While cyclists across much of Europe face cold temperatures, rain and endless indoor turbo trainer sessions, there’s another way to prepare for the season in Calpe: get out on the road, clock up miles in the mountains and return to the Mediterranean after every training session.
It’s no coincidence that numerous professional cycling teams choose the Costa Blanca for their winter training camps.
And the best part? You don’t have to be a professional cyclist to organise a cycling training camp in Calpe.
Whether you belong to a cycling club, train independently or simply fancy spending a week riding with friends, you’ll find an environment that’s particularly well suited to road cycling.
Located in the province of Alicante, Spain, Calpe combines a favourable Mediterranean climate, mountain roads, internationally renowned climbs and a wide range of accommodation options.
In this guide, you’ll discover:
- Why Calpe has become a leading destination for European cyclists.
- The best time to organise a cycling training camp.
- Three outstanding routes: Coll de Rates, Sierra de Bèrnia and Vall de Laguar.
- How to plan a week of cycling training.
- What to consider when choosing cycling accommodation in Calpe.
- The advantages of organising your own training camp with friends or fellow club members.
Why is Calpe an ideal destination for a cycling training camp?
There are plenty of places to enjoy road cycling. However, Calpe brings together three advantages that aren’t always easy to find in one destination: mild weather throughout much of the winter, mountain routes close to the sea and a long-standing reputation as a cycling training destination.
Ideal weather and conditions for cycling in Calpe
Calpe enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine a year, according to commonly published tourist information about the area.
Its mild winters and warm summers make cycling possible throughout much of the year, although weather conditions can vary.
For cyclists travelling from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Belgium or the Netherlands, this is particularly appealing.
While winter temperatures at home can make outdoor training difficult, the Costa Blanca often provides opportunities to keep building mileage on the road.
That doesn’t mean you should underestimate the weather.
Rain, strong winds and cold temperatures are still possible during winter, particularly in the mountains. Always check the forecast before setting off and bring suitable clothing for the descents.
Mountain climbs close to the Mediterranean
Another of Calpe’s major advantages is its location.
From the coast, you can reach roads winding through valleys, traditional Spanish villages and mountain passes.
Coll de Rates, Sierra de Bèrnia, Vall de Laguar and Cumbre del Sol are names that many road cycling enthusiasts soon become familiar with when researching routes on the Costa Blanca.
This variety makes it possible to combine endurance training, mountain rides and recovery sessions without having to repeat the same route every day.
Train on the same roads as professional cyclists
Calpe is a regular pre-season training destination for international professional cycling teams.
During the winter months, it’s not unusual to come across cyclists training on the area’s roads, taking advantage of the climate and the climbs in the surrounding countryside.
And even if you’re not planning to compete in the Tour de France, there’s something special about riding the same roads used by professional athletes.
If you’d like to discover more about the destination during the winter months, take a look at our article Calpe in January: Discover the Charm of Winter on the Costa Blanca.
When is the best time to organise a cycling training camp in Calpe?
Although cycling is possible for much of the year, autumn, winter and early spring are particularly attractive for riders preparing for the upcoming season.
November and December: start building your mileage
These months are well suited to beginning your preparation, developing endurance and gradually introducing longer rides.
They also offer the opportunity to discover Calpe during a quieter period than the peak summer tourist season.
January and February: train during the European winter
These months are especially appealing to cyclists from countries where winter conditions make outdoor riding difficult.
A cycling training camp in Calpe allows you to plan several days of riding, combining longer distances, climbing sessions and recovery.
The weather still needs to be considered, but the Mediterranean climate generally offers milder conditions than those found across much of central and northern Europe.
March: prepare for your spring objectives
If you’re preparing for a sportive, a race or simply looking to improve your fitness, March can be an excellent time to dedicate a week to cycling training.
It’s a good opportunity to combine higher training volumes with climbing sessions.
The ideal dates will depend on your goals, your current fitness and your group’s availability.
The best cycling routes in Calpe
One of the main reasons cyclists choose Calpe is the variety of routes available.
From gentler rides to demanding mountain stages, the area offers options for different levels of experience.
Below, we’ve kept the three main routes from our original guide, together with their reference distances and elevation gains.
