Where can you get good cycling in Spain? The area around Almería and Roquetas de Mar in the region Andalusia may not be the first destination you think of when someone asks you that question. Yet this area of southern Spain wants to put itself more on the map as a cycling destination. At the invitation of Cycling Friendly made Ruth several cycling tours in the Roquetas de Mar area. With breathtaking views over the beautifully clear blue Alborán Sea. But also past the many plastic-covered greenhouses, resoundingly nicknamed Mar del Plastico. The gigantic collection of greenhouses is a downside, visible even from space, to this region's main source of income: the cultivation of fruit and vegetables such as melons, tomatoes and aubergines.
Text: Ruth Koops van 't Jagt. Photos: Cycling Friendly
In this report, the highlights of this developing cycling destination.
Quiet coastal ride to get into it
To land at your cycling destination, it's always nice if the first bike ride is still a bit 'tranquilo' and that's fine with this first ride. We ride a total of about 40 mostly flat kilometres, first cycling along the boulevard towards Castillo de Santa Ana. We then continue in the opposite direction and ride our mountain bikes on gravel paths through the beautiful Punta Entinas Sabinar Natural Park. In a 15-kilometre stretch along the protected coastline, you will find a wide variety of sand dunes, salt marshes, plants and animals.
Greenhouse cultivation as a minus on the horizon
At the same time, the dark side of greenhouse farming also comes into focus on this tour. On one side, we marvel at the salty beauty of the coastal strip. On the other side are literally plastic-covered greenhouses and a roadside full of rubbish. The region clearly faces the challenge of dealing with the negative impact of this main source of income.
Cabo de Gato, Indiana Jones and Mini-Hollywood
The second day is of a very different order both in terms of altimeters and spectacle than the quiet first coastal ride. With this ride, the region perhaps shows its best side. We start just outside the village of Cabo de Gato to dash from there up a short spirited asphalt climb via a winding gravel road. After a stop at the Cabo de Gato lighthouse, the real work begins.
Vela Blanca and up
On a dirt gravel road, we climb to Vela Blanca, with even sections of 15% and fantastic views of the sea and rocks. A forgiving descent then brings us to Playa Monsul. This volcanic beach is where Steven Spielberg filmed Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. We see our chance and take a short bibshort dip before cycling on to our final destination.Indeed, after a brief refresher on the bus, we dive further into the world of film with a visit to Mini-Hollywood. Apparently, we cyclists are not the only ones who can appreciate the whimsical beauty of this region. Several feature films and commercials have been shot in this area. At Mini-Hollywood, you imagine yourself in a real western town and can also visit the accompanying animal park.
Mirador el Amor - love of asphalt
You can also get by as an asphalt enthusiast here, as the last day of our stay proves. Today's programme includes a ride of over 35 kilometres with some 630 altitude metres. We first have to cycle a section through the city and past the greenhouses before the scenery suddenly changes pleasantly. After crossing A7, we turn off just before Vícar for a beautiful climb towards a delightfully ludicrous big red heart marking a viewpoint. Here again, it becomes nicely clear that the region has several faces and thus views. How you look also determines what you see at the Mirador el Amor. Beautiful jagged mountains and an old Roman road winding upwards or the white sea of plastic that lies against the coast like a foaming surf. Still, this ride gives a nice taste of the beautiful hinterland of this region, it turns out when I make another longer trip on my own a day later in the direction of Felix, among others.
Cycling destination with two faces
The conclusion of this cycling trip in and around Roquetas de Mar is that this region is a developing cycling destination with two faces. There are beautiful and diverse routes in an area where nature is of a whimsical and breathtaking beauty. At the same time, you then have to deal with that other, plastic sea that also belongs to this region. In short: before your cycling in Roquetas de Mar goes into the books as a top tip, there will be a small step to take. The region is beautiful and potentially a top location. Cycling in Spain and in Andalusia is a soon-to-be winner in that respect.
Helpful tips: Cycling hotels with Cycling Friendly Label
If you want to cycle in Roquetas de Mar and its surroundings, you should stay at the following hotels:
- Bahia Serena in Roquetas de Mar. This hotel is a Cycling Friendly location with, among other things, a bike cellar plus facilities to hose down and maintain your bike. They also have cycling routes they can get you started with and you can book sports massages. There is also bike rental for a fee, guides are available and even a real follow car!
- Playa Senator in Aguadulce. This is also a so-called Cycling Friendly location. Including all services. There are parking spaces for bikes with a nice lock attached. You can also score an inner tube here, get a massage and there are routes plus guides available (for a fee).
Both hotels are close to the beach! So after a drive, splash in the sea for a while.
Routes for cycling in Roquetas de Mar
Below are the different routes we have ridden in and around Roquetas de Mar. Fun routes that are challenging for road bike, gravel bike and MTB alike. Cycling in Roquetas de Mar is definitely recommended.
