Category: Spain

Just coming into land at the airport is enough to see why Málaga is so popular. With its diverse terrain of hills, mountains and flat coastal roads, and a mild climate that graces the region for over 300 sun-drenched days a year, Málaga is the ideal destination for Cycling Tours in every season.

Where to cycle

Málaga’s smooth roads surrounding the city and beyond offer endless opportunities for road cyclists. One of the most iconic local climbs, el Puerto del León (also featured on our Classic Climbs of Málaga cycling tour) serves as the perfect warm-up ride before heading out into the heart of the region or along the coast. This climb offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and impressive mountains behind the city.

If you fancy a flatter ride, simply take old national road (N-340) that runs through the centre of Málaga out east, and follow it all the way to Nerja (and beyond if you’re up for it!). There and back counts for an approximately 100 km ride that sticks to the curves of the coast like glue. Once in Nerja, enjoy a snack, ice cream or a spot of lunch at the Balcón de Europa overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, before heading back home to Málaga.

Other routes explore the Montes de Málaga, Sierra de Ronda, the Axarquía region, Antequera, Granada and the Costa del Sol. One spectacular ride that heads inland, northbound and away from the coast, is the El Torcal Loop. Topping out at around 100 km and 1,800 m in elevation, this demanding but incredibly rewarding ride will take you up to the millennia-year-old rock formations of the El Torcal Natural Park before sweeping back down towards Málaga.

For gravel and mountain biking, the first place you should be looking to explore are the Montes de Málaga. Montes translates as “hill” or “small mountains”, and as the name suggests, this semi-mountainous terrain sitting just north of the city offers a snakes-and-ladders network of crisscrossing trails, climbs and descents. Part woodland, part rugged wilderness, it is important to stay on designated trails as even those who know this area sometimes get lost as GPS can fail. As with any roads and trails that run through parkland, the Leave No Trace principles apply: avoid disturbing wildlife and pick up all litter.

Where to eat

Whether its traditional Andalusian, international or fusion cuisine, Málaga’s offer of food and drink is ever-expanding. Here are our favourite spots when you fancy a pick-me-up, lunch, dinner or sweet treat.

Coffee

Kima Coffee – Calle Carretería, 51
Not far from our Eat Sleep Cycle Hub on Calle Carretería, Kima Coffee is a hole-in-the-wall spot offering superb speciality coffee, beans and some sweet snacks. Calle Carretería itself has recently been refurbished and is now mainly pedestrianised, making it super easy to coast right to the door and lean your bike up outside.

Mia Coffee – Calle Vendeja, 9
In their new location in the Soho district, Mia Coffee offers delicious speciality coffee, beans, baked goods and good vibes. There is no outdoor seating, but there are benches in the squares nearby, so if you have your bike, a take-away (para llevar) might be the best option.

Santa Coffee – various locations
Santa Coffee is a reliable “chain” coffee house offering great coffee, beans, backed treats and light lunch options. Most locations have outdoor seating making it easy to ride up and order a quick café con leche before the ride.

Cookie – Calle Carretería, 68
A few doors down from the Eat Sleep Cycle Málaga Hub it’s possible to purchase the world’s best homemade cookies at Cookie York. They’ve recently added delicious pastries and good coffee to their offer too. The cookies are huge and come in all sorts of delicious flavours.

Eat Sleep Cycle Málaga – Calle Carretería, 100,
We might specialise in bikes, kit and services, but where would we be without our mini Marzocco coffee machine. Drop in for a coffee for €1! Made with love and specialty beans from a local Málaga roastery.

Lunch & dinner

Recyclo Café & Shop – Plaza Enrique García-Herrera, 16
Recyclo serves delicious, locally sourced food with great vegan options, with good coffee, good beer, non-pretentious tasty and healthy food. Grab a table outside if it’s sunny and head inside in the evenings where they often have a live DJ or musician performing.

El Pimpi – Calle Granada, 62
El Pimpi is one of the most iconic and historic eateries in the city with traditional dishes and local specialties including tapas, fish and meat dishes, as well as vegetarian options. Best for an evening meal. If you want to sit inside, you’ll probably need to book, but the first-come-first-served system for outdoor tables generally moved quite fast.

Varo – Calle Andrés Pérez, 20
Varo has a buzzing, playful interior, good beer, great wine and a large selection of tapas and small dishes, great for sharing. Try and to get there early to make sure you get a table.

Anchoita El Pana – Plaza del Teatro, 3
Simple and delicious Venezuelan street food dishes with vegetarian options: arepas, cachapas, tequeños, tapas, juices, smoothies and more. Indoor and outdoor seating, friendly service and great music to accompany the laid-back vibes.

No Piqui – Calle Carreteria, 66
With all all-day kitchen No Piqui is perfect when you need something healthy, casual & simple for breakfast, lunch or dinner. It’s very low key, super friendly and has a wide range of choice on the menu with good value prices.

