Cycling route from Málaga to Comares
2-Day bikepacking route from Málaga to one of Andalusia’s most scenic white villages
83km 2367hm
This two-day cycling route leads inland from the Mediterranean coast and climbs into the quiet mountain landscapes of the Axarquía, with Comares as its natural centrepiece. Perched high on a rocky hilltop, Comares is one of the most striking white villages in Málaga province and a particularly memorable place to reach by bike.
The route begins just east of the city, where you gradually leave the sea behind and move into a landscape shaped by avocado and mango orchards, almond terraces, winding mountain roads and small rural villages. We recommend considering Comares as an overnight stop.
The first day is slightly shorter than the second, allowing time to explore this unique hilltop village and to rest after the steady inland climbs away from the coast.
Route description
Day 1 — Málaga to Comares
The cycling route begins near the Mediterranean coastline and heads east through El Palo, one of Málaga’s traditional seaside neighbourhoods. Shortly after leaving the coast, the road turns inland and the climb toward Olías begins. As you gain height, the landscape changes quickly: sea views give way to agricultural hillsides, small fincas and scattered white houses.
The area around Olías marks the transition into the Axarquía interior – quieter, more rural and shaped by farming terraces. The final kilometres into Comares are steady and scenic, with the village gradually appearing ahead, rising above the surrounding valleys. Reaching Comares by bike feels like arriving at a natural balcony over the region – an ideal place to end the day and stay overnight.
After a demanding but enjoyable road, the village invites you to slow down, take in the views, reflect on both past and present, and enjoy the flavours of local Axarquía cuisine.
Day 2 – Comares to Málaga via Colmenar
Leaving Comares, the route continues toward Colmenar along narrow but well-paved roads. This section includes a steeper stretch, especially during the first kilometres after leaving the village. Colmenar is a good place to take a break and reward yourself with a coffee or a small snack in one of the local cafés.
From Colmenar, the route gradually turns back toward the coast and enters the Montes de Málaga Natural Park, where the landscape becomes greener and more forested. The ride toward Puerto del León is longer and more gradual, but wide views across the hills and valleys help maintain a relaxed rhythm.
After reaching Puerto del León and Fuente de la Reina, the route begins a long descent back toward Málaga. This final section follows one of the most scenic roads close to Málaga, often enjoyed by local cyclists for its views and steady descent.
Highlights on the route
Comares – overnight in a hilltop village
Comares is one of the most dramatically located villages in Andalucía. Built on a natural stone platform above deep valleys, it feels suspended between sky and land. Narrow streets, small squares, viewpoints and Moorish traces give the village a strong sense of history and stillness that becomes especially tangible while walking through its winding streets and unexpectedly appearing squares.
Agriculture shapes both the surrounding landscape and daily life here. Olive and almond trees cover the hillsides, and nearby vineyards produce the well-known Málaga raisins made from dried Muscat grapes. This connection places Comares along the traditional Raisin Route, adding another layer to its rural character and historical identity.
Colmenar
Colmenar is another well-known inland village of Málaga province, set at the gateway between the Axarquía region and the Montes de Málaga. The village is especially known in the region for its honey production, as well as local wines and olive oil. Beekeeping has a long tradition here, supported by the surrounding wildflowers and mountain vegetation, while olive groves and vineyards shape much of the landscape around the village.
Montes de Malaga
The Montes de Málaga Natural Park marks the final mountain section of this route. This area is characterised by pine forests, long ridgelines and quiet winding roads that gradually lead back toward Málaga.
Along the road, you pass traditional ventas – roadside restaurants that historically developed along old travel and trading routes, former farmhouses and small open hillside areas that offer views over the surrounding hills and, on clearer days, toward the coastline. One notable stop is Lagar de Torrijos, an 18th-century wine-making house preserved as a museum, which gives insight into the rural life and winemaking traditions of the Montes de Málaga.
Further on, the route passes near Mirador del Cochino, one of the best-known viewpoints in the park, with wide panoramas over the forested slopes, winding roads and occasional glimpses of the Mediterranean – a calm and fitting place to pause before the final descent back into the city.
This route was previously published as a road bike route on our old Escapada website. We updated the content to reflect our new Travel & Adventure concept while keeping the same region and key highlights.
Created by the Escapada Cycling team