10 Epic Cycling Routes in Valencia: City to Countryside Adventures
I remember the first time I clipped into my pedals in Valencia, the salty Mediterranean breeze whipping through my hair as the sun baked the paella pans along the beachfront. It was 2012, I'd just arrived from a rainy Manchester winter, and suddenly the world made sense again. Valencia isn't just a city of oranges and futuristic architecture—it's a cyclist's paradise, where flat urban paths bleed seamlessly into rolling hills, rice paddies, and jagged sierras. Over the years, I've pedaled thousands of kilometers here, from hungover spins along the Turia riverbed to epic dawn patrols in the countryside. If you're hunting the best cycling routes from Valencia city to countryside, you've landed in the right spot. These aren't cookie-cutter itineraries; they're lived-in paths I've sweated, cursed, and celebrated on. Whether you're a newbie dodging tourists or a gravel grinder chasing solitude, Valencia delivers—from neon-lit boulevards to olive-draped valleys. Grab a Valenbisi rental or your own rig, and let's roll.
1. Turia Riverbed: The Ultimate Urban-to-Green Escape
My gateway drug was the old Turia riverbed, now a 9-kilometer ribbon of green slicing through the city heart. Start at the Pont de les Flors bridge near the old town (Calle de les Barques, open 24/7 as it's a public park), where the air hums with joggers and street musicians plucking flamenco riffs. Pedal west past the City of Arts and Sciences—that gleaming spaceship of a complex at Av. del Professor López Piñero, 7, open daily 10am-8pm in summer, tickets €39 for the full bundle—and feel the urban pulse fade.
The path widens into wild meadows, kids flying kites, and impromptu picnics under mulberry trees dripping sticky fruit. By kilometer 5, you're in Cabecera Park (Av. del Cabanyal, s/n, free entry dawn to dusk), a 200-hectare oasis with a lake mirroring dragonflies and herons. I once locked up here after a flat tire, nursing sangria at the chiringuito while watching paddleboarders wobble. This 20km round-trip eases you from concrete to countryside whispers, perfect for shaking off jet lag. It's beginner-friendly, with smooth asphalt and zero climbs, but watch for unleashed dogs—Valencianos love their mascotas a bit too freely.
2. Albufera Lagoon: Family-Friendly Trails to Paella Paradise
Craving wetlands? Swing south to the Albufera, that shimmering lagoon where paella was born. I've done this family-friendly bike trail from Valencia to Albufera more times than I can count, often with my niece in tow on her wonky training wheels. Launch from the beachfront at Malvarrosa (Passeig Marítim de la Malva-rosa, endless open sands), dodging sunbathers slathered in factor 50.
The V30 greenway hugs the coast, past the modernist Palacio de Congresos, then veers inland through pine groves heavy with cicada song. By El Saler (about 15km in), the sea's roar gives way to frog choruses and rice fields glowing emerald at dusk. Hit the Parc Natural de l'Albufera (CV-500, El Palmar, visitor center at Av. de los Pobres, 1, open Tue-Sun 9am-5pm, free entry but boat tours €6), a 21,000-hectare UNESCO hopeful where flamingos strut like pink divas. Rent a traditional barqueta boat in El Palmar village—those reed-thatched huts serve arroz a banda that sticks to your ribs. We picnicked once under a cork oak, my niece giggling as eels wriggled in the shallows. 35km round-trip, flat as paella, with kid-sized detours to ice cream stands. Sustainable bliss, no cars in sight.
3. Puzol Railway Path: Gritty Rides to Vineyard Bliss
For those epic bike rides from Valencia Spain to rural areas that demand a bit more grit, trace the old railway to Puzol. I bonked hard here once, mid-summer, hallucinating gazpacho mirages, but the payoff? Vineyards unfurling like green waves. Start at the Estació del Nord (Xàtiva, 24, a Moorish masterpiece open daily for trains), pedal north on Carrer de Bailèn, then hook onto the Via Verde del Poyo.
This 25km out-and-back skirts factories turning to orchards, the air shifting from diesel to citrus zest. Pause at the Mas del Jutge (a restored farmhouse at Camí del Jutge, Puzol, no fixed hours but agroturismo vibes, call +34 961 44 90 00), where they pour house vermut from barrels older than my dad. The countryside hits at kilometer 15: almond blossoms in spring, figs bursting in summer. I shared a table with locals once, their tales of Civil War hideouts making the hills feel alive. Mostly flat with gentle rollers, it's a top pick for hybrid bikes, and the tailwind home feels like cheating.
4. Sierra Calderona: Day Trips with Thrilling Climbs
Venturing further, the Sierra Calderona calls with day trip cycling tours from Valencia city to Sierra Calderona that twist my gut with excitement every time. I tackled this after a late-night horchata binge, regretting it on the first climb. Begin at the metro in Beteró (easy access from city center), rolling 12km uphill to the park gates.
