Mountain Bike Tour Font de la Mata

At 9:00 am, you leave Xàbia on a full-suspension Trek Remedy and soon trade ordinary Costa Blanca roads for dusty tracks, rocky single-track, orange groves, vineyards, and dry river beds. The Font de la Mata route is less about checking off a monument than seeing the countryside under your own power, with guide Michael choosing the pace and technical level.

I like the excellent bikes and careful setup, especially when Michael adjusts the bike to your height and riding style. I also like the small-group format, capped at six people, which makes it easier to change the route for beginners or stronger riders. The main drawback is simple: this is a serious half-day ride, and the strong fitness requirement is not decoration.

The start point is in Xàbia, not central Benidorm, so check the drive before booking. You should also bring sunscreen, extra snacks, and plenty of water if the day is hot. Lunch is not included, and the supplied bike is not clearly described as electric, so ask Michael about an e-bike if you want motor assistance.

Key points at a glance

• A real Costa Blanca ride: Expect dusty trails, single-track, punchy climbs, technical descents, groves, vineyards, villages, and dry river beds.
• Michael sets the pace: The guide can adjust the route and difficulty for different riding abilities.
• Well-equipped bikes: The tour includes a Trek Remedy full-suspension MTB, helmet, water bottle, energy bar, and photo service.
• Font de la Mata’s historic stop: A 19th-century cistern and an Arab-built well show how water once supported local farms.
• Small-group feel: The maximum group size is six, useful when the route needs to be adapted.
• Plan for exertion: The ride lasts about five to six hours and requires a strong fitness level.

What the Font de la Mata ride is really like

This is not a gentle bicycle outing along a flat promenade. It is a proper mountain-bike day in the countryside around Xàbia, with a route that can include steep climbs, fast descents, uneven tracks, and technical sections.

The exact balance depends on your ability. Michael has taken experienced riders onto single-track and more demanding downhill sections, while less confident cyclists have been eased into off-road riding with a mix of road and trail. That flexibility is one of the strongest reasons to choose a guided ride instead of following a downloaded route.

You may spend one section climbing steadily, then get a quick descent before a longer connecting stretch. The hills are not described as extremely high, but the repeated climbs and descents still add up. A rider who is comfortable on a road bike but new to mountain biking should not assume that road fitness automatically makes the ride easy. You need balance, control, and enough energy for several hours away from town.

The route’s appeal is its variety. You might pass orange, lemon, and olive trees, ride beside grapevines, cross dry river beds, and reach mountain villages. There are also reports of riding toward the beach on some outings, but the exact course changes with ability and conditions. This is a good fit if you want to see the Costa Blanca beyond hotel strips and busy resort roads.

Starting in Xàbia at 9:00 am

The meeting point is Carrer Agret, 25, 03738 Xàbia, Alicante, Spain. The ride returns to this same place after roughly five to six hours.

The location matters. The activity is associated with Benidorm in the booking information, but the practical start is in Xàbia, also known as Jávea. Do not plan this as a walk-up activity from a Benidorm hotel. Check your transport time carefully and arrive ready to ride.

A 9:00 am start makes sense for a demanding outdoor activity. You get cooler conditions than you would later in the day, especially during the warmer months. Still, weather can change the plan, and the tour requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund.

The small maximum group of six is useful here. Mountain biking works better when the guide can see everyone, stop for short instructions, and alter the route without managing a large parade of riders. If you are booking as a couple or small group, you can expect a more personal outing than a standard bus-style excursion.

The Trek Remedy setup

The included bike is a Trek Remedy full-suspension mountain bike. That is an important detail, not a minor equipment note. Full suspension gives you more comfort and control on rough tracks, rocky descents, and uneven single-track than a basic rigid bicycle.

Michael sets the bike up for your height and preferences. Proper adjustment makes a major difference. A poorly fitted bike can turn a good ride into a tiring one, while the right saddle height and controls let you focus on the trail.

You also receive a helmet, water bottle, and energy bar. The photo service is included, so you do not have to stop constantly to take pictures of the scenery. The equipment has been described as clean, well maintained, and tuned for the terrain.