Málaga’s chiringuitos
It would be a sin to visit Málaga and not try out the beachfront chiringuitos. These are restaurants and bars dotted along the promenade (beside the N-340) that offer all kinds of fresh fish and seafood (grilled and barbequed), of which the local speciality is espeto (sardines and other fish cooked on an open fire). Delicious and generally pretty cheap to be enjoyed with a cold beer in the sun.

Ice cream 

Casa Mira – Calle Císter, 8
Casa Mira offers delicious ice cream, hochata, iced coffee granizados, outdoor seating in a charming square and right by the cathedral. Queuing works using a ticket system (grab one by the side door in the square).

Lucciano’s – Calle Córdoba, 1
Lucciano’s sells delicious ice cream on a stick, in a tub or on a cone in a stunning shop. Indoor and outdoor seating available, or alternatively, take a stroll towards and port and find a bench to enjoy the view.

Kalúa Helados – Plaza Uncibay, 8
Kalúa offers artisan ice cream, smoothies, shakes and cakes. All take-away, no outdoor seating here, but there are chairs and benches in Plaza Uncibay.

Where to sleep

NH Málaga – Calle San Jacinto, 2
Located in the centre of Málaga, NH Málaga is a sanctuary of peace & quiet just 800 m from Málaga Cathedral and the Picasso Museum. Rooms at NH Málaga are soundproofed, air conditioned & have parquet floors. Kick back & relax by the rooftop pool and enjoy an aperitif at the hotel bar. The staff are happy to take of bikes in their luggage storage.

Coeo – Various locations in Málaga Centre
Coeo have a great concept of shared experience and offer different types of accommodation depending on what you’re looking for. If you’re looking to meet people and discover a unique side to Málaga, look no futher. Coeo host a full schedule of activities all week to get stuck in to the local culture and expereience the city. Choose from vibrant hostels to peaceful aparthotels. Be aware that Coeo don’t yet offer bike storage – best to rent from Eat Sleep Cycle & keep your bike in the shop overnight.

More than cycling

For those calmer rest days, there is an inexhaustible list of things to do and in and around Málaga.

In the city 

Museums and galleries

The city has several museums and galleries that are well worth a visit if you’re in the mood for an afternoon of art and culture: The Museo Carmen Tyssen Málaga (permanent and temporary exhibitions from the Carmen Tyssen collection), the Pompidou Centre (in the multi-coloured building known as ‘The Cube’, right on Muelle 1 by the port), the Russian Museum (temporary exhibitions of art and more by Russian artists), the Automobile and Fashion Museum, the Málaga Museum (the history of the city told through maps, photographs, paintings sculptures and artifacts), the Picasso Museum (works by Pablo Picasso), among others.

The Alcazaba

The Alcazaba of Málaga is a historic symbol of Moorish conquest and a significant architectural and historical landmark. Towering over the city centre and port, it comprises a fortress and palace dating back to the eleventh century and exquisite gardens. There’s normally no need to book tickets, so head up and enjoy panoramic views of the city, the port and the Mediterranean Sea.

Muelle Uno

Perfect for an evening stroll, the remodelled dock known as Muelle Uno is a clean and buzzing promenade lined with shops, restaurants and often market stands selling local artisan products. Enjoy views of the port at sunset and walk right to the end of the pier for stunning vistas back across the La Malagueta beach and the nearby hills of Málaga.

Ronda, Córdoba, Granada 

We highly recommend taking a day or weekend trip to one of the nearby towns or cities if you have the time. Ronda, Cordoba and Granada are no more than an hour and a half away by car or coach, and are three of the most beautiful locations in Andalucia.

• Ronda is a small town and is a great place for a day visit. Its dramatic gorge, the impressive Puente Nuevo (New Bridge) and historic bullring are definitive must-sees.
• Córdoba is a magical city full of colour, flowers and steeped in history, with its iconic Mezquita (mosque) and Jewish quarter, a testament to the numerous cultures to inhabit its winding streets, past and present. You’ll need at least two days here to really soak everything in.
• Finally, Granada’s Alhambra Palace and the white-washed Albaicín neighbourhood are its biggest attractions. Often milling with tourists (it’s not hard to see why!), we recommend visiting for at least two days in the off-season if possible. If you have the means to take your bike with you, Granada offers even more incredible routes and climbs, including the colossal Pico del Veleta, Spain’s fourth highest peak and part of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.

El Caminito del Rey

El Caminito del Rey is a narrow wooden walkway that clings to the sheer cliffs and rock faces of the El Chorro Gorge, a breath-taking natural ravine carved out by the turquoise waters of the Guadalhorce River. It is around 60 kilometres northwest of Málaga, some 7.7 kilometres (4.8 miles) in length and takes between three and four hours to complete. Please bear in mind you need to book tickets online before arrival, especially if you’re visiting in peak holiday seasons.

Getting to Málaga

By plane
Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport serves as a major gateway and has superb connections with most major cities in both Spain and Europe, with dozens of international flights each day. Oftentimes, off-season tickets into Málaga are very reasonable. A taxi to the city centre takes around 20 minutes and will cost in the region of €30.

By train
Alternatively, Spain’s high-speed railway network connects Málaga to other major cities like Madrid and Barcelona, and Málaga’s María Zambrano train station is also conveniently located in the city centre.