The CV-355 snakes through suburbs morphing to maquis scrub, wild thyme crushing under tires. Enter Parque Natural de la Sierra Calderona (visitor center at Ctra. de Domeño, km 1.5, Bétera, open weekends 10am-2pm, free), 17,000 hectares of karst peaks where eagles wheel overhead. My favorite loop hits the Font de Buseu spring—crystal water tasting of stone—then descends through cork oak cathedrals. 40km with 600m gain, rewarding with mirador views of the bay glittering like shattered glass. I camped illegally once (don't), waking to boar snuffles. Mountain bike heaven for intermediates, but pack water; it's arid up top.
5. Coastal V31 to El Perellonet: Beaches to Salt Flats
No list of scenic road biking itineraries around the Valencia region skips the coast-hugging V31 to El Perellonet. I did this hungover from Las Fallas fireworks, the sea air my hangover cure. From Nazaret port (Puerto de Valencia area), follow bike lanes past container ships belching diesel, then the path dives into salinas—salt flats pink with algae, flamingos foraging like flaming confetti.
30km one-way to El Perellonet beach (open 24/7, wild dunes), where mussels steam on beach barbecues. Detour to the Saler dunes (Parc Natural de la Albufera section, endless hiking), wind sculpting sand into waves. Families flock here; my brother brought his toddler last year, building forts till sunset. Flat, breezy, sustainable bike routes from Valencia beaches to inland gold—loop back via El Palmar for that paella fix.
6. Turia Extension to La Pobla de Vallbona: Beginner Hills Intro
Beginners, fear not: try beginner cycling routes from Valencia center to hills via the Turia extension to La Pobla de Vallbona. I guided a mate from London here; he arrived chain-smoking, left a convert. Start Plaza de la Reina (heart of the old town, cafes spilling onto cobbles), follow Turia east past Bioparc (Av. Pío Baroja, 1, open daily 10am-6pm, €28 entry).
Bioparc Highlights
An ethical zoo with moats mimicking savannas—giraffes peer over fences, lions lounge in shaded grottos. I spent hours mesmerized by rhinos wallowing, kids squealing at lemur troops; immersive Africa without the flight, complete with feeding demos and nocturnal house.
The path climbs subtly to pine woods, 25km round-trip ending at the vallbona orchards (pick-your-own in season). Air thick with pine resin, views dipping to the vega. We lunched on gazpacho at a roadside venta, laughing at his saddle sores. Effortless intro to elevation, zero traffic.
7. Garbí Sector Gravel: Mountain Bike Thrills
Gravel hounds, rejoice: mountain bike adventures near Valencia countryside in the Garbí sector of Calderona. I wiped out here on loose scree, helmet kissing dirt, but the singletrack flow? Transcendent. Access via Mas Camarena trailhead (Ctra. de Olocau, km 4, open dawn-dusk, free parking), 20km from city via bus+shuttle.
Trails braid through holm oaks, descents plummeting to ravines. Hit the PRV-305 path for techy roots and berms, lungs burning on the climb to Pico Garbí (522m). Post-ride, refuel at Refugi del Garbí (rustic hut, weekends only, hearty fideuà €12). I've chased sunsets here, the city lights twinkling like distant fireflies. 35km loops, expert-rated but scalable; rent full-sus at Bike Center Valencia (Calle de Chile, 28, open Mon-Sat 9am-8pm).
8. Requena Wine Roads: Epic Multi-Day Haul
For longer hauls, the Requena wine roads deliver. These top 10 cycling paths from Valencia urban to scenic countryside include this gem: 80km one-way, best as overnighter. Train to Godella start (or pedal out), then CV-402 through Utiel-Requena DO (over 100 bodegas). Air perfumed with fermenting baco negro.
Bodega Mustiguillo Must-Visit
Stop at Bodega Mustiguillo (Partida Borràs, km 1, open tours Mon-Fri 10am-5pm by appt, €15)—a modern temple amid vineyards, architecturally stunning with underground cellars. Tastings of vegan-certified reds like Piedra Negra (earthy black fruit, spice), paired with jamón. I toured post-harvest, feet sticky with grape must, owner sharing tales of phylloxera revival. Dramatic hills, descents swooping past castles. Camp in vineyards (wild-style) or bunk at rural posadas.
9. Xúquer Greenway: Sustainable River Return
Sustainable souls: the Xúquer greenway from Cullera back to Valencia. Paddleboarders at Cullera beach (Platja de San Antonio, open always), then V70 inland past rice barris. 50km, car-free, ending at Albufera. I spotted otters once, sleek as submarines.
10. Guided Escapes: Hassle-Free Urban-to-Nature Tours
Finally, for guided cycling holidays as a Valencia urban escape to nature, join Cycling Valencia (they run from Plaza Ayuntamiento, multi-day packages €200+, expert-led). I've tagged along; pros handle logistics, you soak views from Sierra Espadán fringes to coast.
Why These Routes Will Change Your Ride
Valencia's routes healed my road rage, connected me to earth-scented rhythms. Dust off the bike—countryside awaits.