Altea – Xàbia
1. Briefing
You’ll commence the circuit along the coast for the initial stretch. The first significant ascent arrives after kilometer 25: Puig de la Llorença, a site that saw Chris Froome (🏆 2017) and Tom Dumoulin (🏆 2015) claim victories in past editions of La Vuelta.
Subsequently, you’ll navigate the picturesque seaside of Xàbia, encountering an easy climb to Cap de La Nau around kilometer 40, followed by another ascent to Cap de Sant Antoni at kilometer 60.
The route then veers toward the inland towns of Teulada and Benissa. At kilometer 90, you’ll confront the circuit’s second challenge: Port de Bèrnia.
2. CLimbs
A brief yet demanding 3 km climb. The most challenging sections are at the beginning and in the final kilometers, featuring steep gradients reaching 20% 🧨. The road itself is wide and impeccably maintained. Being in a residential area, anticipate some traffic during both the ascent and descent, although it tends to be quieter during the winter months.
An enchanting 12 km climb linking Xaló and Benissa, showcasing a winding rural road with an average incline of 3.5%. Throughout the ascent, expect intermittent sections featuring gradients as steep as 10%, adding to the challenge and allure of the route.
3. Traffic
Anticipate heavy traffic in the initial 25 km, encompassing both the national road and coastal routes. Exercise caution, as there are certain perilous spots along the national road between Altea and Calp.
Once beyond Xàbia, you can expect a reduction in traffic density.
4. Road Quality
The road quality remains consistently high throughout the entire track. However, it’s worth noting that segments of the Port de Bèrnia road exhibit signs of worn-out pavement.
Author
We love our region and we are always willing to share our favorites spots. Enjoy the ride!
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