Grand Villa Penon – Bernia – Rates

Circular road cycling route starting and finishing at Grand Villa Penon – Bernia – Rates, designed for experienced riders looking for a classic and challenging day in the Costa Blanca mountains. The route covers 86.05 km with 1,661 m of elevation gain, featuring two of the most iconic climbs in the area: Bèrnia and Coll de Rates.

From Calpe, the route heads inland on rolling terrain before tackling the long ascent to Bèrnia via Pinos, a steady climb that gradually increases in difficulty and finishes with several steep ramps, including sections over 10%. After a fast and technical descent towards the Jalón valley, the route links small inland villages before beginning the legendary Coll de Rates climb. This sustained ascent offers regular gradients, several demanding sections and a classic mountain pass atmosphere well known among road cyclists.

Following the summit of Coll de Rates, the route descends towards Tàrbena and Callosa d’en Sarrià, combining fast, flowing descents with short punchy climbs that keep the legs working. The final part of the route follows smoother roads back towards the coast, with a few late ramps before returning to Grand Villa Peñón. A demanding but highly rewarding route that showcases the best road cycling terrain of the Costa Blanca, ideal for strong riders seeking iconic climbs and varied landscapes.