From the sea to the mountains and back to the Mediterranean.
This circular route starts on the coast of Torremolinos and takes cyclists through some of the most varied landscapes in the province: the climb to Benalmádena, the slopes of Mijas, and the fertile valleys of Cártama and Churriana. A full day of cycling with a local flavor — tejeringos included.
The route starts at Parque de la Batería in Torremolinos with a gentle coastal stretch that serves as a perfect warm-up before hitting the first inclines. Once the sea is behind, the road climbs steadily through Benalmádena and continues ascending to Mijas — a tough but rewarding effort with sweeping views of the Mediterranean and the mountains.
From there, the descent flows smoothly into Cártama, where the scenery shifts into a patchwork of orchards, citrus groves, and country lanes that define the Guadalhorce Valley. The profile flattens out on the way to Churriana — the perfect place to stop and enjoy Málaga’s most traditional churros: tejeringos.
The final section of the route brings back the urban rhythm as it approaches the coast again, ending at Punta de Torremolinos. In just 74 kilometers, riders experience a complete and varied ride that blends seaside roads, mountain climbs, and fertile inland valleys.
Torremolinos remained a small fishing village until the mid-20th century, when it became one of the main tourist hubs of the Costa del Sol. From its coastal watchtowers, like the one that gave the town its name, the Málaga coastline was monitored to prevent pirate raids.
The route then climbs into Benalmádena and Mijas, two villages with strong Andalusian identity and Moorish roots. Mijas, in particular, features a beautiful historic center perched above the sea — for centuries, it was a strategic agricultural and livestock center.
Further inland, Cártama was once a major Roman and Moorish settlement, as evidenced by its hilltop castle and deep-rooted farming traditions along the Guadalhorce.
Churriana has long served as a transition point between Málaga’s urban life and its agricultural surroundings. It was home to British writer Gerald Brenan, a key figure in Spain’s cultural life during the 20th century.
The culinary star of this route is the tejeringo, Málaga’s most traditional type of churro. In the route’s video, there’s a must-stop in Churriana to enjoy them with a thick hot chocolate — the perfect reward after more than 50 kilometers of riding.
Along the route, riders can also sample local dishes: from sopa perota in Cártama to salt-baked fish or grilled sardines (espetos) on the coast. Local wines, rustic breads, and Andalusian sweets such as roscos de huevo or pestiños are also part of the experience.
The route crosses a mix of ecosystems: pine forests on the climbs to Benalmádena and Mijas, olive groves and citrus orchards in the valley, and coastal vegetation near the end. In spring, blooming almond trees brighten the valley, and in summer, the scent of rosemary, lavender, and thyme fills the higher ground.
The fertile Guadalhorce plains offer a refreshing burst of green, with orange and lemon trees lining the route alongside tall reeds. As the ride returns to the coast, the sea breeze and rows of palm trees signal the final kilometers through Torremolinos.
Riders may spot different animal species throughout the day. Birds of prey like kestrels and black kites are common around the rural slopes of Mijas and the Guadalhorce Valley. In the farmland closer to the river, rabbits, partridges, and even the colorful hoopoe can often be seen.
The Churriana area, lying close to the river, serves as a natural corridor for migratory birds, making the final stretch of the route ideal for birdwatching.
From the coast next to the Parador de Golf, the route moves away from the sea to ascend inland. Between fields and white villages, the route gains altitude on the way to Mijas, with views that alternate between the coast and the mountains before returning to Torremolinos.
From Malaga, the route ascends between mountains, leaving behind the urban bustle. The road is wrapped in silence and pine forests to crown the Puerto del León, before a serene descent to Olías.
From Coín, the route unfolds northward between fields and mountains. After passing through charming villages, El Chorro is reached, where the canyons and the Caminito del Rey (King’s Little Path) mark the climax of a long, mountainous and spectacular journey.