By car
Driving is also a good option for visitors already based in Spain and European. If travelling by car, you can access Málaga via the A-7 coastal motorway or the A-45 motorway from other Spanish cities – make sure to watch out for the tolls!

The Eat Sleep Cycle Cycling Hub, Málaga

Málaga is also the home of our Malaga Cycling Hub. This city is a gateway to Andalucia, Portugal and beyond and our benchmark for culture, food, good vibes and amazing riding. For us, Málaga is the place to be, it’s a buzzing city that’s full of life and we’re proud to be part of Málaga’s journey as an up-and-coming cycling destination.

Come and see us, grab a coffee and let’s talk cycling!

Book your place on a Málaga cycling tour

If this has got you inspired to travel to Málaga, then why not view our cycling tours in Málaga and check out the trips and packages we have available. If you’re planning to travel here and don’t want to worry about bringing a bike, get in touch with our Málaga Hub and talk to us about our Málaga Bike Hire service to rent top-quality, fully-serviced road, gravel and mountain bikes.

If you’ve any questions about your possible cycling tour in Málaga give us a call now on +34 951 01 48 08 or contact us online for more info!

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The Eat Sleep Cycle Cycling Hub, Málaga

Málaga is also the home of our Malaga Cycling Hub. This city is a gateway to popular Eat Sleep Cycle tour locations like Andalucia and Portugal. It is also our home for culture, food, good vibes and amazing riding.

For us, Málaga is the place to be, it’s a buzzing city that’s full of life and we’re proud to be part of Málaga road cycling’s journey as an up-and-coming cycling destination.

Come and see us, join one of our Social Rides and let’s talk cycling!

Cycling in Málaga: Coast and Mountains

One of our favorite rides out of Málaga is the Puerto Leon, a 16.1 Km 5.6 % AVG gradient road climb that starts right from the city. In no time you are away from the hustle and bustle and into the mountains, crossing paths only with farmers. But it is when you swing back towards the coast and you’re hit with that lovely sea breeze, that you realise just how special that mix of mountains and coast really is.

Our Málaga Classic Climbs itinerary offers 6 unique rides that combine the highlight climbs in the area with the coast. There is no better feeling than riding back from the hills to the beach for that well deserved ice coffee, ice cream or chilled beer (or all three).

Málaga: An Amazing City with a relaxed Spanish vibe

Málaga is Spain’s 6th largest populated city, so there is plenty going on when you are off the bike, but it still has that relaxed feeling where people are not in a rush.

Cycling in Málaga City: Traffic

We had a huge question mark around traffic entering & leaving the city. The relaxed atmosphere means that even the busier roads feel safe. There are dedicated lanes on the road that give priority to cyclists & local drivers are more than happy to sit back, relax & let us cyclist’s do our thing. There are also plently of bike lanes separating bikes from traffic completely. The coastal road is more transited but a joy to ride and again, drivers show cyclists plenty of respect out on the road.

Anyone with a couple of years of experience cycling on roads should feel more than comfortable riding in & out of the city every day.

Food, Coffee & Cyclist Hot Spots in Málaga

The specialty coffee scene has a way to go in Málaga, but there are some great coffee places starting to pop up. We enjoyed a delicious pre-ride coffee at Santa Coffee in the soho district, the breakfast looked fantastic too – plus we saw the chef cycling home from work one day so a huge tick from us!

Mid-ride cyclists in Andalucia enjoy a tostada con jamon. It’s served at pretty much any bar you can find, fills the hunger gap & is completely delicious.

Post-ride it’s hard to beat stopping at a chiringuito on the beach for a cold beer or a coke before retiring for a siesta & a freshen up before heading out into town.

The evenings in Málaga are fantastic. If you’re a cyclist who loves the buzz of a vibrant city then Màlaga should be high on your list of places to ride. Head to the port for an aperitivo & listen to the buskers. Then stroll back into the old town to sample one of Màlaga’s many restuarants. After dinner, head to a traditional bar for a vino dulce to finsih off the night. The brave (or those on a rest day) could happyily bar-hop until the early hours.

Outstanding transport links

Málaga Airport received around 20 million passengers in 2019. It is a modern fully equiped, busy yet relaxed airport. What we love most is eliminating a long transfer in a vehicle after your flight. You can almost land and get right out on your bike, maximising your cycling time. With the high speed train just 2 hrs and 24 minutes from Madrid, Málaga also boasts excellent rail connections to the rest of Spain and Europe.

What a city

Málaga city, as well as being situated right on the beach, boasts an upmarket town center, modern port and many cultural attractions . For years the mayor has been pumping money into restoring various areas of the city and does it show. Trust us, you will be impressed by just how clean and well restored Málaga is.

Did we mention the climate

With minimum winter night temperatures of 10 degrees and daytime temperatures in the late teens and early twenties, Málaga is one of the best winter cycling destinations in Europe.
The combination of coast and mountains means rides can be made to make the most of the temperature conditions, which are predictable and stable. Who doesn’t want to ride with arms and legs out in January?!

