Quick answer: Benidorm sits at the foot of some of Spain's best-known cycling climbs, which is why professional teams train on these roads every winter. The classic targets are the Coll de Rates, the Puerto de Tudons and the climb to Guadalest. Winter, from about November to April, is the best season, with mild temperatures and quieter roads. Several hotels and shops hire carbon road bikes, so you do not need to bring your own.
Why cyclists choose Benidorm
In winter, many professional teams base themselves on the Costa Blanca, especially in Calpe, and ride the same climbs as visiting amateurs. Riders from UAE Team Emirates, INEOS and Jumbo-Visma have used the Coll de Rates for training (Komoot), and Tadej Pogačar has been photographed training around Benidorm (Yahoo Sport). February daytime temperatures average around 16–18°C, and Benidorm is an affordable winter base with hotels open all year.
The key climbs
| Climb | Start | Length and gradient | Why ride it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coll de Rates | Parcent | 6.5 km, 340 m gain, average 5.2% | The Costa Blanca's signature climb and a favourite pro test |
| Puerto de Tudons | Above Relleu / Sella | The longest climb on the Costa Blanca | Used several times by the Vuelta a España |
| Guadalest | Callosa d'en Sarrià or Polop | Steady climb to the castle village | Views of the reservoir and a café stop |
| Alto de Finestrat | Finestrat | Short, steep climb close to Benidorm | A good first-day test |
Sources: WielerFlits, Poseidon Hotels, Epic Road Rides.
Two classic loops from Benidorm
The Costa Blanca tourist board's cycling guide publishes two loops that start and finish in Benidorm (Costa Blanca cycling guide):
Benidorm–Guadalest loop, about 87 km: Benidorm, Finestrat, Sella, Alcoleja, Confrides, Castell de Guadalest, Polop, La Nucía and back to Benidorm, topping out at about 650 m.
Coll de Rates loop, about 100 km: Benidorm, Altea, Calpe, Benissa, Gata de Gorgos, Pedreguer, Parcent, over the Coll de Rates to Tàrbena, then Callosa d'en Sarrià, Polop, l'Alfàs del Pi and Benidorm.
For an easier day, follow the coast road north to Altea and Calpe, which has a good shoulder but plenty of traffic. See our Calpe guide for a coffee stop.
Bike hire
Road and e-bike hire is easy to find. Some Benidorm hotels offer pro bike hire with a bike fit and guided routes, such as the Poseidon hotels working with Coll de Rates Cycling. Cycling holiday companies list road-bike rental from about £26 a day and e-bikes from about £40 a day on multi-day hires (Sportive Breaks). Book ahead from January to March, when demand from training camps peaks.
When to ride
November to April: the best season, with mild days and cool climbs. Take a gilet and arm warmers for descents.
May, June, September, October: warm; start early.
July and August: cyclists on local forums warn that it can pass 40°C inland. Ride at dawn or not at all.
Check our Benidorm weather page for monthly averages.
Safety and etiquette
Spanish law requires a helmet on interurban roads, and drivers must leave 1.5 m when overtaking.
Carry water and food: village cafés can be far apart on the inland loops.
Ride single file on the busy coast road through Altea and Calpe.
Cycling in Benidorm: FAQs
Is Benidorm good for cycling? Yes. It is close to the Coll de Rates, Tudons and Guadalest climbs, and pro teams train in the area each winter.
Can I hire a road bike in Benidorm? Yes. Hotels and hire firms offer carbon road bikes and e-bikes, from about £26 a day on multi-day hires.
How far is the Coll de Rates from Benidorm? It is ridden on a loop of about 100 km from Benidorm via Calpe and Parcent.
When is the best time for cycling in Benidorm? November to April. Summer is too hot inland for most riders.
Do pro cyclists train near Benidorm? Yes. Many WorldTour teams hold winter camps on the Costa Blanca, mostly around Calpe.