Altea
Charming whitewashed old town with stunning sea views.
Overview
Cycling in Altea
Altea offers relaxed Costa Blanca riding with the Coll de Rates and the inland Guadalest valley on the doorstep and the sea always in view. Rolling terrain, warm winters and quiet back roads make it a mellower alternative to nearby Calpe.
Why it works as a base
Altea sits on the Costa Blanca with the sea on one side and the limestone of the Marina Baixa immediately behind it, and that layout decides what the riding feels like. You roll out on flat coastal tarmac, cross the Algar valley, and within a quarter of an hour the road is tilting up into dry, open hillside. The climbs here are long and steady rather than savage — switchbacks, good surfaces, sightlines you can trust — so they suit riders who like to settle into a rhythm and hold it. Winter base miles, a hard spring block: both work.
The climb that draws people to this stretch of coast is Coll de Rates, but it is far from the only one within easy reach. Port de Bèrnia starts almost on the doorstep, Puerto de Confrides sits at the head of the Guadalest valley, and Port de Tudons, reached along the coast, is the big one. There is bike hire in town, so flying in without a bike is a workable plan, and stopping mid-ride for a coffee is completely normal here — the standard loops pass through villages where that is easy to do.
Cycling in Altea at a glance
| Nearest airport | Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport (ALC), 56 km |
|---|---|
| Climbs within 50 km | 17 |
| Signature climb | Coll de Rates — 14.2 km, 3.7%, +520 m |
| HC / Cat-1 climbs | 3 |
| Rental shops in town | 6 — ranking |
| Cycling cafés in reach | 10 — ranking |
| Best season | April–June and September–November |
| Main event | Gran Fondo La Nucía — 18 October 2026 (UCI Gran Fondo World Series round over the Sierra de Aitana, based ten minutes from Altea) |
Climbs
The best cycling climbs near Altea
Iconic ascents within riding distance.
Port de Bèrnia
10.5 km · 4.1% · +430 m
Costa Blanca · 9 km away · 2 approaches
Coll de Rates
14.2 km · 3.7% · +520 m
Costa Blanca · 13.9 km away
Guadalest
7.3 km · 4% · +291 m
Costa Blanca · 15.5 km away
Port de Sa Creueta
14.9 km · 4.1% · +605 m
Costa Blanca · 15.7 km away · 2 approaches
Coll del Corral Nou
6.4 km · 5.1% · +324 m
Costa Blanca · 20.5 km away · 2 approaches
el Coll de la Garga
5.7 km · 6.6% · +375 m
Costa Blanca · 20.7 km away · 2 approaches
Puerto de Confrides
7.4 km · 2.6% · +189 m
Costa Blanca · 21.1 km away
Collado de Xarquera
4.9 km · 7.3% · +359 m
Costa Blanca · 23.2 km away · 2 approaches
Alt de Tarrenyes
4.0 km · 5.3% · +211 m
Costa Blanca · 23.2 km away · 2 approaches
Port de Confrides
10.6 km · 4.3% · +456 m
Costa Blanca · 24.2 km away · 2 approaches
Port de Tudons
24.6 km · 3.9% · +958 m
Costa Blanca · 24.5 km away · 3 approaches
Port de la Vall d'Ebo
8.2 km · 5.6% · +458 m
Costa Blanca · 25 km away · 2 approaches
Coll de Rates is the local benchmark and the easiest to slot into an ordinary ride. The pass sits 14 km from town, and from Orba it runs 14.2 km at 3.7% for 520 m of gain to a summit of 632 m. That average understates it. The maximum touches 13.4%, and the last section above Parcent is the part people actually remember — cat 3 on paper, a genuine effort in practice, which is why so much of the local training calendar is built around it.
Rentals
Bike rental in Altea — ranking and prices
Top-rated local shops that rent to visiting cyclists.