You can find out more about our Málaga Classic Climbs tour right here or contact us for a custom tour proposal in South Spain.

Bikepacking is taking the cycling world by storm. Eat Sleep Cycle founders Lee & Louise headed to the south of Spain to enjoy some quality time on the bike & explore the region. Lee tells us all about the journey.

Here are the boundaries we had for our bikepacking tour of Andalucía:

• Just 5 days of riding – this was a holiday & we wanted to come home feeling fresh, so the routes couldn’t be too epic.
• In January so probably avoiding the highest peaks of the Sierra Nevada’s
• A loop (getting the train or dropping off the car in one place and collecting it afterwards)
• Carrying everything we need, no support, however staying in nice hotels and not camping.
• Gravel bikes meaning we could get off the main roads which we would do as much as possible.

There were some places we really wanted to visit, like Seville (I had a bike race finish there a few years ago) and Sanlúcar (Louise went to Flamenco dance classes there as a teenager).  We also really wanted to see Granada but the first planning observation was the vast size of the Andalucía province compared to others in Spain. With just 5 days and taking into account the chillier mountain weather in January, we crossed out Granada for a future visit. We would focus on the main cities of Seville and Cordoba instead.

Bike Gear for Bikepacking: The Bikes

Louise would ride her custom RS Cycles Columbus tubing steel gravel bike. Its so small it only takes 650 wheels and those were given a tyre upgrade to the faster rolling gravel kings. Her bags were the lightweight Restrap collection  since those fit nicely on her tiny bike.

The Eat Sleep Cycle workshop built me a Ritchey  Outback especially for the trip. I used the Ortlieb bags from our rental equipment. Both Louise’s and my bike were powered by the SRAM Force AXS groupset for extra smooth shifting, though Louise had the Mullet upgrade.

The Bikepacking Adventure Begins: Arrival in Cordoba

We decided to start in Cordoba, the closest driving distance from Girona. Why not take the train I hear you ask? Of course we would prefer this, however getting the bike on the high speed AVE train that crosses Spain is not guaranteed. It needs to be in a case, or bag, so you can try with a large bin bag, but we just couldn’t take that risk on this occasion.

Arriving in Cordoba was a joy. What a peaceful city with easy access from Orange tree-lined roads. We even managed to park the car for free for a week (practically for free – we paid a gentleman €1.50 a day to watch it which seemed to be part of a great local government program).

Cordoba to Osuna, 92 Km, 537 m elevation, 60% gravel

The gravel bikes came into their own right away, leaving the city under the main roads and immediately out onto the olive tree lined via verde, with Cordoba gradually shrinking in the distance.

Immediately we got a sense of the size of Andalucía, vast bare fields, only green where farmers irrigate extensively. Thousands of olive trees as far as the eye could see. This is where touring by bike is really a treat – on a map it looks like nothing special and in real life the views are spectacular!

We stopped for lunch in a small restaurant in Écija and tried the local salmorejo (garlicy tomato cold soup) and jamón croquettes.

It was after this we first experienced the fierce wind which would feature during the rest of the trip. Were we unlucky just going the wrong way, or is it always so damn windy in Andalucía?!

Arriving at Osuna, after a quick wash we headed out to enjoy the sunset from the Colegiata which overlooks the city majestically.

Osuna to Ronda, 79 Km, 1,850 m elevation, 70% gravel

We rode out of Osuna directly into a wind farm park, which gives an idea of just how windy it was. I loved getting right up close to the turbines and feeling the force!

The gravel was perfect which helped tackle the short steep bergs through the park. It made for a tough day on the legs with the loaded bikes.

The path got Hiller and hillier the closer we got to Ronda. The hill top cities in Andalucía make you work for them and the arrival into Ronda was no different with 5 Km into a headwind on an uphill drag.

Ronda to Arcos de la Frontera, 87 Km 1,654 m elevation, 40% gravel

Before leaving Ronda we took a small detour to view the Puente Nuevo (new bridge) which adjoins the new and old city. Famously, Ronda was one of the last standholds of the Moors and only by cutting off the water supply at the bottom of this bridge were they conquered.

If there is one place on the trip I will come back to ride my bike more that is Ronda. The epic climb up to Grazalema (through the Sierra Grazalema) left us speechless. Full blossom trees lined the roads and outstanding views in all directions.

If we thought we were done at the village we were not, the road kept on going. With a loaded bike weighing around 20 Kg these long steep climbs take their toll!

We descended the chilly back side and stopped in a roadside Parilla for some snacks before joining the main road to Arcos de la Frontera. The gravel bikes meant that at any opportunity we could leave the main road and escape any traffic, which we did at every opportunity.

Of all the places we saw on our trip, Arcos de la Frontera, perched on a cliff edge and dominating the horizon, was the most remarkable. The climb up through the cobbled streets really tested my Wahoo navigation. The hotel advised not driving up, we didn’t know it would also be a challenge on a bike! This place was not designed for cars or even bikes!

