Discover Cycling in Andalucía

Discover cycling in Andalucía and in particular Nerja and how it can offer a truly unique cycling experience.

Planning your next cycling holiday? You may not have considered Andalucía, Spain as your destination of choice. Autumn in this southern Spanish region transforms it into a cyclist’s paradise, with mild temperatures and breath taking landscapes. 

Ready to explore the unbeaten track?. 

Key Takeaways 

• Autumn in Andalucía, Spain offers mild temperatures that are ideal for cycling trips. 
• The region’s stunning autumn landscapes provide a picturesque backdrop for exploring on a cycling holiday. 
• During this season, roads and tourist attractions in Andalucía are less crowded, allowing cyclists to enjoy peaceful and uninterrupted rides. 
• Lots of things to do when it comes to food, shopping, and entertainment.
• Additional natural attractions and cultural centres

Reasons Why You Should Consider a Cycling Holiday in Andalucía, Spain

Autumn in Andalucía offers mild temperatures, stunning autumn landscapes, and less crowded roads and tourist attractions. 

Mild Temperatures 

One of the primary reasons to choose Andalucía as your autumn cycling destination is its mild Mediterranean climate. While many parts of Europe are experiencing harsh winters, this region enjoys pleasantly moderate temperatures, making it perfect for cycling trips. With average daytime temperatures ranging from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F), you can comfortably cycle through picturesque landscapes without having to battle extreme cold or heat or unpredictable weather. 

Navigating the challenging routes of the Sierras de Tejeda becomes significantly easier as autumn approaches. Whether you opt for self-guided tours or prefer organised bike trips, like Port Velo’s Tour of Andalucia Cycling Holiday,these ideal weather conditions enhance your overall cycling experience in this beautiful region. 

Beautiful Autumn Landscapes 

Autumn in Andalucía, Spain brings with it breath taking landscapes that are perfect for exploring on a cycling holiday. The rolling hills, picturesque vineyards, and olive groves create a backdrop that is both beautiful and captivating.  

Less Crowded Roads and Tourist Attractions 

During autumn in Andalucía, you can enjoy the benefits of less crowded roads and tourist attractions. This means that as a keen cyclist, you’ll have more space to ride the fantastic routes without worrying about heavy traffic or overcrowded paths. 

With fewer tourists around, you’ll also have the opportunity to explore popular attractions at your own pace and truly immerse yourself in the local culture. Soak up the beauty of historic towns and landmarks without feeling rushed or overwhelmed by crowds. 

Cycling in Andalucía: Traffic

There are always questions around traffic entering & leaving the towns and cities. The relaxed atmosphere means that even the busier roads feel safe. There are dedicated lanes on the road that give priority to cyclists & local drivers are more than happy to sit back, relax & let us cyclist’s do our thing. There are also plenty of bike lanes separating bikes from traffic completely. The coastal road is more transited but a pleasure to ride and again, drivers show cyclists plenty of respect out on the road. 

Anyone with a couple of years of experience cycling on roads, especially here in the UK, should feel more than comfortable riding every day. 

Food and Coffee

As people who know me, coffee and in particular ‘Speciality’ coffee is very much a part of my life, both professionally and personally when I am riding. The specialty coffee scene has a way to go in Andalucía, especially outside of the big cities. However there are some great coffee places starting to pop up. This does not detract from the already plentiful options to enjoy a delicious pre-ride coffee and breakfast. 

Mid-ride cyclists in Andalucía enjoy a he bocadillo or bocata. This is a sandwich made with Spanish bread and any filling. It’s served at pretty much any bar you can find, fills the hunger gap & is completely delicious. If a whole one is too much, then make sure you order the pitufo. This literally means “smurf,” however, in this case it refers to a sandwich made with a miniature loaf of bread

Post-ride it’s hard to beat stopping at a chiringuito on the beach for a cold beer or a coke before retiring for a siesta and a freshen up before dinner and heading out into town. 

Outstanding Transport Links

Málaga Airport is a modern fully equipped, busy yet relaxed airport.

With the high speed train just 2 hrs and 24 minutes from Madrid, Málaga also boasts excellent rail connections to the rest of Spain and Europe.

There are also a lot of Taxis and Transfer Companies on hand to take you on to your final destination before you embark on your cycling holiday. Nerja is just one hour away.

Nerja 

One area in Andalucía we love is Nerja. Not only is the cycling in Nerja pretty awesome, it offers all of the above benefits, pleasant weather, beautiful scenery, and fewer crowds, making it an ideal place for a cycling holiday, whatever the time of the year. 

Not only are the rides from Nerja plentiful, but also can be very rewarding. Routes take you through picturesque landscapes and charming villages, giving you a true taste of Andalusian culture.

The Costa del Sol and in particular the coastal resort of Nerja has been growing in popularity for cyclists in recent years. More and more serious cyclists have started to shun Mallorca and head for Andalucía, an area more commonly known for its beaches and traditional Spanish lifestyle.

The Coastal Resort of Nerja

Nerja and the surrounding area known as the Axarquia offers everything a cyclist is looking for. Nerja is a small sea side town located East of Malaga, just 70 kilometres from Malaga airport. In the summer it is a popular tourist destination attracting tourists from all over Europe. In the winter, the resort is a lot quieter which means there is plenty of affordable, cyclist friendly accommodation available at reasonable prices.

Bike Routes Around Nerja

In 2018 and 2022 the peloton leading the 4th stage of La Vuelta a España passed through Nerja. Then they headed towards Almunecar before making a left turn to attack the stunning climb up to the villages of Jete, Otivar and then into the Natural Park. It is an ideal place to test your climbing skills against the pro’s!

Nerja to Frigiliana to Cómpeta

Another popular cycling route leaves from Nerja and heads for the inland white villages of Frigiliana, Torrox & Cómpeta. This route takes you through picturesque landscapes, charming white-washed villages, and stunning mountain views. It also means climbing over 650 meters on quiet, well surfaced roads before a descent of 12 kilometres down to the coastal town of Algarobbo. From here the route finishes off on the coastal road that runs parallel to the the Mediterranean sea back to Nerja.

The Veleta Ride

Finally, there is one climb that is on the bucket list of most cyclists that venture here and that is the ride to Pico del Veleta, Granada. It is considered to be one of the great cycling challenges in Europe. The road to the top is on the highest paved road in Europe and it also holds the title of being Europe’s longest cycling assent. From Granada to the top you will climb to 3398 meters over just 42 kilometres. the rest of the stats are here, Pico Veleta;

Length – 42 km
Summit Elevation – 3,398 m
Start Elevation – 838 m
Elevation Gain – 2,700 m
Average Gradient – 6%

Port Velo can offer a custom tour to tackle the record breaking climb. So if you are interested in crafting your own cycling tour in the region and taking on this climb, contact us here, at our custom tour page.

A Guide to Visiting Nerja

Nerja is an old fishing town and isn’t your typical Costa del Sol destination in Spain. Nerja is that place in Spain that you’ve never heard of, and for good reason too. However, the fact is, Nerja couldn’t be any further away from that.

From traditional tapas to modern cuisine, cobbled streets to lovely sandy beaches, Nerja is an ideal holiday destination, not just for couples, but families and those seeking to just have a great time, including cyclists.

Known as the ‘Jewel of the Costa del Sol’, Nerja is a World away from the high rise package holidays and is a perfect combination of beautiful beaches, shops, bars and restaurants to suit your taste. It’s a hidden gem which is yet to be overdeveloped or overpopulated with swathes of tourists, but there is no doubt it’s getting busier every year.

Negotiating the narrow cobbled streets in Nerja old town at peak times can sometimes feel like a small place in the heart of a big city, but it has a quiet charm which gives it a relaxed vibe.

Have I already mentioned the climate? It is also worth noting the climate, with over 300 days of sunshine a year and average temperatures of 18 degrees in the winter, visiting Nerja at any time of the year is a great option.

10 Best Things To Do in Nerja

As I mentioned before, you’d be forgiven for thinking that this old fishing village would be a sleepy town, but the truth couldn’t be any different. So when visiting Nerja, these are my top 10 things to put on your ‘to-do’ list if you have the time, especially if you bring your partner along on your cycling holiday:

1. Explore the Nerja Caves

The Nerja Caves are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Nerja. They are a series of caverns and rooms that have been created by the erosion of water on the limestone rock. The Cuevas de Nerja are home to the world’s largest stalactite, which is over 21 meters long.

2. Visit the Balcón de Europa

The Balcón de Europa is a promenade that runs along the edge of a cliff in Nerja. It offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the town of Nerja. The Balcón de Europa is a great place to relax, take in the views and people watch.

3. Relax at one of many beaches

Nerja beaches are some of the best in Spain, renowned for their crystal-clear waters and stunning views. Whether you’re looking for a secluded spot to relax or an exciting destination to enjoy water sports like swimming and diving, you’ll find a beautiful beach that’s perfect for your needs. There is no ‘best beach’ in Nerja, but the largest and most well equipped one is Playa de Burriana.

4. Visit the Museo de Nerja

The Museo de Nerja is a museum that is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of Nerja and its surrounding area. Located in Nerja town centre, it houses a collection of archaeological artefacts, traditional costumes, paintings and photographs.

5. Explore the Old Town

The Old Town of Nerja is a charming labyrinth of narrow pebble streets and whitewashed houses. It is the perfect place to explore at your own pace, do some shopping and stop for a coffee or lunch.

6. Take a boat trip from Nerja

There are many companies that offer boat trips from Nerja. These trips usually last for a few hours and take you around the coast, past caves and other scenic areas.

7. Hike to Maro Rocks or head to Playa de Maro

If you fancy a day off the bike and fancy some rock climbing or hiking then head to the Maro Rocks, which is a set of majestic limestone cliffs that rise up out of the Mediterranean Sea. They offer some of the best views in Nerja and are great for hiking or rock climbing. You can then reward yourself with a few hours on Maro beach!

8. Visit the Church of El Salvador

The Church of El Salvador is a beautiful 17th century church located in the Old Town of Nerja. El Salvador Church is an impressive building with a lovely interior that is worth exploring during your visit to Nerja.

9. Visit the Museo Arqueológico of Frigiliana

About 7km out of Nerja lies the beautiful town of Frigiliana. The Museo Arqueológico of Frigiliana is an archaeological museum that features a range of artefacts from the prehistoric, Roman and medieval periods.

10. Go wine tasting at one of Nerja’s wineries

There are several wineries in Nerja that offer tours and tastings. These wineries produce a range of different wines, from fruity reds to crisp whites. If you’re a wine lover, this is the perfect activity for you.

Conclusion

Hopefully you now know a little bit more about Nerja and the reasons why we here at Port Velo love it so much. We love the stunning landscapes and great cycling routes, the rolling hills, picturesque vineyards, and olive groves, the cooler climate and quieter roads, make Nerja the perfect destination for cycling this autumn for an unforgettable adventure.

Whether you’re looking for a late season cycling holiday or want to mix it up with some cultural experiences and having some fun in the sun, there are plenty of things to do. You will find something for everyone in this delightful Spanish town.

So what are you waiting for? Book your Cycling Holiday in Andalucía with Port Velo to Andalucia today and start planning your adventure with us, either this October 2024 or April 2025!