Mountain Bike Tour Font de la Mata

The most interesting part of this ride is how much ground you cover beyond the usual Costa Blanca resort scene. From Xàbia, you pedal through orange groves, vineyards, olive trees, mountain villages, and dry river beds before reaching the old Font de la Mata water supply point, where a 19th-century cistern and an Arab-built well once served local fields.

I like the small maximum group of six, which gives guide Michael room to adjust pace and trail difficulty. I also like that you get a properly maintained Trek Remedy full-suspension bike, helmet, water bottle, energy bar, and photo service rather than having to arrange the basics yourself.

The main consideration is the fitness requirement. This is a real mountain-bike outing, with climbs, technical descents, and roughly 5 to 6 hours in the saddle. The route can be adapted, and an electric bike may help, but this is not a gentle sightseeing cycle.

Key points to know before you ride

• The ride starts in Xàbia, not central Benidorm: The meeting point is Carrer Agret, 25, in Xàbia, Alicante.
• Font de la Mata adds a worthwhile history stop: You’ll see an old cistern and well tied to the area’s traditional irrigation.
• Michael adjusts the route to your ability: The ride can include road links, dusty tracks, single trails, climbs, and technical descents.
• You get a Trek Remedy full-suspension MTB: The supplied bike is intended for rougher trails, not just paved roads.
• Expect a compact group: The maximum is six people, useful when trail pace and bike setup need personal attention.
• Bring extra food and sun protection: An energy bar is included, but lunch is not, and warm weather can make the ride demanding.

A Costa Blanca ride that leaves the resort behind

The coast near Benidorm is famous for high-rise hotels and busy beaches. This outing shows you a quieter side of Alicante province, but it does so on a bike rather than from a coach window. The route begins in Xàbia, also called Jávea, and heads into the countryside where agriculture and rough mountain tracks shape the day.

You can expect a mixed ride rather than one long type of surface. Some sections use roads or connecting stretches, while others move onto dusty trails, narrow single tracks, dry river beds, and more technical ground. The ride includes short, sharp climbs followed by descents, with longer connectors joining the more exciting sections.

That variety is a big part of the appeal. You are not simply pedaling toward one monument. You get a feel for how the Costa Blanca changes within a few miles, from cultivated groves to dry mountain terrain and small villages.

The route is also adjustable. Michael has taken complete beginners in mountain biking who were comfortable on road bikes, as well as regular mountain bikers looking for proper single-track riding. That does not make the tour effortless, but it means you can discuss your ability before the ride rather than being locked into one fixed route.

What happens at Font de la Mata

The named stop is the old water supply point called La Mata, or Font de la Mata. Here you see a cistern dating from the 19th century and a well built by the Arabs. Both were used to help irrigate nearby fields, so this is not just a quick photo stop with a decorative fountain.

Allow about 15 minutes at the site. Admission is free, and the stop gives the ride a useful sense of place. The Costa Blanca can look dry at first glance, yet its orchards and vineyards depend on careful water management. This small site helps explain how farming worked before modern systems took over.

Do not expect a large museum or a long guided history talk. The appeal is the contrast between the old waterworks and the active ride around it. You pause, catch your breath, look at a piece of local infrastructure, and then continue into the countryside.

The stop may be especially welcome if you enjoy rides that connect scenery with local life. If you want nonstop downhill action, though, this is one of the slower moments in the day.

Trails, climbs, and descents from Xàbia

The strongest part of the route is its mix of riding styles. The countryside provides dusty tracks, swooping single trails, punchy climbs, and technical descents. You may also ride through orange and lemon groves, olive trees, grapevines, mountain villages, and dry river beds.

The hills are not described as huge mountain passes. Instead, the ride works more like intervals: climb for a while, descend quickly, then use a flatter or easier connector before the next section. That pattern can feel lively, but it still asks for repeated effort over several hours.

A road cyclist with limited off-road experience may find the first proper trails a useful introduction to mountain biking. You can learn how the surface changes and how much braking and body control the descents require. A regular mountain biker will likely want the more technical lines and steeper downhill sections.

The difficulty is not fixed. Michael can vary the amount of off-road riding, the pace, and the technical level. Still, you should be honest about your condition and handling skills. A route adjusted to your level can be fun; a route chosen beyond it can make the day tiring and stressful.

Why the Trek Remedy matters

The included bike is a Trek Remedy full-suspension mountain bike. That is a meaningful detail, not just a brand name. Full suspension gives you more control and comfort on rough tracks, rocky sections, and descents than a basic hardtail or city bike.

The bike is adjusted to your height and specifications before you set off. That setup matters over a 5 to 6 hour ride. A poorly adjusted saddle or unfamiliar controls can turn a good route into a long session of aches and small annoyances.

The equipment is described as clean, well maintained, and tuned for the terrain. Helmets and water bottles are supplied, along with an energy bar. You also receive photo service, which is useful when you want pictures of the ride without stopping to manage your phone on every scenic section.

Some riders have used their own cross-country bikes, but a sturdier bike with more suspension is recommended for getting the most from the route. If you are choosing between a standard MTB and an electric option, ask in advance what is available and which setup suits your fitness. Several riders found an e-bike useful for the climbs and more enjoyable on the way back down.

You should not assume that electric assistance removes the need for fitness. You still spend much of the morning riding, steering, braking, and handling changing ground. It simply makes repeated climbs more manageable.