We stayed in the only decent hotel up there, a Parador, a converted Magistrates house. The views were outstanding and the room had a bath, which 3 days in (and with little preparation for back to back days) helped ease some of the aches and pains starting to emerge.

Arcos de la Frontera to Sanlúcar

For the first time on our trip we felt a tail wind. It took us just over an hour to get to Jerez (direct translation Sherry and the birth of it).

We took a long route to Sanlúcar via Puerto Santa María, because we wanted to see the coast after several days inland. Just another special feature of Andalucía, being the Province which benefits from both the South (Mediterranean) and some West (Atlantic) coast.

Most of the ride from Jerez to Sanlúcar was functional, through the poor suburban outers of these places. This is one of my favourite things about touring by bike – seeing how people really live and not just the rich and polished inner old towns set up for tourists.

The last 20 km into Sanlúcar had us hugging the Guadalquivir river on yet another excellent via verde, we saw first hand every man and his dog growing manzanilla on their lawns (it is only grown here due to the unique climatic conditions).

Closer to the city a purpose built boulevard saw half of the city out for their pre dinner sunset excercise, the place immediately grew on me. Louise had joined a small Flamenco school several years back during her dancing days so being back brought back some fond memories.

We enjoyed freshly caught prawns and local white wine at the busiest restaurant in the central plaza. Although we live in Girona, Andalucía is one step further on the Alfresco living scale, probably due to the milder climate.

Sanlucar to Seville, 96 Km, 48 m elevation, 90% gravel

We left Sanlúcar through a stunning pine tree natural park into what can only be described as a bird paradise. We were stopped in our tracks by flocks of flamingos enjoying the ideal conditions. We were on the route along the Guadalquivir river to Seville. 90 Km of gravel cycle path, on paper a dream and in reality extremely tough against the blinding headwind that day. To get through it we took turns facing the winds force and taking regular breaks to enjoy our quickly diminishing snacks (we didn’t see so much as another person the entire ride).

4 hours in we reached the end of the river path and to our delight a bar, or a farm, a farm bar let’s call it. They had Coke and coffee and that’s all that counts. I am fluent Spanish but the strong accent here tests me to my limit so we also ended up with 2 random tapas which apparently I ordered!

The final race into Seville proved just how good the cycle paths are in the city. Completely divided and perfectly identified, with separate cycling signals at crossings, it is a joy to cycle through this city.

We stayed right in the center of the old town with easy access to all of Seville’s main attractions. What a wonderful romantic city to finish our cycling tour.

We took the train back to Cordoba to finish the loop. All in all, 5 days of riding.

Until the next time…

To improve the trip I would add an extra day riding in Ronda and in warmer times and with more days to play with of course add in Granada and the Sierra Nevada. I hope to be back to Andalucía again soon to discover more of this wonderful Spanish province.

Want to find out more about Bikepacking?

Read Daan’s blog about bikepacking the Badlands ultra-race or check out our Pirinexus tour if you’re looking for a great route to try out bikepacking.

Spain: A Country of Bucket List Cycling

There’s much more to cycling in Spain than sunshine and smooth roads. From the highest paved road in Europe (Pico de Veleta in the Sierra Nevadas) to the green countryside of the País Vasco, Spain’s vast and diverse landscape will have you begging for new adventures. Be sure to tick off these cycling destinations from your bucket list.

1. Girona & Catalunya

There is no doubt that Girona is the cycling capital of Europe. Home to hundreds of professional cyclists, the old town has a charm that is hard to not fall in love with. Riding is the perfect mix of flat, rolling countryside and some challenging climbs in the foothills of the Pyrenees. If you want character, culture and good food alongside high-quality cycling, look no further than Girona.

Choose to stay in the centre of the city or branch out to explore the amazing Costa Brava coastline or the Catalan Pyrenees. There are incredible options for road, gravel, mtb & leisure riding, it’s a destination that you’ll simply have to come back to again and again.

• Best climbs: Rocacorba, Els Àngels, Mare de Deu del Mont
• Best time to ride: All year around is great, but Girona is at its very best from March – June & September – December
• Bestselling Tour: Beyond Girona
• Find out more: Read our Cyclist’s Guide to Girona
• Must visit: The Girona Cycling Hub!

2. Andalucia

South Spaniards are very laid back (and who can blame them in the roasting temperatures of the Summer). But visit Andalucia from September through to June and you’ll have a spring in your pedal stroke. Andalucia is home to the fabulous cities of Granada, Cordoba & Seville, the high mountains of the Sierra Nevada & the fabulous Costa del Sol coastline. Its landscape is brimming with Moorish architecture & the sounds of flamenco music.

The Sierra Nevada mountains are home to the mighty Pico de Veleta & a whole number of fabulous climbs. Often used for altitude training by professional cyclists, you’ll need your climbing legs on because it’s up or down with not much flat! There are plenty of authentically Spanish places to choose to stay in the region, from the cultural hub of Granada to tiny villages in the mountains.

Visit Andalucia for your taste of authentic Spain.

