Calpe Cycling — Xaló Valley & Velosol Loop
About this Route
← Costa Blanca Cycling GuideThe social ride of the Costa Blanca — a 41-kilometre loop from Calpe through the beautiful Xaló valley to Velosol Cycling Bar, the legendary café-stop that every cyclist in the region passes through eventually. This is the route where you ride alongside cyclists from across Europe, share a cortado at a table covered in pro cycling memorabilia, and feel what it means to be at the heart of a true cycling mecca.
The Xaló valley is one of the finest cycling environments on the Costa Blanca — vineyard and almond-tree roads with exceptional tarmac quality, rolling terrain and virtually no traffic. In February, the almond blossom transforms the valley into something extraordinary. The roads are wide, smooth and fast — ideal for riding in a group and maintaining a good tempo. With 613 metres of climbing on rolling hills, this is an accessible route that rewards with big scenery and an unmissable café stop.
We rode this in late March 2026 — a shorter day after some big efforts earlier in the week.
Out of Calpe, the route climbs La Fustera almost immediately — a lovely, steady climb that eases you into the day and delivers views back over the coast before you drop into the interior. A proper warm-up.
The Xaló valley is everything the reputation suggests. Long, straight roads through vineyards and almond groves, rolling terrain that lets you settle into a rhythm and actually enjoy the surroundings. The valley has a calm, unhurried quality — quiet roads, good tarmac, the mountains framing the horizon on both sides. Easy kilometres in the best possible sense.
Velosol in Xaló is the destination, and it delivers. A proper cycling café — good coffee, good food, and a shop stocked with everything you could possibly need on a bike. The kind of place where you arrive intending to stay twenty minutes and end up sitting for an hour. Cycling memorabilia on every wall, cyclists from across Europe at every table. It earns its reputation.
The return to Calpe via Senija is quick and enjoyable — a short climb before the road drops back toward the coast and home.
Kilometre by Kilometre
Leave Calpe with a gentle climb out of town — La Fustera is the first real test, a well-known 4 km climb at 4.9% that warms the legs early. From the top the roads open up into the rolling countryside.
The heart of the route. Rolling roads through vineyards and almond trees with some of the finest cycling tarmac on the Costa Blanca. Velosol Cycling Bar in Xaló is the natural midpoint — stop for a cortado and take in the atmosphere.
The return follows a different set of valley roads back towards the coast. More rolling terrain through the Xaló and Seinja countryside before the familiar approach back into Calpe.
Gallery
On the Road
Route map & elevation profile
Key Climbs
La Fustera
Cat 3Highlights
- •The La Fustera climb (4 km, 4.9%) serves as the perfect warm-up right after leaving Calpe, offering brilliant views back over the coast before you drop into the Xaló valley.
- •The Xaló valley boasts some of the finest tarmac on the Costa Blanca, featuring vineyards, almond groves, and rolling terrain on pristine, virtually traffic-free roads.
- •Velosol Cycling Bar in Xaló: cycling jerseys lining the walls, riders from across Europe at every table, and a cortado that is well worth the trip alone.
- •The February almond blossom transforms the Xaló valley into a spectacular sea of white and pink, making it one of the most scenic times of the year to ride here.
- •The return leg via Senija is quick and rewarding — just one short climb before the road sweeps back down toward the coast and into Calpe.
Must know
- ⚠Prime riding season runs from October to May. If you want to catch the almond blossom at its peak, aim for late January to mid-February.
- ⚠With its rolling terrain and smooth tarmac, the Xaló valley is ideal for groups. It is incredibly easy to keep a steady, smooth pace in a paceline on these quiet, safe roads.
- ⚠The Costa Blanca is one of Europe's safest cycling regions. Local drivers are completely accustomed to bikes, show real respect, and always give a wide berth when overtaking.
- ⚠If 40 km feels a bit too short, the route is easily extended. Both the Coll de Rates and Cumbre del Sol make for excellent add-ons before you head back to base in Calpe.
- ⚠Velosol serves as a café, bike shop, and workshop all under one roof. Just be sure to check their opening hours in advance so you don't roll up to a closed door.
- ⚠Velosol can get absolutely packed around midday in peak season. Rolling out early from Calpe allows you to beat the crowd and enjoy a much more relaxed coffee stop.
Café & Water
- km 24Velosol Cycling Bar
Velosol isn't just a stop along the way — it's a destination in its own right. With pro jerseys covering the walls, top-tier coffee, great food, and an atmosphere that always guarantees you stay longer than planned, it completely lives up to the hype.
Frequently asked questions
- When is the best time of year to ride this route?
- The prime season runs from October to May, offering mild weather, minimal rain, and perfect temperatures for long days in the saddle. To catch the almond blossom at its peak, aim for late January to mid-February. Just keep in mind that February and March are absolute peak training months on the Costa Blanca, so the roads and Velosol will be a lot busier.
- How hard is this route?
- It's rated as moderate and is well within reach for most riders, covering 41 km with just over 600 metres of climbing. The only real ascent is La Fustera (4 km at 4.9% average), which hits you early on once you leave Calpe. The rest is just gentle, rolling terrain on wide, quiet tarmac. You won't need any extreme climbing gears or intense preparation. It's ideal as a social group ride or a recovery day between bigger blocks in the mountains.
- Where's the best place to stop for coffee on this route?
- Velosol Cycling Bar in Xaló is the absolute highlight and essentially the main objective of the ride. You'll hit it around the 24 km mark. It combines a café, bike shop, and full workshop under one roof, standing out as one of the most legendary cycling hubs on the Costa Blanca. Expect excellent coffee, great food, and a vibrant crowd of cyclists from all over Europe. Just check their hours online before you head out.
- Can I extend the route for a longer day?
- Yes, easily. If a 40 km spin feels too short, you can readily stitch the Xaló valley loop together with other famous local climbs. Tackle a detour up the iconic Coll de Rates to get some proper mountain elevation in your legs, or test yourself on the brutal, steep ramps of Cumbre del Sol — a famous Vuelta a España finish. Both are staple training loops for the pros based around Calpe.
- How hard is the La Fustera climb?
- La Fustera is a steady, highly manageable warm-up climb — 4 km long at a 4.9% average gradient, gaining just under 200 vertical meters. It's a Category 3 climb and incredibly popular with everyone from first-time visitors to seasoned pros. For context, the absurd Strava KOM of 7:03 is held by Mathieu van der Poel! The climb is never overly steep or technical, so you don't need special gearing — just find a comfortable, steady rhythm.
- Is this route suitable for beginners?
- Absolutely. This is one of the most beginner-friendly loops you can find anywhere on the Costa Blanca. The 41 km distance is very manageable, the terrain is mostly rolling, and the La Fustera climb is brief enough that most riders can spin up comfortably without blowing up. The combination of smooth, wide tarmac, light traffic, and incredibly courteous local drivers means you can completely relax and just enjoy the ride. It's the perfect introduction to cycling in Spain.
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Route Details
- Country
- Spain
- Region
- Costa Blanca
For cyclists with some experience. Noticeable climbs requiring fitness.