Cronobike
Our pickPrice list
| Bike | 1 day | 4 days | 7 days |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-bike ROAD · e-bikes | 40 € | — | 210 € |
| E-bike MTB · e-bikes | 45 € | — | 245 € |
| Road Bike 12 Speed · road | 35 € | — | 175 € |
| Road Bike 12 Speed Di2 or AXS · road | 40 € | — | 210 € |
| MBT or CITY · MTB | 25 € | — | 110 € |
Riders rate it 4.8/5 across 246 Google reviews. Rents e-bike, road, MTB bikes. Day rates from 35 €.
Price list
| Bike | 1 day | 4 days | 7 days |
|---|---|---|---|
| RIDLEY FALCN · road | 130 € | 190 € | 280 € |
| RIDLEY FENIX SLIC · road | 90 € | 165 € | 240 € |
| BH CORE 1.5 · e-bikes | 90 € | 180 € | 305 € |
| RIDLEY ENOAH · e-bikes | 90 € | 180 € | 305 € |
| STROMER · e-bikes | — | 180 € | 305 € |
| E-Stadsfiets BH Bikes · urban | — | 140 € | 215 € |
Riders rate it 4.5/5 across 184 Google reviews. Rents road, e-bike, urban bikes (Ridley, BH, Stromer). Day rates from 90 €, bookable online.
Riders rate it 4.9/5 across 63 Google reviews. Rents road, e-bike bikes (Bianchi, Ridley, Orbea). Bikes can be reserved online.
Cafés
Cycling cafés in Altea — where riders stop
Strictly cyclists' cafés — genuine meeting points, not just good coffee.
4.8/5 across 101 Google reviews.
Price list
| Bike | 1 day | 4 days | 7 days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berria Belador Pro · road | — | 128 € | 180 € |
| Canyon Ultimate CF SL · road | — | 120 € | 160 € |
| Canyon Endurace CF · road | — | 120 € | 160 € |
| Berria Belador Hybrid · e-bikes | 45 € | — | 300 € |
4.7/5 across 600 Google reviews. There is a workshop on site.
Price list
| Bike | 1 day | 4 days | 7 days |
|---|---|---|---|
| RIDLEY FALCN · road | 130 € | 190 € | 280 € |
| RIDLEY FENIX SLIC · road | 90 € | 165 € | 240 € |
| BH CORE 1.5 · e-bikes | 90 € | 180 € | 305 € |
| RIDLEY ENOAH · e-bikes | 90 € | 180 € | 305 € |
| STROMER · e-bikes | — | 180 € | 305 € |
| E-Stadsfiets BH Bikes · urban | — | 140 € | 215 € |
Rated 4.5/5 by 184 Google reviewers. There is a workshop on site.
Season
When to cycle in Altea — season month by month
This is a year-round base. Winter days sit around 15.5°C in January and 16.1°C in February with nights near 8°C, so riding is perfectly possible — just cold enough early and late to want arm warmers and a jacket for the descents. Spring and autumn are the sweet spot: days from 17.5°C in March (the wettest month of the year, for what it is worth) up to 22.6°C in May, then 26.8°C in September easing back to 19.3°C by November. July and August, at 29.9°C by day and above 22°C at night, are hot enough that long rides mean an early start and being home before mid-afternoon.
| Month | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 15.5 °C | 8.3 °C |
| Feb | 16.1 °C | 9.2 °C |
| Mar | 17.5 °C | 10.5 °C |
| Apr | 19.0 °C | 12.3 °C |
| May | 22.6 °C | 15.6 °C |
| Jun | 26.6 °C | 19.6 °C |
| Jul | 29.9 °C | 22.9 °C |
| Aug | 29.9 °C | 23.3 °C |
| Sep | 26.8 °C | 20.5 °C |
| Oct | 23.4 °C | 17.0 °C |
| Nov | 19.3 °C | 12.5 °C |
| Dec | 16.9 °C | 9.9 °C |
Travel
Getting to Altea with a bike — airports, trains, transfers
No airport close enough to be useful.
Flying with your bike? Most airlines charge €50-150 for bike boxes. Check baggage policies before booking. See verified fees for every carrier →
TRAVEL TIPS
- Flying with a bike? Most airlines charge €50-150 for bike boxes. Book bike transport when you book your ticket.