1. Calpe – Coll de Rates cycling route
Distance: 91 km
Total elevation gain: 1,612 m
Coll de Rates is one of the Costa Blanca’s most iconic mountain passes and a particularly well-known climb amongst cyclists training in the area.
The route offers mountain scenery, winding roads and panoramic views across the Alicante countryside.
The classic ascent from Parcent has a relatively consistent gradient, making it an interesting climb for practising sustained efforts.
That doesn’t mean it’s an easy ride.
The complete 91-kilometre route, with more than 1,600 metres of climbing, requires a suitable level of fitness and preparation.
Who is this route suitable for?
Intermediate to advanced cyclists looking to improve their endurance and climbing performance.
It’s also an excellent option for including a mountain training day in your cycling camp.
2. Calpe – Sierra de Bèrnia cycling route
Distance: 58.6 km
Total elevation gain: 1,031 m
Sierra de Bèrnia offers a combination of rolling terrain, climbs and spectacular scenery.
It’s an interesting route for cyclists who want to enjoy mountain riding without necessarily covering more than 100 kilometres in a single day.
Along the way, you’ll discover landscapes typical of the Costa Blanca’s inland areas, with small villages, agricultural land and mountain roads.
The accumulated elevation gain makes this a challenging ride despite its relatively moderate distance.
Who is this route suitable for?
Intermediate cyclists who are comfortable with climbing and want to combine a rewarding workout with beautiful Mediterranean scenery.
3. Calpe – La Vall de Laguar cycling route
Distance: 104 km
Total elevation gain: 2,279 m
If you’re looking for a genuinely demanding day in the saddle, this could be one of the most interesting routes of your training camp.
The route travels through the Vall de Laguar area, known for its mountains, rural landscapes and beautiful scenery during the spring blossom season.
With more than 100 kilometres to cover and over 2,200 metres of elevation gain, this isn’t a ride to take lightly.
It requires experience, careful planning and a good level of physical fitness.
Who is this route suitable for?
Experienced cyclists who want to tackle a demanding mountain endurance ride and are accustomed to longer distances with significant climbing.
The distances and elevation gains above refer to the itineraries included in our original guide. Actual figures may vary depending on your chosen route, diversions and exact starting point. Always check your GPS route before heading out.
Looking for more cycling routes around Calpe?
These three routes are just a small selection of what the area has to offer.
You can also explore roads towards Cumbre del Sol, Vall d’Ebo, Sierra de Oltà and other parts of the Alicante countryside.
Before setting off, we recommend checking the latest route information, road conditions and downloadable GPX tracks.
For further inspiration about exploring the Costa Blanca beyond your cycling routes, read our article Calpe: A Unique Destination Where Every Corner Tells a Piece of History.
How to organise a seven-day cycling training camp in Calpe
One of the advantages of visiting Calpe with your cycling club or a group of friends is being able to organise your training around your own objectives.
But there’s something worth remembering: a successful cycling camp isn’t about riding as far as possible every single day.
To get the most out of your time, it’s important to balance intensity, endurance and recovery.
Here’s an example of a week-long training schedule for experienced amateur cyclists.
Day 1. Arrival and settling in
Use the first day to settle into your accommodation, prepare your bikes and check your equipment.
If you arrive with enough time, you could enjoy a short, easy ride to familiarise yourself with the local roads.
There’s no need to start your training camp completely exhausted.
Day 2. Coll de Rates: your first mountain training day
This is a good opportunity to tackle one of the best-known climbs in the region.
The session can focus on building endurance and maintaining a steady effort during the ascents.
Intensity should be adapted to each rider’s fitness and objectives.
Day 3. Endurance riding through the Costa Blanca countryside
After your first day in the mountains, plan a longer endurance ride along inland roads.
The aim is to increase your time in the saddle without turning every climb into a maximum-effort session.
Day 4. Recovery or rest
Not every day needs to involve an intense workout.
You can use this day to rest, enjoy a gentle recovery ride or explore Calpe on foot.
Rest allows your body to adapt to previous training sessions and helps you prepare for the remaining rides.
Day 5. Sierra de Bèrnia: climbing and elevation gain
Sierra de Bèrnia is a good choice for returning to the mountains after a recovery day.