The supplied information does not clearly say that every Trek Remedy is electric. Some outings have included electric bikes, and an e-bike has been recommended for riders whose fitness is not at its best. If you want pedal assistance, ask before booking so you know exactly what bike will be available.

Do not treat an e-bike as a way to avoid effort. It can make climbs more manageable, but the ride still includes off-road handling, descents, and rough surfaces. A motor helps with uphill work, not with balance or braking.

Riding through groves, vineyards, and dry river beds

The best part of this outing is the change of scenery. Instead of seeing the Costa Blanca only through a car window, you move slowly enough to notice the farms, trees, village edges, and dry channels that shape the area.

Orange and lemon groves give the ride a distinct local feel. Olive trees and grapevines add another layer, particularly in spring when conditions can be pleasant for cycling. One useful seasonal tip is to bring sunscreen even on a mild day. The open sections and long ride can catch you out when the temperature initially feels comfortable.

The tracks are not all the same. Expect dusty paths, narrow single-track, climbs that require a short burst of power, and descents where line choice matters. Some riders may find the technical sections the most rewarding part of the day. Others may prefer the quieter connectors and views from higher ground.

This is where Michael’s guiding matters. He knows the local tracks and can choose an easier or harder line. If you are new to mountain biking, be honest about your experience at the start. You will get more from the ride if the guide knows your limits before the first difficult section.

The route can suit a mixed group better than a fixed-distance race-style outing. A beginner may receive a gentler introduction to off-road riding, while a stronger cyclist can still get proper climbs and descents. That said, the stated fitness requirement remains important. Route adjustment does not remove the physical demand of five to six hours in the saddle.

Font de la Mata and its old waterworks

The named stop is Water Supply Point La Mata, also called Font de la Mata. You spend about 15 minutes here, and admission is free.

The site includes a cistern from the 19th century and a well built by the Arabs. Both were used to irrigate fields, so the stop gives you a quick look at the practical water systems that supported agriculture in this dry part of Spain.

Do not expect a large museum or a long guided historical visit. This is a short pause within an active riding day. Its value comes from the setting and from seeing how farming communities handled water long before modern infrastructure.

The stop also breaks up the physical rhythm of the route. After climbs and rough tracks, 15 minutes to look around, drink, and reset is welcome. The attraction is modest, but it fits the ride well. You are not being taken away from the countryside to visit an unrelated sight. You are seeing a small piece of the area while moving through it by bike.

Coffee, water, and food planning

A coffee stop has formed part of some rides, often at a local café, and it can be a pleasant midpoint pause. Do not treat it as a guaranteed meal stop, though. Lunch is not included, and the formal inclusions list gives you an energy bar rather than a full meal.

Bring extra snacks if you normally eat during a long ride. The provided energy bar is useful, but it may not be enough for everyone across five or six hours. You should also carry or request enough water for the day, particularly if you are riding without motor assistance or visiting during hot weather.

The included water bottle is a good start, not a promise that you will never need a refill. Some rides have included a water refill at a local café. Conditions, route, and timing can vary, so ask Michael at the start if you have specific hydration needs.

A coffee or beer stop may be part of the social side of the outing, but it should not replace proper food and water planning. You are booking a mountain-bike tour, not a food tour with bicycles attached.

How hard is the route?

The tour is best for riders with a strong physical fitness level. That wording should guide your decision more than the attractive scenery.

The ride has included roughly 45 kilometers on some outings, with a mixture of road and off-road riding. The exact distance is not guaranteed, but this gives you a useful sense of scale. You should be ready for sustained activity, repeated climbs, and sections where you need to handle a mountain bike over rough ground.

Experienced mountain bikers can expect more than a scenic pedal. The local single-track, technical descents, and varied surfaces provide enough challenge to keep the day interesting. Riders who regularly use mountain bikes will probably want to discuss their preferred difficulty with Michael before setting off.

