Valencia Orange Blossom Ride

Arrive in Valencia and begin exploring this captivating city of contrasts – from its beautiful historic centre to the renowned City of Arts and Sciences. We settle in for two nights, with ample time to soak up its lively streets and striking contemporary architecture.

We collect our bikes and follow the cycle lanes out of the city to the celebrated Albufera wetlands. We ride beside paddy fields where rice was first grown in Europe – the birthplace of paella – and skirt the freshwater lagoon, home to more than 300 bird species, with plenty of chances to observe the local flora and fauna. We continue along the coast at the edge of the lagoon, pausing at wild beaches as we go.

After a short transfer inland with our bikes, we join the Via Verde – a former railway route – and cycle through beautiful landscapes and quiet country lanes. The day ends in the charming town of Mora de Rubielos, where many monuments date from the 14th century.

An easy ride leads us along pretty, winding country lanes, following the river to the spa town of Montanejos. We take a dip in crystal clear turquoise mineral waters – renowned for their rejuvenating and skin cleansing qualities – before you explore the town, including a 13th century building associated with the Arabic king Abu Ceit.

Another glorious day on the bike among the mountains, riding mostly downhill through the Millars river valley towards the coast and the town of Onda. We then take a short transfer to El Grao de Castellón, where you can spend the afternoon on the beach and enjoy a seafood feast in the port.

We pedal past Mediterranean beaches on small coastal roads and paths, with plenty of chances to pause and enjoy the Costa del Azahar – the Orange Blossom Coast. You may wish to pack sun cream and your swimming kit for refreshing dips along the way.

Today we follow wild tracks that criss cross the Sierra de Irta Marine Park, which covers more than 7,000 hectares on land and over 2,000 at sea. Take your time and walk where you prefer as we enjoy undisturbed virgin beaches and breathtaking views towards our destination – the wonderful and historic Peñíscola, the city in the sea. You can visit the castle and wander the steep, narrow, cobbled streets of the historic centre.

We venture once more along wild tracks across the Sierra de Irta Marine Park – over 7,000 hectares of protected land and more than 2,000 of sea – savouring pristine beaches and far reaching coastal views towards Peñíscola, the celebrated city in the sea. You might choose to tour the castle and lose yourself in the steep, narrow, cobbled lanes of the historic centre.