For a completely different kind of ride from the flat coastal promenade, the Via Verde del Maigmo takes cyclists from the outskirts of the Alicante area up into the mountains along a disused railway line, offering one of the best beach-to-mountain contrasts you’ll find on a single bike route in the province, all within reach of a short drive from Playa de San Juan.
What Is a Via Verde
Vias Verdes are disused railway lines converted into flat, traffic-free trails for cyclists, walkers and horse riders, found throughout Spain. Because they follow old railway gradients, they’re generally gentle even when climbing into hilly terrain, which makes the Via Verde del Maigmo accessible to reasonably fit riders without technical mountain biking experience. The network is well signposted, with distance markers at regular intervals along the route.
The Route
The trail runs largely through pine forest as it climbs gradually towards the Maigmo mountain range, passing old railway infrastructure including tunnels and viaducts along the way. Total distance varies depending on your chosen start and end points, but a round trip covering the most scenic central section typically runs 20 to 30 kilometres. Several of the old tunnels are lit, though bringing a small bike light is a sensible precaution.
- Terrain: compacted gravel and old railway bed, suitable for hybrid or mountain bikes.
- Difficulty: moderate, due to gradual sustained climbing rather than technical terrain.
- Highlights: pine forest, old tunnels, viaducts and mountain views.
- Best season: spring and autumn, when temperatures inland are more comfortable than summer.
From the Beach to the Mountains
What makes this route worth including in a beach-focused trip is the contrast: starting from the coast near Alicante, you can be surrounded by pine forest and mountain air within roughly half an hour’s drive, a reminder of how much geographic variety this province packs into a small area. It’s an easy way to break up a beach holiday with a genuinely different landscape, and the temperature drop at altitude is a welcome relief during the hottest months.
Planning Your Ride
A car or bike rack is generally needed to reach the trailhead from Playa de San Juan, as this route sits inland rather than directly on the coast. Bring plenty of water, since shaded rest points are limited despite the pine forest cover in places, and check trail conditions in advance after periods of heavy rain, when parts of the old railway bed can be affected. A picnic at one of the old station buildings along the way makes a natural halfway stop.
Who This Route Suits
Because of the sustained but gentle climbing, this route suits riders with at least some cycling fitness rather than complete beginners. Families with older, confident children can manage shorter sections of the trail without needing to complete the full round trip.
Worth the Detour
If a week by the sea starts to feel repetitive, a half-day trip on the Via Verde del Maigmo is one of the best ways nearby to change scenery completely, trading sand and salt air for pine forest and mountain views, before heading back to Playa de San Juan in time for dinner.
Extending the Trip
Riders looking for more than a single half-day outing can combine the Via Verde del Maigmo with a night in one of the small inland towns near the trail, turning the ride into an overnight escape rather than a there-and-back day trip. This also allows an early start on the trail before the day heats up, and a more relaxed return to the coast the following afternoon, rather than rushing to complete the full round trip and drive back in one day.
What to Pack for the Ride
Beyond the usual water and snacks, a basic repair kit and a spare inner tube are worth carrying on a route this remote from bike shops, since a puncture midway along the trail can otherwise mean a very long walk back to the nearest access point. Layered clothing helps too, since temperatures at the higher points of the route can feel noticeably cooler than down on the coast, especially early in the morning before the sun has fully warmed the forested sections of the trail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a mountain bike for this route? A hybrid bike is generally sufficient, since the surface is compacted gravel rather than technical trail.
Is the route signposted? Yes, Via Verde routes in Spain are generally well marked with distance and information signs.
Can I do a shorter version of the ride? Yes, the route can be shortened by turning back at any point, since it runs out and back along the same old railway line.
Is there anywhere to eat along the trail? Options are limited, so bringing a packed lunch or snacks is recommended rather than relying on finding a bar or restaurant en route.