• Best climbs: Pico de Veleta, Caminito del Rey, Puerto de Leon, Puerto del Sol, Carretera del Cabra
• Best time to ride: All year around, but avoid the summer months of July & August when temperatures are high
• Bestselling Tour: Tour of Andalucia
• Find out more: Read our Cycling in Andalucia blog
• Must visit: The Málaga Cycling Hub!

3. ‎Asturias, Cantabria & the Picos de Europa

Oviedo is a bustling city with all the culture of Asturias and its wonderful food, friendly people and interesting architecture. Ride for just 5 km south and you meet what can only be described as a theme park for cyclists. Scores of short steep climbs scattered over several valleys, the Big One being the Angliru. Often stated as the hardest climb in cycling its something every cyclist should do, but just once.

To the east of Asturias lie the hugely underrated Picos de Europa or “Peaks of Europe” named by Columbus for being the first mountains he saw on his return from America. They are beautiful rock formations comparable to the Dolomites. Don’t miss Lagos de Covadonga, a stunning series of lakes over 1,000 m up in the sky. Puerto de San Glorio is a hidden gem of a climb that will leave you wanting to find more “off the radar” climbs and there are plenty of those in the area.

Further east Los Machucos was the climb which sparked rider protests in the 2017 Vuelta España. It’s brutal kicks are rewarded by stunning rural views all the way up. Cantabria is home to many other feature climbs of the Vuelta such as the Peña de Carbaga and Puertos Alisas & Ason. There’s no wonder that when the Vuelta reaches Cantabria things get exciting.  Close proximity to Santander & Bilbao is helpful for logistics but avid cyclists are better off avoiding the big cities and staying out in the lovely countryside.

• Best climbs: El Angliru, Los Machucos, Lagos de Covadonga
• Best time to ride: With chilly, wet winters, April through October are the best months to enjoy these stunning regions of north Spain.
• Bestselling Tour: Trans Picos de Europa
• Find out more: Read our account of our recce visit to North Spain in 2017.

4. ‎The Basque Country

With its own language and Spanish-Basque and French-Basque regions, the Basque country is a mixing pot of cultures which creates the best food in the world. Rolling green hills line the distance with characteristic white and red chalets. It’s a treat on the eyes and lushness that of course warrants some occasional rainfall, typical of the north Spain area. Whilst the climbs are not long, some are steep so you can easily rack up plenty of climbing metres over a days ride.

The Basque Country is also hailed as one of the gastronomic capitals of the world. Be sure to combine and visit to the region with a stay in Bilbao, an industrial city in the west (& home to the iconic Guggenheim museum) & San Sebastian, set on the stunning La Concha beach. Bilbao is a little tricky to ride in & out of, so perhaps save your riding for your stay in San Sebastian.

• Best climbs: Col du Inharpu, Monte Oiz, Jaizkibel
• Best time to ride: With chilly, wet winters, April through October are the best months to enjoy this stunning region of north Spain.
• Bestselling Tour: Tour of the Basque Country

5. ‎La Rioja

A stunning rolling landscape filled with vineyards as far as the eye can see. A perfect spot for a more relaxed approach to cycling, combined with delicious food & world-class wines. Combine your daily ride with visits to local bodegas for a spot of wine tasting. Trundle down the River Ebro from Haro to Logroño. Stay in luxury hotels, of which there are many, or authentic guesthouses.

• Best climbs: El Balcón de Rioja
• Best time to ride: Spring & Autumn offer climatic perfection
• Bestselling Tour: Custom & Private tours

6. ‎Andorra

Of course, it’s not actually a part of Spain but the tax haven of Andorra is packed with slopes to delight the most hardened of cyclists. Every year Andorra hosts La Purito, the toughest sportive in Europe, and thousands flock to attempt 5,200 meters of elevation in one painful ride. Andorra is best enjoyed over 2 or 3 days (or 1 if you’re feeling sadistic and want to give La Purito a crack). Andorra is a country for cyclists who love to climb, or cyclists who are not too proud to ride an e-bike!

• Best climbs: La Gallina, Collada de Beixalis, Col D’Ordino, La Rabassa and Els Cortals D’Encamp.
• Best time to ride: Avoid winter when Andorra turns into ski paradise!
• Bestselling Tour: Custom Tours

7. ‎Mallorca

An island off the Spanish mainland, Mallorca has long been known as a paradise for cyclists, and with good reason. Mallorca enjoys a year-round, excellent climate & has a wide variety of fantastic roads. From the Tramuntana mountain range, the rolling wine-making region to the flat, coastal plains, there is always a route to suit the occasion. Mallorca remains a popular destination for professional cyclists to prepare for the their race season and offers a huge choice of boutique guesthouses, mountain retreats or all-inclusive hotels on the beach.

• Best climbs: Sa Calobra, Soller
• Best time to ride: All year around! Although it can get too hot in the summer months of July & August
• Bestselling Tour: Tour of Mallorca
• Find out more: read our Guide to Cycling in Mallorca

8. The Canary Islands

Far away from Spain, the Spanish speaking island of Gran Canaria lies off the coast of Africa. The climate offers perfect cycling conditions all year around and it’s a popular destination for cyclists when the rest of the world cools. All roads in Gran Canaria lead the highest point in the island, Pico de las Nieves. Popular bases for cyclists include Playa Ingles, which offers good access to the roads, but consider staying in the north of the island for more variety & a more authentic experience. If you can split your time between north & south, perfect!

