Cycling in Málaga, where all the best things from Andalusia come together: you roll out the center and within ten minutes you’re inside. Montes de Málaga. The terrain is wonderfully varied with long, regular climbs to train your legs for longer efforts, short descents to get your legs tense and then diving into the sea with quick descents. It’s an ideal place for a ‘winter escape’, as it’s so aptly named. Thanks to the Mediterranean climate it’s ideal: in the winter you often ride in the sun; in the autumn and winter you have top conditions. The summer, on the other hand, you might be better off skipping. Add in the relatively quiet roads, the villages with characteristic squares for a ‘cortado’ with a ‘pan con tomate’ and the typical Spanish fiestas, and you’ll understand why cycling around Málaga It's so addictive.
Photos: Eat Sleep Cycle/Lee Cromerford
One of the other reasons to choose Málaga? You have good connections and facilities. There is therefore both variety and efficiency. From a single base you can visit three completely different destinations in one weekend. cycling routes around Málaga: Dense climbing in the Montes de Málaga, white-capped peaks in the Axarquía and the characteristic limestone landscape around El Torcal.
You can easily modify routes (short/long, more or less elevation meters) and ride on both the race bike and a gravel/allroad setup. Check also our page on bikes in Andalusia for more ideas, such as Winter adventure by Jurgen Van Teeffelen.
Eat Sleep Cycle as the ideal bike hub
If you say Malaga, you are actually also saying Eat Sleep Cycle. Lee Cromerford is the creator of this concept. He started a shop in Girona a few years ago. By now the company has grown so much that they have a second shop in Málaga and are already working on opening a third hub (probably on the Mediterranean coast) that should take place at the beginning of 2026.
Eat Sleep Cycle is not only a bike hub; you can also rent bikes, have repairs done, take rides, or book a complete guided vacation. Not bad. We are a fan of this concept. The bikes are of excellent quality, with brands like Wilier, Ridley, Cannondale, and J.Guillem in the fleet. In the hub you can have your bike repaired (the shop is open from Monday to Saturday). If you still need to buy a last-minute snack or shirt, that’s also possible.
The tours they offer include, among others, a Women Cycling Camp, but also many self-guided tours. Perfect for the stubborn Dutchman or independent adventurer.
Cycling routes around Málaga
Cycling route Málaga – Vendo Miel – Casabermeja – Siete Revueltas
A wonderful introduction to the Montes de Málaga. You climb via the classic route towards Vendo Miel and turn towards Casabermeja. The section Siete Revueltas (seven hairpins) offers wonderful curvework and an easy descent. Water, coffee and a quick lunch (Migas, (delicious!) You can score in Casabermeja, where you can also marvel at the beautiful village with, for example, the Church of Our Lady of Mercy or the Torre Zambra.
Cycling route Málaga – Puerto del León – Comares – Torre del Mar
The “all-in-one” loop. Open with Puerto del León, a long, even climb and trek on Comares, It is beautifully situated on a rocky outcrop. Then head towards Torre del Mar for a beautiful coastal route back. The only thing to note is the side wind and the traffic congestion along the coast (avoid midday/evening in the high season).
Cycling route Málaga – Almogía – El Torcal – Olías
For climbers who want more. From Málaga inland to Almogía, rolling to the limestone formations of El Torcal (biting kilometers but spectacular rock formations), and back via Olías. This is the queen of a long weekend: longer efforts, interspersed with steeper sections around Torcal, and a technical descent towards Olías. The bonus is the beautiful dam where you pass by.
Practical tips and preparation
- Gears & tiresFor this trip, a 50/34 with 11–32/34 is enough to cycle all three routes. If you’re a bit stronger, you can also go with a 52/36 or 53/39 for good traction. Or a 50/34 with 11/28. As for tires, consider 28–30 mm tires for enough comfort, or 32mm for real punks.;
- Hydration & nutritionAlthough it’s nice in winter, it can get really hot at any time of the year. So always bring two water bottles with you; you can almost fill up anywhere in the villages, like Casabermeja and Comares. Bring some extra electrolytes in warmer months.
- Timing & weatherIf you happen to be there in the summer, start early. Temperatures in this part of Spain are rising rapidly. For some cooling: the coastal wind can pick up in the afternoon. In the mountains, it’s a bit cooler and more comfortable.
- Traffic & safetyThe roads along the coast are busy all year round, even in winter with ‘grey pigeons’ coming to overwinter. The descents are usually clear but be careful of sand/nails in the turns.
- How do I get there? The accessibility of Malaga is good, with an international airport nearby. By car it’s a long drive. From Paris, you’ll definitely need to spend a day or two driving. Alternatively, you can take a train connection. That will also take a total of 18 hours.
How we would spend a weekend in Málaga
We think that you can have a great time cycling in Málaga with the routes we have provided. Do you bring your own bike? No problem, rent one from Eat Sleep Cycle, and you’ll have a great starting point for all your routes.
- Day 1 – ArrivingVendo Miel – Casabermeja – Siete Revueltas (flexibility, corner technique).
- Day 2 – Mix & viewsPuerto del León – Comares – Torre del Mar (cadans-climbing + zipline ride along the coast).
- Day 3 – Queen’s DayAlmogía – El Torcal – Olías (altimeter and beautiful limestone formations + beautiful panorama).
More inspiration, seasonal choices and extensions (e.g. towards Rincón de la Victoria or the dams near Ardales) are on our page Cycling in Andalusia. There is always something to do!
Accommodation in Malaga
Crowdfunding campaign Eat Sleep Cycle CYCLE
Eat Sleep Cycle is currently in an investment round. You can become a part of it by investing yourself. Please note: this is risky. If you have no experience with investing, please read carefully. You may lose your investment.
Questions & tips
Do you have any questions about this route, or have you been there yourself? Share them here. We read everything and usually respond within a few days.