The Vuelta a España will return to the Alicante region for its 2023 edition, with the roads of Alicante set to be the star of the race once again. This year features a time trial route that previously connected Elche and Alicante, culminating at the City Council Palace in Alicante. The route for 2023 includes a stage that starts in Dénia and finishes at Alto de Xorret de Catí, bringing mountain challenge to the route and showcasing the province’s diverse scenery.
Evenepoel drives the race from Elche to Alicante.
JA Galvanized
In 2023, up to 20 percent of the climb to Xorret de Catí will pass through the municipality of Castalla, turning the landscape away from the flat coastal plains of Marina Alta to tougher, more rugged terrain. This switch to mountain terrain has long been a hallmark of the Vuelta, and it remains a symbol of the race’s demanding climbs and spectacular scenery.
The 78th edition of the Vuelta a España will begin in Barcelona on Saturday, August 26 and finish in Madrid on September 17, following the traditional circuit along Paseo del Prado and Puerta de Alcalá. The stage from Dénia to Xorret de Catí is scheduled for Saturday, September 2. Full details of each day’s schedule will be announced at the official presentation in Barcelona on Tuesday, January 10.
The inclusion of a stage through Alicante is supported by the Provincial Council of Alicante, which has reaffirmed its commitment to cycling and its strong partnership with Unipublic and managing director Javier Guillén. This collaboration ensures that La Vuelta returns to the province once again.
Carlos Mazón, head of the Alicante regional government agency, confirmed the arrangement and highlighted the stage’s symbolism. He emphasized that the finish at Alto de Xorret de Catí will be one of the most iconic and challenging endings, thanks to the steep slope and the surrounding scenery which cycling fans hold in high regard. The decision to bring the start or finish to Dénia underscores the municipality’s important role in the province’s tourism, combining two beloved attractions: the sea and the mountains.
In addition to promoting the region, the provincial leadership stated that attracting this globally significant sporting event brings broader benefits. The Vuelta’s presence is expected to boost tourism, help local municipalities, and stimulate economic activity and employment through the crews, teams, and media coverage that travel with the race. The event will be broadcast live on Teledeporte, TVE, and multiple international channels, ensuring a wide audience for the province. The route from Dénia to Xorret de Catí has generated considerable anticipation among spectators, who are eager to watch the race both on the roadside and on television across the weekend.
Overall, the plan for La Vuelta in the province centers on showcasing the region’s diverse landscapes—from coastal towns to mountainous interiors—while delivering the drama and athletic performance that fans expect from this iconic race. The collaboration across local government and national organizers signals a sustained commitment to cycling as a key element of the province’s cultural and economic landscape, with the potential to attract visitors, create jobs, and elevate the profile of the municipalities involved. Evidence of this strategic value is seen in the ongoing promotion, planning, and media reach that accompany each year’s event. Citation: La Vuelta organizers.