The “Cathedral of Asphalt” Loop
Route: Denia → Parcent → Coll de Rates → Tàrbena → Castell de Castells → Denia
Distance: Approx. 85 km
Driving Time: 2 – 2.5 hours (pure driving time)
Difficulty: Moderate to Technical
Best Car: Ford Mustang (V8 highly recommended for the tunnel effect)
The Overview
This is not a commute; it is a pilgrimage. This circular route takes you from the sea level of Denia up to the most iconic mountain pass in the Alicante province: the Coll de Rates.
While cyclists love this road for the pain, we love it for the pleasure. The ascent offers wide, sweeping curves perfect for getting into a rhythm, while the “back side” through Castell de Castells offers a technical, canyon-carving experience that feels like it was designed for a spirited Sunday drive.
Leg 1: The Warm Up (Denia to Parcent)
Directions: Leave Denia via the CV-724 (La Xara) and pick up the CV-720 towards Pedreguer. Follow signs for Alcalalí and Parcent.
The Drive: Use this section to get fluids up to temp. The road is relatively flat with gentle curves through the almond and orange groves of the Jalón Valley.
Mustang Tip: Keep the exhaust in “Normal” mode here; save the noise for the mountain.
Leg 2: The Ascent (Parcent to Coll de Rates)
Directions: In Parcent, take the CV-715. This is where the fun begins.
The Drive: The climb is approximately 6.5km with an average gradient of 5%. The tarmac is generally excellent.
The Experience: As you climb, the road opens up with long, visibility-friendly straights followed by 180-degree hairpins. You will see the coast dropping away in your rearview mirror.
The Summit: At the top, pull into the Restaurante Coll de Rates. Even if you don’t eat, park the car against the stone wall for the mandatory “King of the Mountain” photo with the Mediterranean in the background.
Leg 3: The “Wild West” (Tàrbena to Castell de Castells)
Directions: Continue over the top on the CV-715 towards Tàrbena. Just before entering the village of Tàrbena, take the sharp right turn onto the CV-752 towards Castell de Castells.[3]
The Drive: This is the driver’s secret weapon. Most tourists go straight to Callosa; you are going into the wild. The CV-752 runs along the ridge of the mountain. It is narrower, technical, and absolutely stunning.
Warning: The road is wide enough for a Mustang, but treat blind corners with respect.
The Vibe: High altitude, rocky landscapes, and almost zero traffic. Roll the windows down—the sound of the engine bouncing off the rock face here is incredible.
Leg 4: The Canyon Run (Castell de Castells to Denia)
Directions: From Castell de Castells, join the CV-720 heading east back towards Benigembla and Murla.
The Drive: You descend into the valley floor. The road widens and flows beautifully through the villages of Benigembla, Murla, and Orba.
The Home Stretch: From Orba, follow signs for Benidoleig (CV-731) or stick to the CV-715 to Ondara, bringing you back to the N-332 and Denia.
Pit Stop Recommendations
1. Lunch with a View: Restaurante Coll de Rates (The Summit)
Vibe: German/Spanish fusion.
Eat This: Their Apple Strudel is legendary, but for lunch, the Jägerschnitzel sits well after a drive.
Parking: Dedicated lot, but it gets busy with cyclists on weekends. Arrive by 12:30 PM.
2. The Petrolhead’s Choice: Venta La Montaña (Benimantell/Guadalest detour)
Note: This requires a slight detour if you choose to go down towards Callosa instead of Castell de Castells.
Vibe: Rustic, heavy, traditional food.
Eat This: “Olleta de Blat” (local stew) or rabbit chops.
3. Coffee Stop: Ca’s Pelut (Tàrbena)
Vibe: A biker and driver favorite. Authentic, slightly chaotic, very friendly.
Best for: A quick espresso and a chat with other petrolheads before tackling the CV-752.
The Serrella Spine Run
This route is the ultimate driving experience for a Mustang club. It takes you through the “hidden” Alicante, specifically the rugged northern face of the Sierra de Serrella and the Sierra de Aitana. This is a route of high-altitude passes, almond groves, and deep limestone canyons.
- Route: Denia → Parcent → Benichembla → Castell de Castells → Facheca → Venta l’Esclavo → Quatretondeta → Cocentaina → Alcoy → Banyeres → Benilloba
- Total Driving Time: 3 to 3.5 hours (active driving)
- Terrain: Winding mountain passes, technical hairpins, and scenic valley straights.
- Vibe: Rugged, remote, and absolutely breathtaking.
Leg 1: Denia to the “Gateway of the Valleys” (Parcent & Benichembla)
Directions: Exit Denia via the CV-725, then take the CV-731 towards Parcent. Once in Parcent, join the CV-720, which will be your primary road for most of the journey.
Pit Stop (Breakfast/Coffee): Cooperativa de Parcent. It is a great spot for a large group of Mustangs to park. They serve traditional “tostadas” and local coffee in a rustic, authentic environment.
Leg 2: Into the Wild (Castell de Castells to Facheca)
Directions: Continue on the CV-720 through Benichembla and up the winding pass to Castell de Castells. This stretch is one of the most scenic in the province. Follow signs for Famorca and Facheca.
Pit Stop (The View): Stop on the roadside between Famorca and Facheca. The limestone walls of the Serrella mountains loom directly over the road—it’s the perfect spot for a “convoy shot.”
Pit Stop (Drink/Tapa): Venta l’Esclavo (Facheca). A classic “roadside venta” that is very popular with motoring clubs. It has a large terrace and plenty of space for cars.
Leg 3: The Highland Loop (Quatretondeta to Cocentaina & Alcoy)
Directions: Stay on the CV-720 through Quatretondeta until you reach Gorga. From Gorga, follow signs for Cocentaina via the CV-706. After visiting Cocentaina, take the N-340 for a short hop into the industrial-historic city of Alcoy.
Pit Stop (Lunch – The Big Stop):
Venta el Borrego (Near Alcoy/Banyeres): This is the legendary pit stop for car enthusiasts in the region. Huge parking, traditional mountain food (try the Olleta Alcoiana), and a very friendly atmosphere for Mustang owners.
Leg 4: The Serrella South (Benilloba back to Gorga)
Directions: Exit Alcoy on the CV-70 heading towards Benilloba. After passing Benilloba, take the CV-710 which loops you back up to Gorga.
Pit Stop (Quick Respite): Restaurante L’Era (Benilloba). A great spot for a quick afternoon refreshment before the final leg back to the coast.
Leg 5: The Return to the Coast
Directions: From Gorga, simply retrace your steps back along the CV-720 through Castell de Castells and Parcent. Alternatively, for a change of scenery, head north from Gorga towards Pego via the CV-700 for a high-speed descent back to the Denia area.
Pro-Tips for the Pack
Fuel: There are almost no petrol stations in the small villages of Famorca or Facheca. Fill up in Denia or Parcent before heading deep into the mountains.
Photography: The road between Castell de Castells and Famorca is narrow but features “overhanging” rocks that make for incredible automotive photography.
Road Manners: The CV-720 is a favorite for local cyclists. When driving in a Mustang pack, keep a safe distance and pass with care to maintain the club’s good reputation in the local villages!