Where you can do well Biking in SpainThe surroundings of Almería and Roquetas de Mar in the region Andalusia It might not be the first destination you think of when someone asks you that question. Yet this area in the south of Spain wants to make itself more known as a cycling destination. On invitation from Cycling Friendly made Ruth Several cycling tours in the area of Roquetas de Mar. With breathtaking views over the beautifully clear-blue Alboran Sea. But also along the many plastic-covered greenhouses, with the catchy nickname Mar del Plastico. The gigantic collection of greenhouses is a side effect of the region’s most important source of income: the cultivation of vegetables and fruit such as melons, tomatoes and aubergines.
Text: Ruth Koops of ’t Jagt. Photos: Cycling Friendly
In this report the highlights of this cycling destination in development.
Quiet coastal route to get there
To land at your cycling destination, it’s always nice when the first cycling trip is still a bit ’tranquilo’, and that’s quite true for this first ride. We cover a total of about 40 kilometers, mostly flat, starting with a ride along the promenade towards Castillo de Santa Ana. Then we continue in the opposite direction and ride our mountain bikes over gravel paths through the beautiful Punta Entinas Sabinar Natural Park. In a 15-kilometer stretch along the protected coastline, you’ll find a wide variety of sand dunes, dunes, plants, and animals.
Cash crops as a downside on the horizon
At the same time, the dark side of cash cropping comes into focus on this trip as well. On the one hand, we marvel at the stark beauty of the coastal strip. On the other hand, there are literally the plastic-covered greenhouses and a berm full of waste. The region clearly faces the challenge of tackling the negative consequences of this most important source of income.
Cabo de Gato, Indiana Jones and Mini-Hollywood
The second day is of a completely different order in terms of altitude and spectacle than the calm first coastal section. With this route, the region may well show its best side. We start just outside the village of Cabo de Gato, from where we climb a short, steep stretch of tarmac via a winding gravel road. After a stop at the Cabo de Gato lighthouse, the real work begins.
Vela Blanca and upwards
We climb up to Vela Blanca via a dirt gravel road, with sections of 15% meters and fantastic views of the sea and the rocks. A gentle descent then brings us to Playa Monsul. Steven Spielberg filmed Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade on this volcanic beach. We see our opportunity and take a short swim in the bibshorts before continuing our ride to our final destination. After a brief refresher in the bus, we dive deeper into the world of film with a visit to Mini-Hollywood. We bike enthusiasts are apparently not the only ones who can appreciate the quirky beauty of this region. Several feature films and commercials have been filmed in this area. In Mini-Hollywood, you feel like you’re in a real Western town and can also visit the associated zoo.
Mirador el Amor – love for asphalt
Even as an asphalt lover, you can get your money’s worth here, as it turns out on the last day of our stay. Today we have a route of over 35 kilometers with about 630 meters of elevation gain planned. First we have to cycle part of the city and past the greenhouses before the surroundings suddenly change to pleasant. Just before crossing the A7, we turn off just before Vícar for a beautiful climb towards a magnificent red heart that marks a viewpoint. Here again it becomes clear that the region has multiple faces and therefore also views. How you look also determines what you see at the Mirador el Amor. Beautiful jagged mountains and an ancient Roman road that winds up or the white sea of plastic lying against the coast as a frothy surf. Yet this ride gives a nice preview of the beautiful hinterland of this region, as it also becomes clear when I go on a longer solo trip a day later to places like Felix, among others.
Cycling destination with two faces
The conclusion of this bike tour in and around Roquetas de Mar is that this region is a cycling destination in development with two faces. There are beautiful and diverse routes in an environment where the nature is of a whimsical and breathtaking beauty. At the same time, you also have to deal with that other, plastic sea that also belongs to this region. In short: before you include Roquetas de Mar as a top tip in your travel plans, there is still a small step to take. The region is beautiful and potentially a top destination. Cycling in Spain and in Andalusia is, in that respect, a soon to be winner.
Useful tips: Bike hotels with the Cycling Friendly Label
If you want to cycle in Roquetas de Mar and its surroundings, you should stay in the following hotels:
- Bahia Serena in Roquetas de Mar. This hotel is a Cycling Friendly location with, among other things, a bicycle storage room plus facilities for washing and maintaining your bike. In addition, they also have cycling routes that can help you get started, and you can book sports massages. In addition, for a fee, there is also bike rental, guides are available, and even a real follow car!
- Playa Senator in Aguadulce. This is also a so-called Cycling Friendly location. It includes all the services. There are parking spaces for bicycles with a nice lock attached. You can also get a puncture fixed here, have yourself massaged, and there are routes and guides available (for a fee).
Both hotels are located near the beach! After a short drive, you’ll plunge into the sea.
Routes for cycling in Roquetas de Mar
Below you can find the different routes we have cycled in and around Roquetas de Mar. Fun routes that are challenging for both road bike, gravel bike and MTB. Cycling in Roquetas de Mar is definitely recommended.
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.