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Top five best mountain bike routes in Alicante province

From Alcoy to Pego, there are trails through the Font Roja, Bernia and Aitana mountain ranges, among others

For lovers of the outdoors, cycling is one of the best ways to get back to nature and enjoy Alicante province's incredible landscapes.

While the Costa Blanca is renowned for its coastline and cuisine, it's also home to mountain ranges and often overlooked enclaves that can be explored on bike or on foot.

The options are endless and there are trails for people of all ages and fitness levels. Here's a list of the top five cycling routes recommended by Costa Blanca Tourism.

1. Ruta de la Marjal de Pego

This is the simplest route, ideal for beginners or cyclists looking for a quiet ride without too much effort. The Marjal de Pego route is about 27km long and the gradient is almost non-existent.

The Marjal de Pego is an old lagoon. It's a Natural Park covering 1,255 hectares that crosses two provinces: Alicante and Valencia. The Pego-Oliva marsh is one of the largest areas of biodiversity in the Mediterranean, and perhaps the highest quality wetland in the Spanish Mediterranean.

2. Ruta de La Font Roja

This trail is a little more difficult than the previous one, covering 28km and running through the natural park of the same name in Alcoy. "A circular route with wide paths and moderate ascents and descents, which offers fascinating views," promises the tourist board. Top five best mountain bike routes in Alicante province

The Font Roja is a holm oak forest "with an important floral cortege that accompanies it, with species such as durillo, genista and an important lianoid stratum formed by ivy and honeysuckle. You can also find yew and maple trees."

3. Ruta de la Sierra de Bernia

Gradually increasing the level of experience, this popular route is 30km long. The adventure begins in Altea and cyclists can get to know the entire sierra.

Experts describe the terrain as "challenging", so it might be necessary to carry your bike on your shoulder in some sections. But the rewards are worth it with views of the Sierra de Bernia, an area of 1,900 hectares spread over the municipalities of Alcalalí, Jalón, Benisa, Calpe, Altea, Callosa de Ensarriá and Tárbena.

4. Ruta de la Sierra de Aitana

For those looking for more risk and adventure, this 50km route is ideal. Starting in Castell de Guadalest, the route is characterised by technical trails and tough climbs.

Once at the top, the beauty of the Sierra de Aitana mountain range is awesome. In fact, the Aitana is one of the best known mountain ranges in Alicante province due to the number of hiking routes it offers.

5. Ruta de la Serra Gelada

Costa Blanca Tourism warns that this route is only recommended for more experienced cyclists due to its level of difficulty. This circular route, 24km long, usually starts in the tourist resort of Benidorm. There are steep paths, so again, the bike many need to be carried for several stretches, and very technical descents at high speed.

The Sierra Helada Natural Park covers an area of 5,653.92 hectares, of which 4,908.95 are marine, such as the Illot de la Mitjana, the Illot de Benidorm and the Illots de l'Olla and la Galera. The rest of the land is divided between Benidorm, Alfaz del Pi and Altea, with cliffs of more than 300 metres along the coastline and breathtaking views.

Images: Turismo Costa Blanca

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