The best traffic-free bike rides around Oliva

The L’Enginy Sugar Warehouse is one of Oliva's most unique historic buildings and a prominent example of Valencian industrial architecture from the 15th and 16th centuries. It was formerly part of the complex dedicated to the processing, purification, and storage of sugar cane, an activity that boosted the economic prosperity of the La Safor region during the Renaissance. Thanks to an innovative hydraulic system, considered a pioneer in the Iberian Peninsula, L’Enginy turned Oliva into an important sugar production center. Today, this restored building allows visitors to learn about the city's industrial past and is an essential visit to discover its historical heritage.

The Plaça de l’Ajuntament de Oliva is the heart of the historic center of Oliva and one of the city's most representative spaces. Surrounded by buildings of architectural interest and presided over by the statue of the admiral and mathematician Gabriel Ciscar, this square is a meeting point for locals and visitors, as well as the setting for markets, celebrations, and numerous cultural events. Its tranquil atmosphere and historical value make it an ideal place to stroll and discover the essence of Oliva.

The Church of Santa María la Mayor is one of the most emblematic monuments in Oliva and a magnificent example of Valencian architecture from the 17th and 18th centuries. Built on top of an old Gothic church, it combines Baroque and Neoclassical elements, highlighting its three naves, the bell tower, the Capilla del Rosario, and a spacious crypt located beneath the temple. Its interior, characterized by great sobriety and elegance, houses valuable pieces of goldsmithing and religious art, making it an essential visit for those who wish to discover the city's historical and cultural heritage.

From the bridge you have a beautiful view of the estuary, where the river meanders through reeds and dunes before flowing into the sea.

The Plaça de l'Ajuntament in Oliva is a worthwhile stop on a bike tour through the old town. The square is framed by elegant buildings, and at its center, the statue of Admiral Gabriel Ciscar y Ciscar, a prominent mathematician and co-creator of the metric system, commemorates one of the city's most famous sons. Thus, the square combines architectural beauty with historical depth—an ideal place to briefly hop off your bike and soak up the atmosphere.

The Church of Santa María la Mayor in Gandia stands on the site of an earlier 13th-century temple, of which a Gothic chapel and a Mudéjar pointed arch still remain. In the 17th century, the Communion Chapel was added, and an initial remodeling project began, but remained unfinished. The bell tower was completed in 1695. Construction of the current church began in 1705 but was interrupted during the War of the Spanish Succession. In 1754, a large part of the roof, dome, and nave collapsed, necessitating further remodeling. Following the completion of this work, the church was consecrated in 1787. Today, Santa María la Mayor combines Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements and represents both a spiritual center and an important testimony to the architecture and history of Gandia.

A tour to the mouth of the Río Molinell is particularly attractive, as the route is mostly flat and traffic-free. Starting from Dénia, for example, the route leads along quiet roads and coastal paths through the dune landscape of Les Marines. Shortly before the estuary, you pass the small bridge over the river, which allows a direct crossing and offers a beautiful view of the estuary. Here, where the river flows through reeds and dunes into the sea, fresh and salt water meet, creating a diverse landscape with rich birdlife. This section is ideal for a relaxing ride that combines nature experiences with coastal panoramas.

At the mouth of the Río Molinell, which forms the border between Dénia and Oliva, a small bridge spans the river. It connects the coastal paths of both towns and provides cyclists and walkers with a convenient crossing away from the main roads. From here, a wide view opens up of the estuary, where the river winds its way through reed beds and dunes to the sea. The confluence of fresh and salt water is particularly impressive, creating a diverse landscape with a rich birdlife. For cyclists, the bridge provides a convenient crossing point for continuing their tour between Dénia and Oliva or for taking a short break.