• Best climbs: Pico de las Nieves, Valley of the Tears, Mont Teide
• Best time to ride: All year around
• Bestselling Tour: Gran Canaria & Tenerife
• Find out more: Check out our Gran Canaria Cycling Routes

9. Spanish & Catalan Pyrenees

The Spanish & Catalan Pyrenees offer a quiet alternative to the often busy peaks of the French Pyrenees. The mountains are packed with epic landscape and incredible climbs on the road & on gravel. Stay in Vielha in the Vall d’Aran, the tiny village of Pobla de Lillet or the ski town of Camprdon and explore! For something different base yourself in teh town of Ainsa – the mountain biking is superb.

• Best climbs: Vallter 2000, Col de la Crueta, Col de Portillon, Puerto Bonaigua
• Best time to ride: Late Spring, Summer & early Autumn
• Bestselling Tour: Trans Pyrenees

10. ‎Calpe

Calpe is a region in the south of Spain which, as well hosting the nightclubs of Benidorm, is also home to a network of spectacular roads & climbs.  It’s a hugely popular destination for professional & amateur cycling teams alike and enjoys a great climate all year around. The area is a regular haunt of the annual Vuelta España and is home to the fantastic short steep climb of the Cumbre del Sol, the site of Tom Dumoulin’s stage victory in 2015.

• Best climbs: Col de Rates, Port de Tudons, Cumbre del Sol
• Best time to ride: Avoid the height of summer in July & August when coastal roads are busy and temperatures uncomfortably high. Ride with the Pro’s in November & December.
• Bestselling Tour: Classic Climbs of Calpe
• Find out more: Read our guide to winter cycling in Calpe.

Interested in Cycling in Spain?

To find out more about our European Cycling Tours give us a call now on +34 972 754 301 or contact us online! We can talk you through the regions and help you to work out where you’ll be happiest on a bike!

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Andalucia is a region which captures the very essence of Spain. With a rich, long & often bloody history the architecture & landscapes are punctuated with Moorish & Christian sites. The Alhambra palace in Granada, the Alcazar Castle in Seville & Còrdoba’s Mezquita Mosque-Cathedral are three iconic landmarks which alone make a visit to the region worthwhile. Add in flamenco culture, wine, sherry & olive oil making and Andalucia offers an intoxicating experience – and that’s without the incredible Andalucian cycling experience.

Here we attempt to capture the essence of Andalucia: the views, the climbs, the warmth, the relaxed way of life and the wonderfully welcoming locals but to fully appreciate it has to be experienced!

Location, Location, Location: Where is Andalucia?

Located in the south of Spain Andalucia is made up of 8 provinces – Cadiz, Almeria, Malaga & Granada bordering the south coast & Huelva, Seville, Còrdoba & Jaen inland. Within these provinces are numerous protected reserves, including the Sierra Nevada, Cabo de Gata & the Montes de Málaga. In other words, numerous playgrounds for cyclists. If the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada (which includes the highest paved road in Europe, the Pico de Veleta) aren’t enough to tempt you, now factor in the Costa del Sol, Costa Tropical, Costa de la Luz & Costa Almeria. 50% of Andalucia borders with the Mediterranean sea – cue delicious seafood, long white beaches and winter sun-seekers (Andalucia boasts more than 325 days of sun a year and is an ideal spot for a European winter cycling holiday!).

Cycling in Andalucia: The Highlights

Smooth roads and sunshine characterise Andalucia – so it’s no wonder that it’s such an attractive location for those seeking to ride in winter sun when Northern Europe freezes over. Additionally, traffic is sparse and drivers are respectful – the area is essentially everything you could want as a cyclist.

Carretera del Cabra: The Goat’s Path is a must-see climb for any cyclist visiting the area. Just to the west of the Sierra Nevada mountains the road was built to connect Granada to the fishing boats on the coast in the village of Almuñuecar. The pass is 17 km long and maxes out at a gradient of 11% and boasts captivating views of the mediterranean.

Puerto del León: Rising from the city of Malaga over 16 kms to 940 m altitude the Puerto del León features steady gradients which average 5.5% and, you guessed it, picturesque views in all directions. A regular feature of local club runs out of Malaga the climb also featured in the Vuelta España in 2015 when Peter Sagan won the stage.

Caminito del Rey: The 2015 Vuelta was the first road race to visit the ‘Pathway of the King’. Short and sweet is the best way to describe this 4 km climb. With ramps of up to 15% legs are likely to sting as the road winds its way up to a restaurant and a dead end.

Puerto de La Ragua: A pass in the Sierra Nevada mountains this is a challenging ascent when climbed from the south. At 25 km long the pass takes the rider to over 2,000 m altitude and boasts a comforting maximum gradient of 8%.

