Cycling in Costa Blanca South: Why Torrevieja is the perfect base

If you Google "Costa Blanca," you often see pictures of Calpe and Benidorm. But there's another side of this coastline that more and more cyclists are discovering: Costa Blanca South. With Torrevieja at its heart, this region offers everything the north has to offer, but quieter, more authentic, and more diverse.

Why Costa Blanca South?

The Costa Blanca South stretches from Guardamar del Segura to the border with Murcia. Unlike the bustling north, here you'll find authentic Spanish villages, deserted coastal routes, and challenging climbs in the Sierra de Orihuela – without the throngs of tourists.

The difference at a glance:

• Less busy traffic on the coastal routes
• More variety – from flat coastal rides to steep mountain passes
• Better infrastructure - many roads have recently been renovated
• Cheaper - accommodation and catering are more affordable
• Winter sun - an average of 320 days of sunshine per year

Torrevieja: Your ideal base

Torrevieja is centrally located between the sea and the mountains. Within 10 kilometers, you can cycle past the iconic pink salt lakes, and within a 30-minute climb, you're in the Sierra de Orihuela. The city itself has everything a cyclist needs: good roads, bike-friendly cafes, and a growing cycling community.

What Torrevieja offers:

• Direct access to flat coastal routes (perfect for warming up)
• 15-20 minutes to the first climb
• Excellent cycle paths along the boulevard
• Many Dutch and international cyclists (so you are not alone!)
• Good connections to Alicante Airport (50 min drive)

Route options for every level

For beginners: The Laguna Rosa route

A flat 25 km loop along the famous pink salt lakes. Minimal traffic, plenty of photo stops, and you'll see flamingos! Perfect for your first day or as a recovery ride.

For advanced riders: Guardamar - Cabo de Palos

70 km along the gently undulating coast. Beautiful views, authentic fishing villages, and a coffee stop in the harbor of Cabo de Palos.

For climbers: Sierra de Orihuela

From Torrevieja, it's a 30-minute drive to the foot of the Sierra. Here you'll find passes with gradients of up to 12%, but also quiet roads where you can climb for hours without encountering another car.

When is the best season?

Best months: October - May

• Temperatures between 15-25°C
• Little rain
• Low humidity

Avoid: July and August

• Too hot for sporty cycling (30-35°C)
• Many tourists on the roads

Insider tip: February and March are fantastic. The almond trees are in bloom, it's quiet, and you practically have the roads to yourself.

Practical tips

What you need to know:

• Most routes start flat, so you can warm up slowly
• Wind directions are important – always check the Levante (east wind)
• Take cash with you – not all village pubs accept cards
• Spanish siesta is serious - between 2pm and 4pm everything is often closed

Safety:

• Roads are generally well maintained
• Locals are used to cyclists
• Still advice: drive early in the morning (less traffic, cooler)

Why we choose Costa Blanca South

We deliberately chose a base in Costa Blanca South. Not because the north isn't beautiful, but because we find the peace, space, and authenticity here that make cycling so special. Every time we recommend a route to a new client and they return with stories of deserted bays or an unexpected coffee stop in a village café, we remember why.

The Costa Blanca South is for cyclists who:

• Looking for peace and space
• Want variety (coast and mountains)
• Want to experience authentic Spain
• Want to cycle affordably without compromising on quality

Ready for your first ride?

Whether you're cycling for just one day or staying a whole week, Costa Blanca South has the perfect routes for every level. You can rent bikes from us, and you'll receive not only a bike, but also local tips, GPX files, and a list of the best coffee stops (important!).

See our other routes? Check out our route page or ask us for personalized advice. We cycle these routes every week and are happy to share our favorite spots.