels off and you need assistance, our local partners are reachable and will support you as promptly as the location allows.

What to Expect

The self-guided bike fit is practical and rider-adjustable. It ensures:

  • You start with the correct frame size

  • You can fine-tune your comfort easily

  • You have the flexibility to adjust as needed along the route


It’s not an in-depth professional fitting, but it’s perfectly suited for multi-day touring comfort.

We provide an app-based navigation system that includes all your daily routes, points of interest, and important trip notes. You can download the app to your phone in advance, and we’ll share your login details before your trip.

Yes. Once the routes are downloaded, the app works completely offline, so you don’t need mobile data while riding. You can even use it in airplane mode, which helps conserve your phone’s battery.

To extend battery life further, we recommend reducing screen brightness and carrying a small power bank for longer days on the trail.

A mobile holder is not provided. Since you’ll be using your phone for navigation, we strongly recommend bringing your own sturdy, handlebar-mounted mobile holder to ensure a safe and comfortable riding experience.

We do not provide GPX files separately. All routes are available within our navigation app, which is the most reliable and up-to-date source for your trip. Once you receive the login details for the navigation app — generally shared about one month before your departure — you can explore the routes and, if needed, also download the GPX files directly from the app for use with your personal Garmin or GPS device. We recommend getting familiar with the app and its features before your tour starts to ensure a smooth experience on the road.

For minor issues like punctures, the guests are provided with a self-repair kit, which includes tools to help them fix such minor issues. The exact contents of the kit depend on the type of bike, terrain and other factors, and will be communicated to you closer to your date of departure. However, usually such a kit includes tire levers, a spare tube, a patch kit, and a pump, allowing riders to fix the problem themselves. In some cases, the kit may only include a pump or a repair foam.

Self-guided riders are expected to be independent in handling these minor problems. While there are some bike shops along the route, they are limited. If you are unsure about how to repair a puncture, we recommend considering a guided or van-supported trip instead.

For major mechanical failures, such as a cable break, the guests can contact the emergency support number provided. The support team will help coordinate a solution, which could include dispatching a local mechanic, suggesting a nearby bicycle shop for repairs, or sending a vehicle to pick up the rider. Please note that all support services will be provided on a chargeable basis, and assistance may take time, so we advise being prepared for potential delays.

Yes, each rider will be provided with at least one pannier to carry personal items during the tour. Please note, road bikes do not support panniers.

Yes, we provide helmets. However, we recommend that guests try to bring their own helmets, as these are items of a personal nature.

Your luggage will be picked up at the reception of your hotel every morning by 9.00am.

It will be delivered to the next hotel before 5pm. Most of the time it is delivered in the early afternoon itself.

We recommend that you carry no more than 2 bags together weighing up to 15kgs for this trip. You can have one large bag, which contains all your clothing and gear needed for the trip, and one small bag that contains essential items you will frequently need such as passport etc. Please note that once a bag gets loaded in the luggage transfer vehicle, you may not have access to it till later in the evening when you reach the hotel for the night.

We provide local support by phone for any medical emergencies during the tour. Our local team will assist in coordinating medical care, guiding you to the nearest healthcare facility, and ensuring you receive the necessary support. The national emergency system is reliable and effective, and in the event of a serious accident, contacting them is highly recommended. However, due to our distance from certain areas, response times may be longer. We strongly recommend having appropriate travel insurance, and we will do everything we can to ensure your safety and well-being during an emergency.

Airport transfers are not included unless specifically mentioned in your trip inclusions.

For airport pickup, we recommend booking directly from the airport upon arrival — most airports have reliable taxi, shuttle, or app-based options.

For airport drop, please book a transfer through your last hotel — they can easily arrange it for you.

We focus on delivering exceptional experiences during your tour. For logistical simplicity and flexibility, we do not handle pre- or post-tour hotel bookings. However, we’re happy to share a list of recommended hotels near the starting and ending points of your trip so you can plan your stay independently.

We are happy to pass on your room preference for a twin or double setup, and our hotel partners do their best to accommodate these requests. However, room configurations are always subject to availability at each property.

On some of our trips—especially those that travel through remote regions or small boutique inns—room types may be limited. In such cases, despite our best efforts, you may need to stay in a double room instead of a twin, or twin instead of a double, depending on what is available.

Given the nature of our journeys and the unique places we visit, we kindly ask for your understanding and support if such adjustments are required.

We will always inform you in advance wherever possible and work closely with our partners to ensure the most comfortable arrangement for your stay.

The fitness level required for each trip is indicated by the "level" of the tour, which in turn is mentioned on each tour page right next to the price and the trip duration.

Easy: The terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle climbs.

Moderate: The terrain is either mostly flat or consists of rolling hills with a few challenging climbs. There could also be a few days with longer riding distances of up to 75 kms (45 miles)

Difficult: The terrain is mostly hilly with strong elevation gains and/or has long days on the bike. Such trips are recommended for intermediate to advanced cyclists.

Please note that we usually bike around 4-5 hours per day irrespective of the level of the trip.

You can exchange currency at the airport itself, or at ATMs in larger cities. Most commercial establishments will accept international credit cards for payments, though its good to carry some local currency with you at all times.

The meeting time on Day 1 is mentioned in your travel planner shared with you. You can arrive either on the morning of Day 1 depending on the meeting time, or book a pre-tour night to arrive a day earlier.

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