Michael’s guiding style and the small-group advantage

Michael is the guide named in the experience details, and the ride’s format lets him shape the day around the people in front of him. He speaks fluent English and German, which can make route briefings and bike adjustments easier for international riders.

A small group of no more than six is a strong feature here. It reduces the waiting that can happen when a large group spreads out on a narrow trail. It also gives Michael a better chance to see how you handle a climb or descent and respond with a sensible change of pace.

The group size is especially useful for mixed abilities. One person may want a relaxed introduction to off-road riding, while another may want more single track. The exact balance depends on the people booked that day, but the format supports a more personal outing than a large commercial cycle tour.

The guide also knows local places for a mid-ride coffee stop. This is not listed as a formal included stop, so bring money if you want to join one. It can be a practical break for water and a quick rest, but it also means the day is not a sealed, all-inclusive package.

Fitness, pace, and what to pack

The stated fitness level is strong, and you should take that seriously. Even if the hills are moderate, repeated climbs, rough surfaces, and several hours of pedaling add up. You need enough stamina to remain alert on descents late in the ride.

You do not need to be an expert mountain biker. The route can be adjusted, and riders with road-cycling experience have used the outing as a gradual introduction to true off-road riding. You do need to feel comfortable with the idea of uneven ground and changing pace.

The supplied water bottle is helpful, but I would still ask how much additional water you should bring for the forecast. One rider specifically advised bringing plenty of water and snacks when riding without electric assistance in hot conditions. An energy bar is included, but lunch is not.

Pack sunscreen, especially in spring and summer. April can be pleasant enough for riding in a T-shirt without excessive heat, yet the sun remains strong. Wear clothing suited to several hours on a bike, and bring anything you normally need for long rides.

The tour starts at 9:00 am. An early departure is sensible in a sunny part of Spain, as it gives you cooler riding conditions for at least part of the route. The exact return time will depend on pace, route choice, and stops.

Price and what the $122.70 includes

At $122.70 per person, this is not a budget rental. You are paying for a guided half-day outing, a high-quality full-suspension bike, helmet, bottle, energy bar, route planning, and photo service. The value is strongest if you want access to local trails and do not want to transport or arrange your own mountain bike.

The price also makes more sense for riders who value a tailored route. A basic bike hire may cost less, but it does not give you Michael’s local route knowledge, equipment setup, or the safety of having someone choose suitable trails and connectors.

Lunch is not included. A coffee stop may be available, but you should treat it as an extra rather than part of the quoted price. If you need a full meal during the day, plan around the ride or ask the operator what timing is possible.

For a rider who already knows the local trails and has a bike, the cost may feel high. For someone visiting the Costa Blanca and wanting one well-organized mountain-bike day, the combination of equipment and guiding is more convincing.

Meeting point, timing, and cancellation terms

The start point is Carrer Agret, 25, 03738 Xàbia, Alicante, Spain. This is an important planning detail because the experience is associated with Benidorm, while the actual meeting point is in Xàbia. Check your transport plan carefully and allow enough time to arrive before the 9:00 am start.

The ride returns to the same meeting point. A mobile ticket is provided, and confirmation arrives when you book. The maximum group size is six.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that window are not refunded or accepted. The activity depends on suitable weather, so a weather cancellation brings the choice of another date or a full refund.

Who should book this mountain-bike tour?

I would choose this ride if you want active sightseeing, enjoy changing terrain, and prefer a small group to a fixed, mass-market route. It suits an experienced mountain biker seeking local single track, but it can also work for a fit road cyclist who wants a guided introduction to off-road riding.

It is a good choice for friends, couples, and small groups with broadly similar fitness. Families may also consider it, but the physical requirement matters. One 13-year-old enjoyed a version of the outing, yet age alone does not determine suitability. The child needs the strength, confidence, and bike-handling ability for the chosen route.

I would be cautious if you want a relaxed cycle with little exertion, a fully paved route, or a guaranteed lunch. I would also hesitate if you are staying near Benidorm without a clear way to reach Xàbia by the early start.

Should you book the Font de la Mata ride?

Book it if you want to trade resort streets for orange groves, dry river beds, village roads, and proper mountain-bike trails. The best reasons are the small group, adaptable route, excellent full-suspension equipment, and Michael’s ability to match the ride to your level.

Before paying, be clear about three things: your fitness, the exact meeting point in Xàbia, and whether you want a standard or electric bike. Bring sun protection, extra water, and money for any coffee stop. If those details suit you, this is a strong way to see the Costa Blanca under your own power, with enough local history and scenery to make the hard climbs worthwhile.

FAQ

Where does the Mountain Bike Tour Font de la Mata start?

The tour starts at Carrer Agret, 25, 03738 Xàbia, Alicante, Spain, at 9:00 am.

Does the tour start in Benidorm?

The experience is associated with Benidorm, but the listed meeting point is in Xàbia. You should plan your transport to Xàbia rather than assume a Benidorm departure.

How long does the mountain-bike tour last?

The activity lasts approximately 5 to 6 hours and ends back at the meeting point.

What equipment is included?

The tour includes a Trek Remedy full-suspension mountain bike, helmet, water bottle, energy bar, and photo service.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. A coffee stop may be possible, but any food or drinks beyond the listed items should be treated as an extra.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Poor weather may lead to a different date or a full refund.