Benamocarra
79km 833hm
The destination of this cycling trip from Málaga is the region of Axarquía. It is an area shaped by beaches, cliffs, valleys, and mountains, with a mild climate that suits cycling throughout much of the year. It works well for gravel bikes, with a particularly nice alternative section near Málaga, where a coastal path runs close to the water along the beach and over stone-paved roads. At the same time, the route follows a well-known coastal road bike line for those who prefer to stay on asphalt.
From the beginning, the sea and the beach accompany most of the ride. As the city stays behind, the route passes through several coastal towns before reaching some of the quieter and less developed beaches of the Málaga province.
Riding along the coast also offers views of several old Arabic watchtowers dating back to the 13th century. These towers were part of the former coastal defence system, first under the Nasrid Emirate of Granada and later during the rule of the Catholic Monarchs.
After around 30 kilometres, the route turns inland towards the mountains and the climb begins gradually. In this region, alongside almonds and olive trees common across Andalusia, the fields are also characterised by mango and avocado plantations, made possible by the local subtropical climate. This is one of the reasons why the coast of Axarquía is often referred to as the Costa Tropical.
From Benamocarra, at around 43 kilometres from the start, the climb becomes slightly more demanding for a short two-kilometre stretch before easing again on the way towards Iznate. Overall, the ascent remains manageable, with the steeper part concentrated just after Benamocarra. Once in Iznate, a short stop at one of the bars before reaching the village centre is a good option. Both Benamocarra and Iznate have public water fountains where bottles can be refilled.
Thanks to the work of local communities, these small villages have preserved much of their traditional character. Narrow streets from the Muslim period, houses built on uneven terrain, and facades decorated with flowerpots sit alongside farmland that gradually changes from subtropical crops to almonds, olives, and vineyards. Both villages are good examples of traditional Andalusian mountain villages and are well suited for a one-day cycling trip from Málaga.
After reaching the top of the hill behind Iznate, the road follows the mountain down towards the same coastal road from the beginning.
Before returning to the city, it is worth including a short ride along the seafront promenade of El Cantal, especially if you are riding a gravel bike. The promenade links Rincón de la Victoria with La Cala del Moral and passes through several tunnels carved into the rock. Built in 1908, these tunnels were originally part of the railway line connecting Vélez-Málaga with Málaga. Along this section, you also pass a small cave chapel and a distinctive rock formation Peñon del Cuervo with a pleasant beach nearby.
If you wish to extend the day, you can also visit the unique sea cave in La Cala del Moral, located just above the coastline.
The day’s cycling adventure can also finish with a simple stop at a beach chiringuito (beach restaurant) in El Palo, where locals often go for fresh fish by the sea.
Some points of interest between Rincón de la Victoria and the centre of Málaga
Cueva del Tesoro
An unique marine cave, one of the few of its kind open to visitors in Europe.
Santuario de la Virgen del Carmen
A small cave chapel set into the cliff, dedicated to the patron saint of sailors.
Peñón del Cuervo
A distinctive rock formation by the sea, with a pleasant beach around it.
El Palo & Pedregalejo
Eastern neighbourhoods of Málaga, once traditional fishing villages and today known for their relaxed seafront promenades and fish restaurants on the beach.
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.
Images and text by Escapada Cycling