In a few kilometers, the urban noise transforms into open countryside. The gentle hills lead to Almogía and, further on, the landscape becomes more rugged towards Villanueva, where the silhouette of the Torcal looms between olive groves and solitary mountains.
This route explores the interior of the province of Málaga, passing through Almogía and Villanueva de la Concepción, and skirting the Casasola Reservoir. It is a demanding ride with continuous climbs and descents that test a cyclist’s endurance. From Málaga, the route follows secondary roads surrounded by olive groves and mountains, offering spectacular views of the sierra and reservoir. Almogía provides a perfect spot for a break before continuing toward Villanueva de la Concepción, where the landscape changes with the proximity of the spectacular Torcal de Antequera. This varied route includes rolling sections and more challenging climbs that blend sport and nature in its purest form.
Almogía has a strong Moorish heritage, with its name deriving from “Al-Mexía,” meaning “the beautiful one.” During the Muslim rule, it played a key role in defending Málaga with its castle, the remains of which can still be seen today. Additionally, its urban structure, with narrow and steep streets, preserves the typical Andalusian layout. During the Christian era, the town played a crucial role in the Reconquista and later became an important agricultural hub, especially for the production of olives and almonds. Today, Almogía is also known for its tradition in verdiales music, a folkloric singing style typical of the Axarquía and Montes de Málaga regions.
Villanueva de la Concepción, a more recent settlement, was founded in the 18th century as an agricultural enclave, driven by its strategic location as a passage between the Antequera region and the coast. Over the centuries, it has developed as a center of livestock and agricultural activity, with growth based on olive oil production and other agricultural products. Its proximity to El Torcal de Antequera, one of Europe’s most important karst formations, has shaped its history and development, attracting visitors and scientists interested in its unique geology.
The Casasola Reservoir, built in the 20th century, is a key water supply source for Málaga and an ecologically significant area. In addition to serving as a water reserve, the reservoir is a refuge for various species of aquatic birds, making it a point of interest for birdwatching enthusiasts. Its waters, surrounded by hills and native vegetation, also offer a landscape of great natural beauty.
The cuisine of this region is a delight for cyclists looking to refuel. In Almogía, gazpachuelo, a warm fish soup with mayonnaise, is a local specialty that was once a humble dish consumed by fishermen and has now become a signature dish of Málaga’s gastronomy. Also popular are Aloreña olives, which have a protected designation of origin and are characterized by their artisanal seasoning with aromatic herbs, and chivo malagueño (young Málaga goat), a tender and flavorful meat highly valued in local cuisine. Additionally, bars in the town often serve tapas featuring homemade cured meats and goat cheeses.
In Villanueva de la Concepción, standout dishes include porra antequerana, a thicker version of salmorejo served cold with hard-boiled egg and ham, and the molletes de Antequera, soft bread rolls perfect with olive oil and local cured meats. These soft, fluffy rolls have been a staple of the region’s diet for centuries and are the breakfast of choice for many locals. Additionally, the local pastry tradition features sweets such as roscos de vino and homemade mantecados, which are especially popular during festive seasons.
The landscape is dominated by olive groves and almond trees, with Mediterranean scrubland featuring rosemary, thyme, and esparto grass. These aromatic plants have traditionally been used in both gastronomy and folk medicine. Near the Casasola Reservoir, riparian forests with poplars and willows provide shade and coolness in the warmer months. These wetlands support plant species adapted to high-humidity soils, such as rushes and wild irises.
In El Torcal, the vegetation shifts to holm oaks and maples, which have adapted to the rocky environment. The lack of fertile soil and the harsh climate have led only the hardiest species to survive in this area. Among the vegetation in El Torcal, you can also find shrubs like juniper and sabina, which have developed strategies to capture moisture from the air and withstand the adverse conditions of the karst terrain.
The route passes through areas where golden eagles, griffon vultures, and peregrine falcons can often be spotted. These birds of prey find an ideal habitat for nesting and hunting in the cliffs and mountains of the region. In the forests near the reservoir, wild boars and Iberian ibex thrive, well-adapted to the rugged, rocky terrain. Meanwhile, farmlands attract rabbits and partridges, species that are part of the traditional ecosystem of the region and serve as prey for some of the local raptors.
Near El Torcal, you can find reptiles such as ocellated lizards, the largest lizard species on the Iberian Peninsula, and a variety of rock-dwelling birds that use the karst formations as nesting sites. Notable among them are alpine swifts, kestrels, and several species of owls that nest in rock crevices. The diversity of fauna in this area makes the route appealing not only to cyclists but also to nature lovers and birdwatchers.
From the sunny streets of Marbella, the route enters the Sierra Blanca, ascending between gentle curves and Mediterranean pine forests. Passing through Ojén opens the door to a wilder and more mountainous environment, where the ascent to El Juanar offers silence, shade and wide views towards the coast.
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.
