Cyclists can discover the tiny villages Costa Blanca has to offer by joining a public bike ride on 24 October, following a 79.2-kilometre circular route through four charming inland villages.
The route connects Benillup, Famorca, Benimasot and Tollos, all of which have fewer than 100 residents and belong to the Ruta 99 initiative.
The Generalitat Valenciana hopes the new route will attract more visitors to the Costa Blanca’s rural communities and bring extra business to local restaurants, accommodation, shops and food producers.
It forms part of six new cycling routes aimed at promoting active tourism and supporting villages affected by depopulation.
A 79km ride through the inland Costa Blanca
The circular route covers 79.2 kilometres and takes cyclists through Benillup, Famorca, Benimasot and Tollos.
Organisers have prepared and signposted the route ahead of the public launch on 24 October.
The route forms part of a network of six new itineraries offering different levels of difficulty.
Each one connects places of cultural, historical and natural interest, encouraging cyclists to stop and explore the area rather than simply ride through it.
Using cycling to tackle rural depopulation
The Generalitat also hopes cycling and active tourism can help communities that have struggled with population decline.
Small inland villages often face very different challenges from the busy towns and resorts along the Costa Blanca.
By creating new reasons to visit, authorities hope to generate more economic activity and draw attention to places that many tourists never see.
Cycling works particularly well for this type of tourism because riders travel between several communities during a single trip and can stop for food, drinks or a look around along the way.
And after 79.2 kilometres in the saddle, finding somewhere for lunch should not require much persuasion.
How to take part
The first public ride will take place on 24 October.
The Federación de Ciclismo de la Comunitat Valenciana has already opened registration for the event.
Participants will follow the 79.2-kilometre circular route through Benillup, Famorca, Benimasot and Tollos.
Bridging the Gap’s recap
- The new circular cycling route covers 79.2 kilometres.
- It connects Benillup, Famorca, Benimasot and Tollos in the inland Costa Blanca.
- All four villages have fewer than 100 residents and belong to Ruta 99.
- The first public cycling event takes place on 24 October.
- Registration is already open through the Federación de Ciclismo de la Comunitat Valenciana.
- The route forms part of six new itineraries designed to attract visitors and support small rural communities.
Discover more hidden gems on the Costa Blanca.