Its combination of climbs and rolling terrain makes for a varied training session.
Day 6. Vall de Laguar: the week’s biggest challenge
For well-prepared cyclists, a long ride towards Vall de Laguar could become the main challenge of the week.
It’s important to assess accumulated fatigue and adjust the day’s plans if necessary.
The goal is to finish your training camp feeling positive about your efforts, rather than dealing with excessive fatigue that takes weeks to recover from.
Day 7. Final miles and departure
Depending on your travel arrangements, you may have time for one final short and relaxed ride before heading home.
It’s also a good opportunity to reflect on the week and start thinking about your next sporting goals.
Important: this programme is only an example and does not replace an individual training plan. Distances, intensity and recovery days should always be adapted to each participant’s experience and fitness.
Training tips for cyclists visiting Calpe
To make the most of your stay, it’s worth paying attention to several aspects of your preparation.
Structured training
Alternate endurance rides with more intense mountain sessions.
Planning your programme in advance helps distribute the workload and avoid accumulating too much fatigue.
Joining an organised cycling camp
If you’d prefer professional support, you can explore local training programmes that may include personalised coaching, technical assistance or nutritional advice.
This can be an interesting option if you’re looking for a training camp supervised by experienced professionals.
Preparing your equipment
Before travelling, check your bike carefully, paying particular attention to the brakes, tyres, drivetrain and gearing.
It’s also advisable to bring essential tools, spare parts and the equipment needed to deal with minor mechanical issues.
Nutrition and hydration
During longer rides, it’s important to maintain adequate hydration and energy intake.
Don’t wait until you’re exhausted, hungry or thirsty before eating or drinking.
Road safety
Follow local traffic regulations, control your speed on descents and avoid taking unnecessary risks.
Mountain roads can feature tight bends, vehicle traffic and changes in temperature.
Plan each ride according to the actual road and weather conditions.
Organised cycling camp or independent cycling holiday?
When planning your trip, you can choose between joining an organised cycling camp and arranging your own training holiday.
Both options have advantages.
Booking an organised cycling training camp
Some specialist companies offer packages that may include accommodation, planned routes, coaching, mechanical assistance and additional services.
This is an attractive option for cyclists who want a ready-made training programme.
However, you’ll usually need to follow the organiser’s timetable and booking conditions.
Organising your own cycling training camp in Calpe
If you already have experience training, understand your objectives and are travelling with fellow club members, you can organise your cycling camp independently.
This gives you the freedom to choose your travel dates, decide which routes to ride and schedule your training days according to the group’s needs.
You can also choose your own accommodation and arrange meals at times that suit your programme.
This option is particularly appealing to cyclists who want to combine a week of structured training with a more flexible stay in Calpe.
Where to stay during a cycling training camp in Calpe
After a 90-kilometre ride with more than 1,000 metres of climbing, there’s nothing quite like returning to comfortable accommodation, having a shower, enjoying a proper meal and getting some rest.
That’s why choosing the right place to stay is an important part of planning your cycling camp.
In Calpe, you’ll find a range of accommodation options, from hotels to self-catering holiday apartments.
For cyclists travelling independently or in groups, renting an apartment in Calpe can be a particularly practical option for a cycling training camp.
Why choose an apartment for your cycling training camp?
Freedom to organise your schedule. You can have breakfast before an early ride, return whenever you need to and prepare meals without depending on hotel dining hours.
Your own kitchen. Having access to cooking facilities makes it easier to prepare meals according to everyone’s preferences and requirements.
Comfort after training. An apartment provides a place to relax and gives you greater independence when organising your days.
The option to share accommodation. If you’re travelling with friends or fellow club members, you can look for an apartment with enough space for your group.
What should you check when travelling with your bike?
Before booking, make sure you check the specific features and conditions of the apartment.
For example, find out whether bicycles may be stored inside, whether there is a designated storage area and whether the property meets your group’s requirements.
It’s also worth checking the location, bedroom arrangements and parking facilities if you’re travelling by car.
Not all apartments offer the same facilities, so confirming these details beforehand will help you avoid unwelcome surprises.
