4.0
(2)
31
riders
3
rides
Gravel biking around Alcoleja is characterized by a rugged mountain landscape within the Sierra de Aitana, offering a mix of asphalt, country roads, and extensive forest tracks. The terrain features significant elevation changes, providing challenging climbs and descents. Riders can expect panoramic views of valleys, the Guadalest reservoir, and the imposing Aitana and Serrella mountain ranges. The region's natural features include the picturesque scenery carved by the River Frainos.
Last updated: July 16, 2026
3
riders
31.3km
02:24
710m
710m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
41.7km
03:38
1,270m
1,270m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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2
riders
19.7km
01:45
520m
510m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Sella is a picturesque mountain village nestled in the southern Sierra de Aitana. It is distinguished by its impressive mountain scenery and is a popular destination for cyclists. The surrounding area is particularly appealing, with its striking limestone formations of the Aitana Mountains, as is the popular Ruta del Agua, a scenic route for hikers and cyclists. The village itself retains its authentic Spanish atmosphere with traditional bars, shops, and bakeries, and offers numerous opportunities to experience the region's nature and culture. Furthermore, the Festa Major in October reflects Sella's vibrant cultural life.
6
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Tollos is a peaceful mountain village along the Ruta 99, a scenic route connecting the smallest villages of the Valencian Community. It’s a perfect turnaround point for cyclists riding from Alcalalí or the Vall de Pop. The approach from Fageca offers a quiet, steady climb, mostly shaded in the morning. Tollos itself is small but charming, and cyclists love stopping here for a classic bocadillo at the local bar — simple, delicious and authentic. For those looking to add an extra challenge, you can continue from Tollos to the Muro de Tollos, a steep climb that rewards you with stunning views. From the top, you can descend towards Beniaia, opening up loop options through the Vall d’Alcalà.
3
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Just off the main CV‑720 near Benimassot but still on the roadside, you’ll find a traditional stone fountain serving as a convenient water refill point for cyclists—no detour needed. It offers fresh mountain spring water, ideal for topping up your bottles on a hot ride, adding a simple yet charming break to your journey along this scenic interior valley route.
2
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Ruta 99 – An Ode to Alicante’s Forgotten Villages ⚠️ Ruta 99 is not an official cycling route, but many sections can be explored by road bike or gravel bike. Ideal for cyclists seeking quiet, off-the-beaten-path roads through inland Alicante. Ruta 99 is a circular long-distance hiking route connecting the 24 smallest villages in the province of Alicante — each with fewer than 100 inhabitants. Created by the regional government of Valencia, the route draws attention to the cultural and historical value of these remote communities, and promotes sustainable rural tourism. Whether on foot or by bike, Ruta 99 is a journey into silence, heritage, and raw Mediterranean landscapes. ⸻ 🏞 What to Expect The route weaves through the lesser-known inland regions of Marina Alta, El Comtat, L’Alcoià, and Vall d’Albaida, taking you through rugged mountains, almond groves, and centuries-old villages clinging to the hillsides. Highlights include: • Tollos – with fewer than 40 residents, one of the quietest villages in Spain • Fageca, Benimassot, Famorca, and La Vall d’Alcalà – rich in Moorish heritage • Sempere – the smallest village in the entire Valencian Community • Castell de Castells, Alcoleja, and Quatretondeta – with breathtaking views of the Serrella and Aitana mountain ranges ⸻ 🚶 For Hikers • Total distance: Approx. 450 km, divided into 20 stages • Waymarked: Yes, with distinctive Ruta 99 signage • Passport: Available to collect stamps in each village, similar to the Camino de Santiago • Accommodation: Local guesthouses, small hotels, and rural lodges ⸻ 🚴 For Adventurous Cyclists While Ruta 99 is designed for hiking, many of its paved segments are ideal for road or gravel biking. The route offers: • Quiet roads with almost no traffic • A chance to discover authentic inland villages • A mix of long climbs, rolling hills, and open landscapes Keep in mind: • Services (shops, cafés) are sparse — bring water, snacks, and tools • Some segments are unpaved or in poor condition, so check your route in advance • A gravel bike offers the most flexibility ⸻ 🌿 More Than a Route Ruta 99 is not just a trail — it’s a tribute to resilience, memory, and slow travel. These villages may be small, but they are full of stories. Whether you’re hiking or cycling, you’ll experience a different side of Alicante — one of silence, tradition, and raw natural beauty.
2
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short VIDEOs about this hike could be found at the following links at my youTUBE channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77nMyRJvnZw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVZN57p8yuA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QFmKmQYq4U
0
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If you ride your bike on this road you are not allowed to enter the safary park (it's only available on cars) but you still can see some wonderful animals like giraffes from the distance!
1
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Slowly and with good handwriting
0
0
between Vall d Ebo and Alacali, road with short but violent steep slopes, caught in the wind and apocalyptic landscape, following a fire
3
1
There are currently 3 dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails documented around Alcoleja, offering challenging rides through the region's stunning landscapes.
The terrain around Alcoleja is a gravel biker's paradise, featuring a mix of asphalt, narrow country roads, and extensive forest tracks. You can expect significant elevation changes with demanding climbs and exhilarating descents, typical of the Sierra de Aitana mountain range.
Yes, all the no-traffic gravel routes in this guide are circular. For example, you can explore the challenging Port de Tollos – Facheca Mountain Village loop from Benimassot, which offers a full loop experience.
Alcoleja's mountain setting means many trails are inherently low-traffic. For optimal riding conditions, spring and autumn generally offer pleasant temperatures and clear skies, making it ideal for enjoying the quiet roads and tracks without the summer heat or potential winter chill.
Riders can expect spectacular panoramic vistas of the valleys, the Guadalest reservoir, and the imposing Aitana and Serrella mountain ranges. You might also encounter picturesque scenery carved by the River Frainos, such as the tranquil Toll de Cabrera. Highlights like the Relleu Footbridge Viewpoint and the Font de l'Arc Rock Arch offer memorable sights.
Yes, the region is rich in history. While riding, you might pass through charming traditional villages like Alcoleja itself, with its well-preserved old houses. The 18th-century Port de Tudons is a notable mountain pass, and the remnants of the Palace of the Marquis of Malferit in Alcoleja add to the historical context.
The longest no-traffic gravel route featured is the Port de Tudons – Summit of Portet de Tagarina loop from Cannibal, covering over 41 kilometers with significant elevation gain, offering a substantial challenge.
For a slightly shorter, yet still challenging, no-traffic gravel experience, consider the Sella – Bridge over the Sella River loop from Relleu, which spans just under 20 kilometers.
All the no-traffic gravel bike trails listed in this guide are rated as 'difficult'. They involve significant elevation changes and varied terrain, making them suitable for experienced gravel bikers looking for a challenge.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the challenging climbs, the rewarding descents, and the spectacular, quiet mountain scenery of the Sierra de Aitana.
Given the varied surfaces and elevation changes, gravel bikes with at least 40mm or 47c tires are highly recommended. A hardtail mountain bike could also be suitable for navigating the more rugged sections of the trails.
Absolutely. The routes are designed to offer breathtaking views. Look out for spots like the Reservoir viewpoint and the View of Puig Campana, which provide excellent opportunities to pause and take in the expansive landscapes.


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