From Moorish Castles to Xàtiva

Time to leave Biar’s Moorish fortress behind you and get on track for some fruitful cycling through the orchards and picturesque little villages on the approach to Banyeres de Mariola. The cycle path along the former railway line offers a short, straightforward route bordering the natural enclave known as the ‘Paraje Natural de la Serra de Mariola’ (Serra de Mariola Nature Reserve). Alternatively, head into the Serra to win higher ground and make the most of the beautiful views across the valley. Today’s final stretch leads to Bocairent, renowned for its caves and ancient ice pits where snow was stored for use throughout the year.

Overnight in Bocairent.

Miles: 14-29 Kms: 24-46

With so much to see in Bocairent – the magnificent medieval district, the oldest bullring in Valencia province, the mysterious ‘Covetes dels Moros’ and more caves and beautiful buildings carved out of the rock – it’s good that your next overnight stop in the Ontinyent is only a short bike ride away along the trackbed cycle path and small roads including through a spectacular gorge. Alternatively, go ‘green’ along a route lined with fruit groves into La Vallete d’Agres to explore the little villages of Alfafara and Agres in the foothills of the impressive Serra de Mariola.

Overnight in Ontinyent

Miles: 10-19 Kms:15-30

Staying in a magnificent country setting like this, it’s tempting to have a day just absorbing the sunshine and the pleasant rural views by the side of the pool or taking time out to enjoy the spa. Your time here is your own, but only a short pedal away through vineyards, grain fields and olive groves lies the charming Valencian village of Fontanars del Alforins. A visit to the historic noblemen’s mansions, now converted into wine cellars, and local artisan producers will be sure to give you a real taste for the place. Finally, return to sample the impressive food on offer at your hotel in Ontinyent and for your next overnight.

Miles: 25 Kms: 40

For your final day’s cycling, the route picks its way through apricot and almond groves, a patchwork of persimmon plantations and time-honoured vineyards via historic Ontinyent and tiny hamlets to the shores of the Bellùs lake. Rugged and rural, the fascinating landscape here is marked by irrigation infrastructure such as ‘azuts’ (water division dams) and old watermills. The views are impressive and the fertile fields verdant, but just a few kilometres away, a great castle is calling… time to take a path bordering the Albaida river gorge past historic stone aqueducts and onto Xàtiva where the stamp of the famous Borgia family is in evidence in the mansion houses or ‘palaces’ of the old town and the imposing castle ramparts stretch out high above the rooftops.

Overnight Xàtiva.

Miles: 22 Kms: 35

Depart after breakfast, or take time to feast on the rich architectural offerings along Xàtiva’s Calle de Montcada and sip on a glass of something local on a café terrace in the Carrer Corretgeria and watch the Valencian world go by.

Extra nights can be booked to allow more time to explore Biar or Xàtiva at your leisure.