The advantages of booking with Alquileres LG
At Alquileres LG, we understand Calpe’s appeal to cycling enthusiasts and offer holiday apartments for a comfortable stay on the Costa Blanca.
Book directly through our official website
On our website, you can explore the available properties, review their features and check the conditions associated with each booking.
This allows you to compare options and choose the apartment that best suits your needs.
Accommodation for different types of stays
Whether you’re travelling as a couple or organising a cycling camp with several friends, you can search for apartments according to your group size and travel dates.
Stay conditions and availability depend on each individual property.
Personalised assistance
If you have any specific requirements for your trip, you can contact our team to ask about the apartment’s features and clarify any questions before booking.
Locations throughout Calpe
Our apartments are located in different areas of Calpe, giving you the opportunity to choose a location that suits your preferences.
You may want to consider proximity to the roads leading to your preferred cycling routes, local shops or the beaches where you can relax after training.
Planning a cycling training camp with friends or fellow club members?
Explore our available apartments in Calpe and organise your cycling holiday with Alquileres LG.
What to do in Calpe after cycling
Even if your main reason for travelling is to improve your cycling performance, it’s worth setting aside some time to explore the destination.
After all, Calpe offers much more than mountain roads.
After a training ride, you can enjoy a walk along the Mediterranean, explore the old town, admire the Peñón de Ifach or discover the local cuisine.
If you’re travelling with people who don’t cycle, they’ll also find plenty of activities to enjoy during their stay.
For more inspiration, take a look at these articles from our blog:
- Discover All the Beaches and Coves of Calpe, featuring the Mediterranean coastline and places to unwind after your training sessions.
- Calpe: A Unique Destination Where Every Corner Tells a Piece of History, with ideas for discovering the town’s culture and heritage.
After all, a cycling training camp can also be an opportunity to explore somewhere new.
Frequently asked questions about cycling training camps in Calpe
Is Calpe a good place for winter cycling training?
Yes. Its Mediterranean climate and variety of mountain routes make Calpe a popular winter training destination for European cyclists.
However, you should always check the weather forecast and adapt each ride to the conditions.
How many days do I need for a cycling training camp?
A week provides time to combine several different rides with recovery days.
You can also organise a five-day training camp or extend your stay, depending on your objectives and availability.
What level of cycling fitness do I need for Calpe?
The area offers routes of varying difficulty.
However, mountain routes with considerable elevation gain require experience and an appropriate level of fitness.
It’s important to select itineraries suited to the ability of each participant.
What are the most famous cycling routes from Calpe?
Amongst the best-known routes are Coll de Rates, Sierra de Bèrnia and Vall de Laguar.
There are also routes towards Cumbre del Sol, Vall d’Ebo and other inland areas.
Can I organise a cycling camp without booking through a specialist company?
Yes. You can plan your own routes, choose your training days and book accommodation separately.
This approach is particularly appealing to experienced groups who prefer to organise their own trips independently.
Is it better to stay in a hotel or an apartment?
That depends on your needs.
A hotel may offer certain specialist services, while an apartment provides greater independence when arranging meals, training schedules and recovery time.
Can I keep my bicycle in an Alquileres LG apartment?
Conditions vary depending on the property.
Before booking, you can contact Alquileres LG to check the available options and confirm whether bicycle storage is permitted.
Calpe: where your cycling season can begin earlier
Imagine finishing a morning training ride after conquering one of the Costa Blanca’s best-known climbs.
You’ve covered the miles, enjoyed the mountain scenery and worked towards your training goals.
Now you can return to your apartment, relax and spend a peaceful afternoon beside the Mediterranean.
It’s this combination of training, scenery and freedom that attracts so many European cyclists to Calpe year after year.
Whether you’re part of a cycling club, riding with friends or simply looking to dedicate a few days to your favourite sport, Calpe has plenty to offer.
A cycling training camp in Calpe can be an excellent way to prepare for the season while enjoying everything the Costa Blanca has to offer.
At Alquileres LG, you’ll find a selection of holiday apartments where you can organise your stay and enjoy Calpe at your own pace.
Discover our apartments in Calpe and check availability for your next cycling training camp.
Your next adventure on two wheels could start right here.