Coming from Finland, also known as a “land thousands of lakes”, I do appreciate a good old lake view. For sure the Mediterranean offers incredible views but still… lake is a lake (or loch?) And the lakes are not easy to come by these parts of the Spain nor are they 100% “natural” but embalses are still amazing. The biggest embalse in Alicante Province is Pedrera in San Miguel de Salinas. It has almost 10 times the capacity of Embalse in Beniarres and almost 20 times of the Guadalest. So it is huge. Unfortunately I have never seen it full. Even at the level of about 30% of its full capacity the lake with its turquoise blue water the lake is just beautiful. And what better way to enjoy that than a good old bicycle. (Well actually a brand new bicycle).
There are quite a few route options to choose from to get to the destination. I have found myself recently heading to San Miguel Salinas through Benijofar and from there taking the CV-95 to Orihuela and taking a left turn to CV-951 to Torremendo. That route has some traffic on CV-95 so you might want to ride to Jacarilla through Algorfa to go around the lake counter clockwise. Either way you will end up in Torremendo, where there are couple of good cafes to choose from.
The best views of the lake are on the CV-925 which takes you to Vistabella. There is a small climb or a bump on the road where you can see most of the lake.
A few if’s:
IF you return towards San Miguel de Salinas you are likely to see the “Pink lagoon” of Torrevieja
IF you want to add 10km and a roller coaster ride take the road “San Miguel de Salinas – Rebate – Torremendo”
Whole ride https://www.strava.com/activities/2216758979 through Benijofar – San Miguel de Salinas and return through Algorfa Golf and Catral.
Ride through Jacarilla https://www.strava.com/activities/2229343955
Distance for the full route approx. 110-120km depending on the route. Moving time approx. 4½ hours.
Difficulty: Medium
Route: Benijofar – San Miguel de Salinas – Torremendo – Vista Bella – Algorfa Golf – Almoradi – Dolores – Catral – San Felipe Neri
You can find several weekly rides from facebook group or you can post in search for company or route. “Gran Alacant Road Cyclist (Bici Gran Alacant)” and local bike shop For Riders have events on their facebook page.
Few things to keep in mind:
Always have something to drink with you and for a bit longer rides maybe a banana or mueslibar
Always have a little money if you need to stop to buy food or drink.
Take the phone with you.
And the most important. Wave to the fellow – cyclists!
