From the Balcón de Europa, the route follows the coast before turning inland. After crossing La Herradura, the road becomes more demanding and quiet, ascending towards the Puerto de los Castillejos between mountains, pine forests and open views of the sea.
This circular route starting and ending in Nerja offers a spectacular ride through both coastal and mountain landscapes.
Covering 60 km with 1,500 metres of elevation gain, it is a demanding but highly rewarding challenge.
From Nerja, the route follows the coastal road towards Cerro Gordo and La Herradura, providing breathtaking Mediterranean views.
The climb to Puerto de los Castillejos is the biggest challenge, featuring steep ramps leading to an incredible panoramic vista.
The descent back to Nerja allows cyclists to recover and enjoy the speed in a stunning environment.
Nerja has a rich history dating back to prehistoric times, as evidenced by the famous Nerja Cave, home to cave paintings over 40,000 years old. During the Moorish period, the region flourished due to agriculture and fishing. The Cerro Gordo tower, located along the route, is a 16th-century watchtower built to defend the coast from pirate attacks.
La Herradura also has a maritime history. In 1562, its bay witnessed a tragic shipwreck where a Spanish Armada fleet was caught in a storm, leading to the loss of many ships and lives.
The cuisine along this route is a fusion of sea and mountain flavours. In Nerja, pescaíto frito (fried fish) and fresh seafood take centre stage, especially the Malaga-style fried fish platter. In La Herradura, you can enjoy the traditional espetos of sardines, grilled over wood embers on sand-filled boats. Other notable dishes include choto al ajillo, a garlic-seasoned goat stew, and ajoblanco, a cold almond and garlic soup. The local pastry selection features sweets such as pestiños and roscos de vino, staples of Andalusian tradition.
The landscape of this route blends Mediterranean and coastal vegetation. On the cliffs of Cerro Gordo, species such as dwarf fan palms, mastic trees and thyme thrive. In the mid-mountain areas, extensive pine and oak forests appear, along with shrubs like rockrose and rosemary. In spring, the blossoming of almond trees and broom bushes adds vibrant colours to the route. Along the coast, dune systems feature vegetation adapted to salt exposure, including Posidonia oceanica, essential for the marine ecosystem.
The route passes through an area of rich biodiversity. In the cliffs and mountains, Spanish ibex and birds of prey such as the peregrine falcon and golden eagle are common sights. Along the coast, dolphins often appear near the shore. La Herradura is also a key area for marine wildlife, with a protected reserve home to species such as grouper and moray eel. In the forests of pines and oaks, you may spot foxes, wild boars and a variety of birds, including the bee-eater and Sardinian warbler.
Between sea and mountains, this circular route from Torrox passes through some of the most beautiful white villages in the Axarquía region. Scenic climbs, technical descents and a final stretch along the Mediterranean after passing through Frigiliana, Cómpeta and Sayalonga. A full day of cycling with true Andalusian flavour.
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 Pueblo, the slopes of Mijas and the fertile valleys of Cártama and Churriana. A full day of cycling with a local flavour – tejeringos included.
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.
