How long is the route and how much climbing is there?

The route covers 77 km with 850 metres of total elevation gain. The only sustained ascent is El Montgó — 3 km at 6.4% average gradient. The rest is short coastal rollers and flat inland roads.

Does the route come back the same way?

No. The route takes a different road back. You head out along the coast through Moraira to Dénia, climb El Montgó from the Xàbia side, then return to Calpe via a completely different inland network through Marina Alta.

What is the KOM on El Montgó?

The Strava KOM stands at 8:26. The segment starts just outside Xàbia and averages 6.4% over 3 km, with the steepest pitches hitting around 10% near the top.

Do I need special gearing for this route?

No. 6.4% average over 3 kilometres is manageable on a standard setup. A compact or mid-compact chainset gives you more than enough gearing for this climb. Nothing here requires the low gears you'd need for Coll de Rates or Tudons.

Is this the same route that goes up Cumbre del Sol?

No. Cumbre del Sol is a separate and significantly steeper climb. This route passes through the coastal area near Cumbre del Sol but stays on the lower roads and bypasses the climb entirely.

Can I take the ferry from Dénia onward?

Yes, but not as part of this route. The ferry terminal in Dénia serves Ibiza and Mallorca. This route returns inland to Calpe.

Spain

Costa Blanca, Spain

Calpe — Moraira & Dénia

Moderate

77 km

Distance

850 m

Elevation

100% Asphalt

Surface

Calpe, Costa Blanca

Start

Oct – May

Best Season

moderate

Difficulty

77 km and 850 metres of climbing along the Costa Blanca coast. The profile is moderate throughout. El Montgó is the only real climb — 3 km at 6.4% — arriving in the first third of the route. Everything else is short rollers.

About this Route

← Costa Blanca Cycling Guide

77 kilometres of Mediterranean coastline from Calpe north through Moraira to Dénia, circling the Montgó natural park and returning via the quiet inland roads of the Marina Alta. Rolling coastal terrain, harbour towns, orange grove valleys, and some of the most scenic riding on the Costa Blanca.

We rode this in March 2026 with two friends — a coastal day out, a change of pace from the big mountain routes.

The coast road north from Calpe through Benissa and Teulada to Moraira is pleasant riding — rolling terrain above the Mediterranean, the limestone rock of Peñón de Ifach behind you as you head north. We rode through Moraira without stopping, keen to get to Montgó before the sun got too high.

Montgó surprised us. The climb circles the base of the limestone massif between Jávea and Dénia — not a savage gradient, but steady and sustained, with the views improving with every kilometre. As we approached the top, the coastline opened up behind us: Jávea and the Mediterranean laid out in a wide sweep. Then the descent toward Dénia — full speed, the city visible in the distance below, one of those descents that makes you feel like you are flying.

We stopped for lunch at Bar BBQ Fuego on the marina in Dénia — a good spot, right by the water. At the halfway point of a 76km ride, it is exactly what you need.

The return south to Calpe follows inland roads through Jesús Pobre, Teulada and Pedramala. Honest assessment: it is not as scenic as the coastal route north, and there is more traffic than you might hope for. But the roads are fine and the rolling terrain keeps things interesting. A good day out — just not the most dramatic route on the Costa Blanca.

Researched and ridden by Tommy Nielsen

12 years on the bike across Norway, Mallorca and the Alps.·Last verified Jun 22, 2026

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Kilometre by Kilometre

0–30 km: Calpe to Moraira

North from Calpe along the coast through Benissa and Teulada to Moraira. Rolling coastal roads with views over the Mediterranean and the Peñón de Ifach — the limestone stack that dominates the Calpe skyline from the sea.

30–55 km: Dénia and Montgó

The route continues north to Dénia and circles around the Montgó natural park — a limestone massif rising to 753 metres between Dénia and Jávea. Roads pass through orange groves and agricultural land with the mountain as a constant backdrop.

55–77 km: Jesús Pobre and inland return

The return passes through Jesús Pobre — a quiet traditional village with a good café, local market on Sundays, and a pace that belongs to another era. Rolling inland roads back to Calpe through Teulada and Pedramala.

