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 meters of elevation gain,60 km y 1.500 metros de desnivelit is a demanding but highly rewarding challenge. From Nerja, the route follows the coastal road towards , es un desafío exigente pero muy gratificante. Desde Nerja, el recorrido avanza por la carretera de la costa hasta Cerro Gordo and La Herradura,providing breathtaking Mediterranean views. The climb to, ofreciendo vistas impresionantes del Mediterráneo. La subida al Puerto de los Castillejos is the biggest challenge, featuring steep ramps leading to an incredible panoramic vista.Puerto de los Castillejos 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 Caves, 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 flavors. In Nerja, pescaíto frito (fried fish) and fresh seafood take center stage, especially the Malaga-style fried fish platter.. In La Herradura, you can enjoy the traditional espetos de sardinas, 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, una sopa fría a base de almendras. La repostería incluye dulces como los 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 colors 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.
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.
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.
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.
