R09 – Peñiscola
Route
Description of the route
This is a medium mountain stage, ideal for advanced cyclists, with 150 kilometers and 2000 meters of accumulated elevation gain. Leave Peñíscola in the direction of Benicarló by the north exit. Then take the CV-135 to pass through Càlig, Cervera del Maestre and Tírg, entering the mountainous area of the Alt Maestrat with broken terrain and moderate slopes. Arriving at Albocàsser at kilometer 56, the most demanding section begins: 30 kilometers of medium mountains along the CV-15. At the access to Benassal you will find slopes of 7%, so control your effort. From there to Culla 9 kilometers await you with constant climbs at 6%.
After Culla, enjoy a 20 km descent towards Albocàsser and les Coves de Vinromà. Already in les Coves, you will have two more steep slopes, of approximately two kilometers each at 5% gradient, which may feel harder after the ride. With the last steep hills behind you, you’ll find yourself on smoother terrain passing through Alcalà de Xivert and the Serra d’Irta, enjoying the scenery until you reach Santa Magdalena and, finally, Peñíscola. Route completed, you’re an all-terrain cyclist!
Points of interest along the route
Benicarló (Km 8): one of the most important municipalities of the Baix Maestrat with Renaissance historic center. Càlig (Km 16): municipality bordering the region of Els Ports with La Torre as the main attraction: Cervera del Maestre (Km 26): you can visit the Oil Museum in the center of olive groves. Sant Mateu (Km 35): see description Tírig (Km 35): see description Albocàsser (Km 57 and 103): Area of almond trees, Gothic churches of the fifteenth century and grilled meats. Benassal (Km 71): see description Font d’en Segures (Km 75): see description Benassal Culla (Km): Another town with medieval aroma, with farmhouses on the outskirts built in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries (as Torre Amador) and the Monumental Carrasca as main attractions. After the effort of the ascent to the town, it can be a good option to rest and eat something in the Carrasca Restaurant. Torre d’en Besora (Km 95): Municipality of less than 200 inhabitants, but with a castle in ruins of the sixteenth century that recalls the strategic importance of this area in past centuries. Les Coves de Vinromá (Km 117): municipality of less than 2000 inhabitants dedicated mainly to olives and almond trees, adjacent to the Barranc de la Valltorta. Alcalà de Xivert (Km 133): see description Alcossebre Santa Magdalena de Pulpis (Km 142): still preserves a castle of Arab origin and a church of neoclassical origin that gives its name to the town.
Peñíscola is a tourist destination known for its beaches and its history. Its castle, built in the 13th century and residence of Pope Luna in the 15th century, is one of the most visited monuments in Spain. The city, also called “The City on the Sea,” has an old town surrounded by walls and white Mediterranean houses that have attracted productions such as Game of Thrones. In summer, its population grows tenfold thanks to tourism. In addition to its beaches, you can enjoy coves such as Cala del Moro and Cala Argilaga, or explore the Serra d’Irta Natural Park. Peñíscola has a wide gastronomic offer: for inexpensive rice dishes, the Arrocería Polo Sur is a good option; for a varied menu, the Restaurante Tío Pepe; and for quick tapas, La Cocina de Ana. As for accommodation, the Hotel RH Portocristo and the Peñíscola Plaza Suites offer luxury options, while Casa Juanita and the Hotel Mare Nostrum are economical alternatives.
Castle of Peñíscola: one of the fundamental enclaves for the Europe of the 15th century that would live in the religious conflicts the beginning of its exit of the Old Regime. The Portal of San Pedro or Pope Luna: shows in its central part the stone coat of arms of Pedro de Luna. It was the access to the fortress from the sea. The Natural Park of the Sierra de Irta: a reserve of fauna and flora. Here you can find the Hermitage of San Antonio, the Badum Tower or the Mas del Senyor.
Hotel RH Portocristo (Avinguda del Papa Luna, 2): top quality services in an idyllic setting. Peñíscola Plaza Suites (Avinguda Papa Luna, 156): a four-star hotel in the heart of the Azahar coast. Luxury stay. Casa Juanita (Escuela, 4): located next to the old city walls and the castle. The beach is just 50 meters away. Hotel Mare Nostrum (Molino, 4): Simple hotel on the beachfront.
