Cycling in Malaga, where basically all the good things about Andalusia come together: you roll out of the city centre and within ten minutes you are in the Montes de Málaga. The terrain is wonderfully variedwith long, steady climbs to train longer efforts, short squats to get the legs in shape before diving down towards the sea with fast descents. It is an ideal place for a ‘winter escape’, as it is so nicely called. Thanks to its Mediterranean climate, it is ideal: in winter you often ride in the sun, in spring and autumn you have top conditions. Summer, on the other hand, might be better skipped. Add to this the relatively quiet inland roads, villages with characteristic squares for a ‘cortado’ with a ‘pan con tomate’ and the typical Spanish feer, and you can see why cycling around Málaga is so addictive.
photos: Eat Sleep Cycle/Lee Cromerford
One of the other reasons to pick Málaga? You have good connectivity and facilities. So there is variety as well as efficiency. From one base, you grab three totally different cycle routes around Malaga: forested climbing in the Montes de Málaga, white-domed coves in the Axarquía and the distinctive limestone landscape around El Torcal.
You can easily modulate routes (short/long, more or less altimeters) and ride both on road bikes and gravel/all-road setups. Also check out our cycling in Andalusia page for more ideas, such as the winter adventure of Jurgen Van Teeffelen.
Eat Sleep Cycle as an ideal cycling hub
When you say Malaga, you actually also say Eat Sleep Cycle. Lee Cromerford is the creator of this concept. He started with a shop in Girona a few years ago. Since then, 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 in early 2026.
Eat Sleep Cycle is not just a bike hub, you can also rent bikes, get repairs done, ride along on rides or book a complete guided holiday. Not unkind. We are fans of this concept, though. The bikes are of more than good quality, with brands like Wilier, Ridley, Cannondale and J.Guillem in the fleet. At the hub, you can get your bike repaired (the shop is open Monday to Saturday). If you want to score a bar or shirt last-minute, you can do that too.
The Tours they offer include a Women Cycling Camp, but also many self-guided tours. Perfect for the headstrong Dutchman or independent adventurer.
Bicycle routes around Malaga
Bike route Málaga - Vendo Miel - Casabermeja - Siete Revueltas
A delightful introduction to the Montes de Málaga. You climb via the classic route towards Vendo Miel and turn on to Casabermeja. The section Siete Revueltas (seven hairpins) offers delightful cornering and a clear descent. Water, coffee and a quick lunch (Migas, delicious!) score in Casabermeja, where you can then also marvel at the pretty village with, for example, the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Socorro Whether the Torre Zambra.
Bike route Málaga - Puerto del León - Comares - Torre del Mar
The “all-in-one” loop. Open with Puerto del León, a long, steady climb and pull through to Comares, beautifully located on a rocky point. Then towards Torre del Mar for a beautiful coastal route back. Only issue is crosswinds and traffic along the sea (avoid afternoon/evening in high season).
Bike route Málaga - Almogía - El Torcal - Olías
For climbers who want more. From Málaga inland to Almogía, rolling on to the limestone formations of El Torcal (tough kilometres but spectacular rock formations), and back via Olías. This is the queen ride of a long weekend: longer efforts, interspersed with steeper sections around Torcal, as well as a technical descent towards Olías. Bonus is the beautiful reservoir you pass.
Practical tips and preparation
- Gears & tyres: For this trip, a 50/34 with 11-32/34 is enough to cycle all three routes. If you are a bit stronger, you can also get by with a 52/36 or 53/39 for good. Or a 50/34 with 11/28. In terms of tyres, think 28-30mm tyres for enough comfort, possibly 32mm for real sloths...;
- Hydration & nutrition: Although nice in winter, it can heat up quickly in all seasons. So always take two water bottles with you; You can refill almost anywhere in villages like Casabermeja and Comares. Take some extra electrolytes with you in warmer months.
- Timing & weather: should you still be there in summer, start extremely early. Temperatures rise rapidly in this part of Spain. For some cooling: coastal winds can pick up in the afternoon. In the mountains it is just a bit cooler and more sheltered.
- Traffic & safety: roads along the coast are busy all year round, even in winter with ‘grey pigeons’ coming to spend the winter. Descents are usually clear but watch out for sand/needles in bends.
- How do I get there? Malaga's accessibility is good, with an international airport nearby. By car, it's a hefty drive. From Paris at least another day's drive. You can also opt for a train connection. That also takes a total of 18h.
How we would do a weekend in Málaga
We think you'll have a great time cycling in Malaga with the routes given. Take your own bike? No problem, rent one from Eat Sleep Cycle and you'll have a good starting point for all your routes.
- Day 1 - Driving in: Vendo Miel - Casabermeja - Siete Revueltas (agility, cornering technique).
- Day 2 - Mix & views: Puerto del León - Comares - Torre del Mar (cadence climb + range ride along the coast).
- Day 3 - Queen's ride: Almogía - El Torcal - Olías (altimeters and stunning limestone formations + beautiful panorama).
More inspiration, seasonal choices and extensions (e.g. towards Rincón de la Victoria or the reservoirs at Ardales) are on our page Cycling in Andalusia. There is always something to do!
Accommodation Malaga
Crowdfunding campaign Eat Sleep Cycle CYCLE
Eat Sleep Cycle currently has an investment round. You can become a part by invest yourself. Note that this is risky. If you have no experience in investing, read up carefully. You could lose your deposit.