Torcal de Antequera: 10.5 kms takes the cyclist to 1,200 m elevation at a decent average gradient of 7.6 % with great views pretty much all the way up. At the top take in the beautiful rock formations which give the climb its name.

Pico de Veleta: No post on cycling in Andalucia would be complete without featuring the mighty Pico de Veleta. Veleta means ‘weather vane’ and the weather is main difficulty for the cyclist to overcome to make it to the top. Up to 2,500 m (29 km into the climb) the road is in excellent condition. From the notorious ‘barrier’ the cyclists rides beyond civilisation along a poorly surfaced road. The last 200 m (if you’re lucky enough to make it that far) are not passable on a road bike and must be walked. Often scorching hot in the valley and freezing cold at the top it’s worth waiting for perfect conditions before attempting the 40 km climb.

Fuel the Ride: Andalucian Food

Like many areas in Spain, Andalucía has its own selection of local delicacies that are to die for. Being situated in the south and catching almost year-round sun means that the area is known for growing plenty of fruit and vegetables, in particular olives, avocados, oranges and raisins (which we used to fuel our rides on our most recent visit)!

Of course, the classic Spanish dish of Paella is a must, and being so close to the sea means delicious fresh fish! Other fishy offerings include pescaito frito (literally, fried fish), a local speciality. Jamon will likewise need to be sampled, air-cured in the mountains these wafer thin slices of ham will melt in your mouth!

Where to eat:

• Restaurante Oliva in Nerja
• Restaurante La Boca in Cordoba.

From the Rider’s Mouth: Steve’s Review

Steve from Toronto, Canada joined us in the Costa del Sol & Sierra Nevada mountains in November 2018, here’s what he had to say about his Costa del Sol & Sierra Nevada Tour

“Fantastic trip. Top riding, guiding and routes. Great local knowledge. All in a very good time. Highly recommended.”

El Andaluz: The Eat Sleep Cycle Guide

We spoke to Luis, olive oil & winemaker & our local guide for our Andalucia tours. Luis is the expert on Andalucia culture, food and roads and we asked him what makes him tick:

What is your name?
Luis Duritz

Where are you from?
From Cordoba, Andalucía! I was raised in Sevilla studied at the University in Granada, I lived in Málaga for 8 years and now I’m back home in Córdoba and sharing a house with friends in Granada.

Where do you live?
Part of the year in Granada, and the most of the time in Guadalmoral, my mother`s farm, near Córdoba.

How long have you lived there?
The last five years.

What drew you to cycling and why?
Watching the final kilometres of stage 16 of the 1990 Tour de France when Miguel Indurain and Greg LeMond battled up the Luz Ardiden! I was inspired also because on the same stage Andaluz rider Miguel Ángel Martínez Torres came third at 59” back to such giants of the sport!

What is your favourite thing about guiding?
Everything that happens from when I wake up till I go to sleep. To deal with unexpected situations.

Describe your favourite ride or favourite place in Andalucia…
The MTB ride from my grandparents farm, crossing the Subbéticas Natural Park on dirt roads and paths arriving to Zuheros, an Andalusian white village, with a hilltop castle, where I have a house.

What do you like to do when you’re not on a tour?
Off season, everyday is different, but my perfect day is: to wake up in the farm, have a good coffee, take a walk along the vineyard, the olive orchard and the creek, do some physical work and finish the day in the city, having a glass of natural wine in @quierojugovivo, in Córdoba.

What’s the best meal you’ve enjoyed in in Andalucia?
Only one!? Impossible… but to mention two that I had working with ESC: the grilled sardines in a picnic in Lújar (Granada), seeing the Mediterranean sea from the hills, and a veggie menu in @restaurantelaboca with a spinach and pea stew to die for.

Take Me There! How to get to Andalucia

Malaga airport is the fourth biggest in Spain and is easily accessible from most of Europe, (flights from other parts of the world are likely to require transfers at Madrid or another major connecting airport). Transport to and from the airport is easily accessible and within a 90 min transfer of most of the most popular cycling locations. Almeria Airport is also an option for those looking to explore the eastern Sierra Nevada.

It is also possible to arrive by train from other parts of Spain and even Europe. Other parts of the Southern region of Spain are easily accessible by car or transport so you could take advantage of your location and explore other areas whilst there. (like the Calpe ride camp).

Join the Ride – Cycle in Andalucia

If you like what you’ve read and want to experience cycling in Andalucia for yourself check out our 3 Andaluz itineraires:

1. Andalucia Experience – take in the riding and sites of Granada (includes a Pico de Veleta attempt), Antequera & Ronda.
2. Trans Andalucia – ride the whole thing, from Almeria, across the Sierra Nevada to Granada, on to Antequera, Ronda, Arcos de La Frontera and to the finish in Seville.
3. Costa del Sol Ride Camp – discover Màlaga, the Puerto del Leon, the Carrertera del Cabra & finish in the low Sierra Nevada.

All of our cycle tours in Andalucia will allow you to sample and enjoy the delights that Southern Spain has to offer. We can also tailor the tour to your needs with our custom cycle tour options so if you’re interested give us a call on +34 972 649 131 or contact us online to find out more!

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