The best cycling routes around Almogía

Restaurant and museum with an incredibly rich and interesting collection of agricultural and household appliances. Housed in a former factory hall and well-attended.

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.

The railway bridge near Cártama Station, also known as the Puente de Hierro, spans the Guadalhorce River and is a defining structure of the area. It was built between 1927 and 1931 to ensure a rail connection between Cártama Station and the town center. The iron structure is a prime example of early 20th-century engineering and remains part of the regional railway infrastructure. Over the years, the bridge has undergone several maintenance and modernization projects. A comprehensive restoration was carried out in 2001, followed by the installation of architectural lighting in 2006, which further emphasizes its significance as a technical structure and local landmark. The bridge continues to be used today, vividly connecting transportation history with the landscape of the Guadalhorce Valley.

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 Puerto de El Torcal is the highest point on the road that leads from Villanueva de la Concepción up to Antequera (Carretera de Málaga a Antequera por Villanueva de la Concepción). At the end of the steady climb, where a sign reading El Torcal stands, you reach the pass, which runs along the western edge of the mountain range of the same name. Just a few kilometers further, a separate road branches off to the El Torcal de Antequera Natural Park and its visitor center. From here, a sweeping view of the surrounding mountain ranges opens up. The pass is located directly on the main road between Antequera and Villanueva de la Concepción and is therefore a prominent feature in the landscape. Many mistake it for the natural park itself, but it actually marks the highest point of the road at the edge of the impressive karst mountain range.

Puerto de El Jaral is not only a geographical crossing, but also a quiet viewpoint where the tranquility of nature and the wide view over the Mediterranean landscape combine – a characteristic destination for cyclists and nature lovers alike.