Beginners are not automatically excluded. Less experienced riders have been given gradual introductions to true off-road riding, and routes can be adapted. But there is a difference between being new to mountain biking and being unfit. You may manage the technical level better than expected and still struggle with the duration.

An e-bike may be a sensible choice if your fitness is not ideal. Confirm its availability and price in advance, since the supplied tour details do not state that electric assistance is part of the standard inclusion.

Is $122.70 good value?

At $122.70 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a morning in the Costa Blanca. It can be good value if you need a quality bike, local route planning, and a guide who can adjust the ride to your ability.

The price includes a full-suspension Trek Remedy, helmet, water bottle, energy bar, and photo service. Hiring a suitable mountain bike on your own would still require you to find trails, judge conditions, and manage navigation. The guide adds practical value because the best parts of this ride are the lesser-known tracks and the ability to alter the day as it unfolds.

The value is weaker if you already own a good bike, know the local trails, and are comfortable riding alone. You may prefer to bring your own equipment and pay for a simpler guiding service, although you would lose the convenience of the prepared bike and local route knowledge.

Lunch is not included. Café purchases, extra food, transport to Xàbia, and any e-bike arrangement may cost more. Add those items to your budget before comparing this with other activities.

The maximum group size of six helps justify the price. You are paying for a small guided outing rather than a large group ride where the route must suit the slowest person and the guide has little room to adapt.

Who should book this ride?

I would recommend it to an active visitor who wants to see the Costa Blanca from a different angle and enjoys the idea of earning the views through physical effort.

It is particularly suitable for:

• Experienced mountain bikers looking for local single-track and technical descents
• Road cyclists who want a guided introduction to off-road riding
• Small groups that want a private-feeling route with adjustable difficulty
• Active couples or friends who are comfortable riding for several hours
• Riders who prefer countryside, farms, and villages to busy resort streets

I would be cautious about booking it for anyone who rarely exercises, dislikes uneven surfaces, or wants a relaxed sightseeing outing. Families may need to assess each rider individually. A 13-year-old has enjoyed a ride, but the tour’s stated fitness requirement still applies, and there is no general age guidance provided.

Wear clothing suitable for exercise, bring sunscreen, and pack additional food. If you are unsure about the route’s technical level, contact Michael before the day rather than hoping the ride will turn into an easy cycle.

Booking details and cancellation

Confirmation is provided when you book, and the activity uses a mobile ticket. You meet at Carrer Agret, 25, in Xàbia at 9:00 am and return to the same point.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the local start time are not refunded or accepted. Poor weather can lead to a new date or a full refund.

The activity is generally booked about six days ahead, so last-minute availability may not be reliable, particularly for a small group with only six places.

Should you book the Font de la Mata MTB tour?

Book it if you want an active, guided look at the Costa Blanca and you are comfortable with a long ride that includes climbs, rough tracks, and technical sections. The strongest reasons are the well-maintained Trek bikes, Michael’s ability to match the route to your level, and the mix of countryside scenery with genuine off-road riding.

Think twice if you are staying in Benidorm and have not checked the journey to Xàbia, or if you want a gentle bike ride with a guaranteed lunch. This tour rewards preparation. Arrive fit, bring sunscreen and extra snacks, confirm the e-bike question if needed, and tell Michael exactly how much challenge you want.

FAQ

Where does the mountain-bike tour start?

The tour starts at Carrer Agret, 25, 03738 Xàbia, Alicante, Spain.

What time does the tour begin?

The scheduled start time is 9:00 am.

How long does the tour last?

The ride lasts approximately five to six hours.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity ends back at the meeting point in Xàbia.

What bike is included?

A Trek Remedy full-suspension mountain bike is included.

Is a helmet provided?

Yes. A helmet and water bottle are included.

Is food included?

An energy bar is included, but lunch is not.

Does the tour include a visit to Font de la Mata?

Yes. The route includes about 15 minutes at the La Mata water supply point, where you can see a 19th-century cistern and an Arab-built well.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is six people.

What fitness level is required?

The activity requires a strong physical fitness level.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Poor weather may result in a different date or a full refund.