Gallery

Moraira harbour cycling, Costa Blanca — picturesque coastal town on the Calpe to Dénia route

Cala de la Fustera, Costa Blanca — turquoise Mediterranean cove on the coastal cycling route

Montgó natural park cycling, Costa Blanca — climbing around the dramatic massif between Dénia and Jávea

Cycling near Montgó, Costa Blanca — quiet roads through the natural park above Dénia

Descent toward Dénia with views over the Mediterranean and the marina below.

Coastal descent, Costa Blanca Spain — panoramic Mediterranean views on the Calpe to Dénia cycling route

Route map & elevation profile

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Key Climbs

El Montgó

Cat 3

3.0 km

Distance

6.4%

Avg Grade

192m

Elev. Gain

🏆 Strava KOM 8:26

View on Strava

Highlights

•The first half follows the coastal road from Calpe through Moraira to Dénia, keeping the Mediterranean on your right. The road hugs the clifftops, and on clear winter days you can see all the way out to Ibiza from the high points.
•Just past Xàbia you hit El Montgó, the only real climb of the route. It averages 6.4% over 3 km before the road sweeps around the northern flank of the massif through the natural park.
•Moraira arrives early and is a natural stop. The harbour and castle sit on a rocky outcrop directly above the water, and the view is well worth clipping out for.
•Dénia sits at kilometre 38 and marks the turning point. The marina is a natural place to pause after the climb, with Bar BBQ Fuego sitting right on the waterfront.
•The return leg switches to quieter inland roads through Marina Alta. You roll through the small village of Jesús Pobre, past orange groves and small inland towns well away from the coastal tourist traffic.

Must know

⚠Traffic out of Calpe. The coastal road out of Calpe gets busy, especially during the winter training peak. The opening kilometres carry a fair amount of town-centre traffic. Save your legs until past Moraira — the road quietens down there.
⚠The climb comes early. El Montgó arrives at kilometre 29, not halfway. Many riders assume the main climbing is saved for the back half — it isn't. Pace yourself from the gun so you aren't fighting dead legs before the gradient even starts.
⚠Food and water. Dénia at kilometre 38 is effectively your only opportunity for a proper café stop. Once you turn inland, there are very few open cafés or shops on the back roads to Calpe. Top up your bottles and eat here rather than waiting for the return leg.
⚠The route doesn't return the same way. You head out along the coast via Moraira to Dénia, climb El Montgó from the Xàbia side, and return on completely different roads through the inland valleys of Marina Alta.
⚠Summer heat. Avoid riding midday between June and September. The coastal roads offer zero shade and the midday heat can be brutal. Prime riding season is October to May, when temperatures hover between 15–25°C and the roads are much quieter.
⚠Ibiza visibility. Spotting Ibiza requires the right conditions. Hazy or overcast days will completely block the view. Crisp winter mornings offer the best chance of clear sightlines — low-level haze usually builds up by the afternoon.

Café & Water

km 38
Bar BBQ Fuego

Frequently asked questions

How long is the route and how much climbing is there?: The route covers 77 km with 850 metres of total elevation gain. The only sustained ascent is El Montgó — 3 km at 6.4% average gradient. The rest is short coastal rollers and flat inland roads.
Does the route come back the same way?: No. The route takes a different road back. You head out along the coast through Moraira to Dénia, climb El Montgó from the Xàbia side, then return to Calpe via a completely different inland network through Marina Alta.
What is the KOM on El Montgó?: The Strava KOM stands at 8:26. The segment starts just outside Xàbia and averages 6.4% over 3 km, with the steepest pitches hitting around 10% near the top.
Do I need special gearing for this route?: No. 6.4% average over 3 kilometres is manageable on a standard setup. A compact or mid-compact chainset gives you more than enough gearing for this climb. Nothing here requires the low gears you'd need for Coll de Rates or Tudons.
Is this the same route that goes up Cumbre del Sol?: No. Cumbre del Sol is a separate and significantly steeper climb. This route passes through the coastal area near Cumbre del Sol but stays on the lower roads and bypasses the climb entirely.
Can I take the ferry from Dénia onward?: Yes, but not as part of this route. The ferry terminal in Dénia serves Ibiza and Mallorca. This route returns inland to Calpe.