If you’re fed up battling the bikes in the familiar Spanish training destinations, read on. There’s a new kid on the block, with unspoiled countryside, quiet roads and secluded trails to discover.

The mild winter climate and challenging routes have drawn cycling teams and enthusiasts to Spain for a generation or more. Locations like Mallorca in the Balearics and Andalucia on the peninsular have become so popular for off-season training recently that numbers have grown to an uncomfortable level for some cyclists, and the quest is on to find a new destination away from the crowds.

Castellon province could be just what you’re looking for.  This northernmost of the Valencian Community provinces has exceptionally low population beyond the coastal belt, and there is little traffic to contend with. It’s the sweet-spot climatically speaking, offering a long cycling-friendly season with milder winters than Barcelona to the north, and less intense heat during summer than the islands or southern Spain. Add a backdrop of gorgeous scenery, sprinkle in some varied terrain and Castellon looks like an undiscovered gem for cyclists of all disciplines.

Castellon Cycling was established in 2022 with a brief to bring together all the best that the province had to offer the cycling community and package it to a domestic and international audience.

In October 2023 Casa de Olivos gained recognition as cycling friendly accommodation, thanks to it’s location and facilities. As a sustainable and off-grid property in the hills of Castellon, Casa de Olivos sets a new standard in rural tourist accommodation.

Established by a British couple escaping the UK, the accommodation stands out from the crowd, as Claire explains. “We wanted to make somewhere that we would enjoy staying at, and Casa de Olivos has definitely redefined what exceptional holiday accommodation should be like.  Sustainability, without compromises on the guest experience.”

The nearby town of Traiguera has deep cycling links.  Two local juniors represented Spain in the 2023 world championship track finals in Columbia, and brought back an impressive haul of results. Their father, a pro-rider himself back in the day, owns a specialist bike store in the town. And every year Traiguera plays host to a number of road and MTB events. This year has seen the Tour of Castellon and the Tour of the Maestrat pass through the town, and the annual 77km road race around the town during the fiesta always draws a competitive field. Off-road, the town hosts the annual Roberto Vidal Ferreres Memorial MTB race covering 80 gruelling kilometers in the surrounding hills, and the riders on the Gravel Augusta ride through on their 450km route from Barcelona to Valencia. 

Competitions aside, Casa de Olivos is surrounded by near-deserted roads sweeping through a sumptuous landscape, connecting charming villages. The town is also home to 100km of IMBA homoligated off-road bike tracks. Split across six routes of varying length and difficulty these are well maintained trails for all abilities. Finally, the Maestrat MTB Gran Tour route, passing through Traiguera, links over 170km of gravel tracks and technical trails, and showcases the best of Castellon countryside. Whatever your discipline or ability, there’s plenty nearby to keep you busy.

Casa de Olivos itself is the perfect start and finish to your day. Accommodating upto 6 guests across two spacious and delightful apartments, every detail has been taken care of, from bedrooms to kitchens. That attention to detail extends to cyclists, including a locked workshop in which to store bikes, a cleaning station, laundry service, and lots of maps and route ideas.

“We offer high-quality self-catering accommodation”, says Claire. “But we offer a helping hand to all our guests if they need it, from laundry to breakfast”. Casa de Olivos has partnered with a local sports therapist who can be booked to give tired riders a restorative massage, and the nearby bike shop gives riders access to specialist sales and workshop support. If you can’t bring your own bike and kit with you, there’s also a hire store in nearby Vinaros that hires out quality equipment from a vast selection.

While staying here its impossible not to enjoy the peace and seclusion of this hillside retreat. Surrounded by olive groves and mountains, it’s the perfect place to relax and plan the next days ride. It’s tempting to take a day off to go and explore the thousand year-old olive trees, the sandy beaches of the nearby Costa Azahar, and soak up the authentic cultural heritage of the Maestrat.

Casa de Olivos is an award-winning sustainable Casa Rural. Certified by BioScore and Green Tourism, you can be sure you’re leaving your mark on the trail, not on the planet.

Don’t book your next cycling adventure until you’ve explored Castellon. You won’t regret it.