La Carrasqueta - Jijona

Of sufficient length to make a day (or portion thereof) of it, this is an eminently servicable climb for those looking to beat the heat and escape the coastal flats in the Costa Blanca. Not overly taxing, excellent visuals (weather permitting, of course) and doubly rewarding in that the decents on either side of the Port are both fast and not much technical. While the N340 is the most direct route from Alicantes northern suburb to the top of the hill and the natural turn back at the A7 junction on the other side of the pass, the less-traveled and more scenic route is via Bonalba and Busot, connecting with the N340 just before Xixona at the foot of the main climb. (Take the N340 back into Alicante to change things up a bit.) Depending on the departure point, the route Ive just described is right around 100km/60mi. Also, theres more climbing beyond the A7 junction. Didnt have the time to explore, alas. (Next time.) At any rate -- and the one offered here is based on the fun factor -- enjoy!

My personal climb rating: