The best cycling routes around Villanueva De La Concepción

At the end of the steady climb, where a sign reads El Torcal, you reach the pass, which runs along the western edge of the mountain range of the same name. Just a few kilometers further on, a separate road branches off to the El Torcal de Antequera Natural Park and its visitor center. From here, a sweeping view opens up across the surrounding mountain ranges. The pass lies directly on the main road connecting Antequera and Villanueva de la Concepción, making it a prominent landmark. Many mistake it for the natural park itself, but it actually marks the highest point of the road on the edge of the impressive karst mountains.

An impressive Moorish fortress, perched high above Antequera. Built by the Moors between the 11th and 14th centuries, it was further expanded after the Christian reconquest in the 15th century. It served both as a defensive structure and as a symbol of power over the valley.

Especially in the evening hours, when the setting sun bathes the walls of the Alcazaba in a golden light, one of the most beautiful perspectives of Antequera is offered, reflecting both the history and the scenic location of the city.

Located in the Montes de Málaga, this restaurant is an ideal stop for cyclists exploring the region's mountain trails. The restaurant exudes a rustic, traditional atmosphere, with old tools, jerrycans, and platters evoking the area's agricultural past. The menu features hearty, typical regional dishes such as migas (a type of sausage), Plato de los Montes (a regional specialty), and meat and game dishes—perfect for refueling after a strenuous climb. From the terrace and windows, there are sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, making the break particularly worthwhile. Venta Galwey is therefore not only a place for good food but also for relaxation and enjoying the scenery during a cycling tour through the Montes de Málaga.

The ascent to Puerto del León follows a winding, paved road characterized by a consistently steep gradient, particularly noticeable in the switchbacks. The route leads through the foothills of the Montes de Málaga, past wooded slopes, scattered olive groves, and small fields. Upon reaching the upper sections, a view opens up to the mountainous landscape of the Axarquía region, with its gentle mountain ranges and deep valleys. The road itself snakes through the mountains, with the gradient frequently alternating between moderate and challenging, demanding both stamina and pedaling technique. The route, combined with the altitude, offers an intense experience of nature and riding.

Colmenar, a picturesque village in the Andalusian province of Málaga, was founded at the end of the 15th century after the Christian reconquest of the region. The village's name derives from the Spanish word colmena ("beehive") and recalls the long tradition of beekeeping, which once played a central role here. Thanks to its favorable location in the Montes de Málaga mountains and the lush vegetation, beekeeping was one of the most important sources of income for the population for centuries. Even today, Colmenar is known as the "Village of Honey" and proudly maintains this cultural heritage. Among the village's most important landmarks is the Ermita de la Candelaria, a small 17th-century chapel perched on a hill overlooking the village, offering sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. In the town center stands the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, a church dating from the 16th and 17th centuries, which impresses with its simple Andalusian style and tranquil atmosphere. At the town entrance, visitors are greeted by the Puerta de la Cruz, a symbolic gate featuring a monolith bearing the village's coat of arms – adorned with a bee and a honeycomb, representing Colmenar's history and identity. A particular highlight is the Museo de la Miel, the "Honey Museum," where visitors can learn all about beekeeping, the work of bees, and honey production. Thus, Colmenar harmoniously blends history, nature, and tradition – a place where the region's past and a deep love for its landscape are reflected in every street and every scent of wild rosemary.

The Asador restaurant at the Hotel Balcón de los Montes in Colmenar impresses with its rustic atmosphere and a terrace offering unobstructed views of the surrounding Montes de Málaga mountains. Specialties include grilled meat dishes and traditional regional cuisine. Large windows and the terrace seamlessly connect the dining experience with the expansive, idyllic landscape, making it the perfect place to relax during or after a day of sightseeing.

The monument near Colmenar is a stone memorial monolith commemorating José Campos Fontalba, a chief engineer of the province of Málaga. Constructed of roughly hewn natural stone, it takes the form of a stepped base with an inset cross. At its center is a recessed stone plaque bearing his name, profession, and a dedication. The monument stands at the roadside, surrounded by tall cypress trees, and is clearly visible from the road. It conveys the impression of a traditional, solid memorial, a common feature of the first half of the 20th century. Its simple, robust design and the use of local stone blend harmoniously into the landscape of the Montes de Málaga. Overall, it is a typical example of a Spanish road or engineering monument of that era, commemorating both an individual and the importance of public works in a mountainous region. Today, the monument stands as a silent historical witness by the roadside, preserving the memory of the technical and social development of this area.