Ingles / Repetidor de Mijas
Málaga to Mijas
Cycling route
Road to the mountain top with antennas in southeast of Malaga. One of the best scenic rides in the area.
Images and text by Escapada Cycling.
You can treat it as part of the round around Sierra de Mijas, or round by Fuengirola. But after all, the main course is the final five kilometers of the climb to Repetidor de Mijas.
In this case, we show the way from our bike rental in Malaga city center to Repetidor de Mijas, going through Torremolinos and Benalmadena pueblo.
The difficulty is not only the steep slope but also crossing the river in Torremolinos, which can be done by riding around the airport either from the north or by taking the MA-21 road for a while, and quickly go back to the coastal boulevards on the other side. Don’t worry, it’s not prohibited to take this road on your bike, also drivers are used to cyclists so you will be fine.
Even though there’s usually traffic around Torremolinos, try to cross following the road through the city center, as in the middle of the beach boulevard there will be a pedestrian lane that will prevent you from going any further and it’s usually crowded with people and kids running around. In Torremolinos, find the A-368 to Benalmádena pueblo.
(If you consider continuing all the way to Fuengirola instead of the classical climb to Benalmadena pueblo, you will have to turn inland over Fuengirola and then to Mijas pueblo. This is recommended if you are planning to take pictures and want to wait for a better sunset background)
The most classic uphill variant, through Benalmadena and Mijas, is 14 kilometers long, has an average slope of 7% and almost a thousand meters elevation.
Just before the town of Mijas we turn right where the main climb begins. On a narrow road to the antenna, it is easier to meet other cyclists or goats than cars.
In barely 5 kilometers, the road ascends 500 meters. The steepest grades vary between 10% and 13% all along the way, reaching 952 meters height over the sea level at the Cerro del Moro’s peak.
The steep incline rewards us with a spectacular 360 degree panorama, and before we turn back, because it’s a one-way road, it is worth taking a break to enjoy the views.
Do not forget to watch out while descending, as there are a few bumps (circled in white) and even rocks or branches on the road.
Back on the road, you arrive at Mijas pueblo. A nice place to have a coffee break and even get lost through its narrow streets, whitewashed houses and beautiful lookouts all around.
At the end of the road A-387 past Mijas, a roundabout shows us the way to Fuengirola. From there, we will be already riding on a flat road back to Malaga.
.