- Train travel: Many European trains accept bikes with advance reservation. Check Trainline or DB for bike-friendly routes.
The nearest airport is Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández (ALC), 56 km down the coast, and the transfer is straightforward: motorway and coast road the whole way, with car hire, transfer services and public transport all covering the route. If you would rather not deal with a bike bag, there is hire in town, which makes flying in with just shoes, pedals and a helmet realistic. Sort it out in advance so the right size is waiting for you, rather than turning up and hoping.
Explore
Things to Do in Altea
Top-rated activities and experiences for your rest days.
Kayak and snorkel excursion to Cova Tallada
Kayak Excursion Cova Tallada 2h 30min
Kayak excursion in Jávea, Cala Granadella (Snorkeling) Caló, llop marí, ambolo
Uncharted Caves & Snorkelling Heaven: Cala Granadella Kayak Tour
Kayak excursion to Cala de Moraig, Fish Cave and Testos
Cova dels Orguens: Cave Exploring Kayak & Snorkel Tour in Javea
FAQ
Cycling in Altea — frequently asked questions
How many climbs are there around Altea?
There are 17 catalogued climbs within 50 km of Altea, including 3 rated HC or Category 1. The signature ascent is Coll de Rates.
When is the best time to ride in Altea?
April, May, June offer the best riding temperatures. Around 12 months a year are warm enough to ride (ERA5 normals, 2015–2024).
Can you ride in Altea in winter?
Yes — January averages 16 °C daily highs, so winter riding is normal here.
Where can I rent a bike in Altea?
We verified 6 rental shops within 12 km of Altea (average Google rating 4.6/5) — see the ranking for prices and bikes on offer.
What is the nearest airport to Altea?
Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport (ALC), 56 km away.
Are there cycling cafés in Altea?
10 verified cycling cafés operate within riding distance of Altea — places with proof of bike racks, workshops or club rides, not just a name.
How do I get my bike to Altea?
By rail with Renfe: bike free (folded/boxed). Budget airlines take boxed bikes for 45–80 € per flight — our bike-transport table lists every carrier with verified fees.
What is the Coll de Rates climb like?
Coll de Rates runs 14.2 km at 3.7% for 520 m of ascent, topping out at 632 m, with a maximum of 13.4%. It is the climb riders travel to Altea for — the climb page carries the profile and every approach we have measured.
Which climb near Altea is the hardest?
El Miserat — 8.0 km at 8.3%, category 1, 661 m of ascent. Category comes from our own scoring (average gradient squared × length), so it is comparable across every climb on the site.
Which climbs should I prioritise on a cycling trip to Altea?
Start with Coll de Rates — the climb riders come to this base for, roughly 14 km from town and 14.2 km long from Orba at 3.7% to a 632 m summit. After that, Port de Bèrnia from Xaló is the closest big-name pass at just 9 km from town, Port de Tudons from la Vila Joiosa is the long, category-one centrepiece, and Port de la Vall d'Ebo from Pego is the sharp one. Puerto de Confrides from Benimantell is the gentlest of the group and works well as a warm-up or a recovery objective.
How many days are worth planning for a cycling trip to Altea?
A long weekend is enough to tick off the headline climbs, but a full week is where Altea makes sense. In three or four riding days you can link Coll de Rates, Port de Bèrnia and Port de la Vall d'Ebo, since they all sit within an easy ride of town. Stretch it to a week and you add the big Port de Tudons day, an easy spin over Puerto de Confrides, and a genuine rest day with a slow coffee stop instead of a forced ride.
Can I go cycling in Altea without bringing my own bike?
Yes — arriving in Altea without a bike works perfectly well, because hire is available in town. It saves you travel cases and oversize baggage on the way in from Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport (ALC), 56 km away, and you can be riding towards Coll de Rates on your first morning. Be clear about your height and preferred gearing when you book, and allow a short shakedown spin with a café stop before you commit to a big mountain day.
Explore Altea
Download routes, book accommodation, and start your cycling adventure.