The best cycling routes around Alfarnate
5.0
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441
riders
39
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Touring cycling routes around Alfarnate navigate a landscape characterized by rugged mountain ranges, including Enmedio, Palomera, and Jobo, with elevations exceeding 900 meters. The region features a contrast of rocky mountain scenery with fertile valleys abundant in olive and cherry trees. Streams like the Palancar bisect the terrain, and natural monuments such as the Fuente de los Cien Caños mark the area.
Best touring cycling routes around Alfarnate
- The most popular touring cycling route is Embalse La Viñuela – circular…
Last updated: July 17, 2026
5.0
(1)
10
riders
27.4km
02:08
680m
680m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
27
riders
80.1km
05:45
1,600m
1,600m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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21
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
22
riders
41.6km
04:02
970m
980m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
12
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Sounds like a very interesting and worthwhile initiative! Thanks for the information! https://circoescuelafantasia.es
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This very small village is situated on a fertile piece of land on top of a mountain ridge as you drive further into the mountains from Velez Malaga towards Alhama de Granada. The Neanderthals were already settled here, as evidenced by human remains found in the natural caves nearby. This region was and still is very fertile and therefore very worthwhile to settle. The Phoenicians, Romans and later from the 8th century the Moors also knew this. If you visit there you will not see much, much is "new". This is because in 1884 this was the epicentre of an earthquake and considerable damage was caused. The area is beautiful, mountainous, green and with a lot of agriculture. It is certainly worth taking the road from here to the nearby Alhama de Granada, which is certainly worth it. The village itself is small and quiet, with a traditional Andalusian appearance. The white houses, narrow streets and friendly community make it an ideal place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
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The Church of the Immaculate Conception is located in the Plaza de la Libertad and has a traditional architecture typical of the region. The church was completely destroyed during the 1884 Granada earthquake. The current church was built at the end of the nineteenth century by order of General Narváez.
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The Puerto de los Alazores is a mountain pass in the Sierra de San Jorge, in the province of Granada, close to the border with Málaga. This pass is located in the Cordillera Penibética and is approximately 1040 metres high. This pass was an important route in the past, especially during the journeys between Granada and Málaga. According to some sources, Ferdinand II of Aragon crossed here in 1487 to conquer Vélez-Málaga. In the area around the pass there are different types of trees, such as the pino carrasco, elms and pino resinero. It is also the place where the Guadalhorce River rises.
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In Alfarnate, La Venta de Alfarnate dates back to the 13th century, and is considered the oldest in Andalusia. Due to the numerous stories and legends surrounding it, it is considered a true popular monument, and it is not for nothing that it now houses the Museum of Andalusian Banditry. All kinds of people and all social classes have passed through here: muleteers, black marketeers, bandits, even King Alfonso XIII and Saint Joseph of Calasanz, not to mention artists, painters, and more. La Venta de Alfarnate remains faithful to its principles, its mystery, and its romantic magic. Its cuisine is fundamentally based on Andalusian mountain and country cuisine, with notable dishes including Alfarnate crumbs, eggs a lo bestia (roasted eggs), garlic goat, fried lamb blood sausage with tomatoes, and scrambled eggs with anise porridge.
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Circo Escuela is a charming family business founded by Gregorio Sánchez, a retired teacher who, during his youth, combined his teaching work with the management of the Zanquilandia Parade and Show Group. With a deep love for teaching and a passion for the circus world, Gregorio decided to merge these two great passions into a unique project, created from scratch with all the dedication and affection possible. Circo Escuela is the result of her efforts to offer children a space where learning and dreaming become the same experience.
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The area around the A-7205 road and Buenavista offers an authentic glimpse of rural Andalusia, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and cultural exploration. Buenavista itself is a small hamlet near Villanueva de Tapia, with surrounding rural countryside.
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Mirador El Boquete is a beautiful viewpoint in Zafarraya, on the border between the provinces of Málaga and Granada. This viewpoint offers breathtaking panoramic views over the northern part of the Axarquía region of Málaga and the western part of the Sierra de Almijara and Tejeda Natural Parks. The viewpoint is located near the village of Ventas de Zafarraya, which was the last railway station to be built in 1922 and closed in 1960.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes around Alfarnate?
Touring cycling around Alfarnate features a diverse landscape. You'll encounter rugged mountain ranges like Enmedio, Palomera, and Jobo, with some areas exceeding 900 meters in elevation. These rocky sections contrast with fertile valleys abundant in olive and cherry trees. Routes often follow streams like the Palancar and can include high plateaus, offering a varied and engaging cycling experience.
Are there challenging touring cycling routes in Alfarnate for experienced riders?
Yes, Alfarnate is well-suited for experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge. Out of over 40 routes, 35 are classified as difficult, featuring significant elevation gains and varied terrain. An example is the Monument to Peace – Torre del Mar Beach loop from Periana, which covers 58.8 miles (94.6 km) with over 2000 meters of ascent, connecting mountainous areas with coastal views.
Can I find any circular touring cycling routes in the Alfarnate area?
Many touring cycling routes around Alfarnate are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. A popular option is the Embalse La Viñuela – circular desde Periana, a 17.0-mile (27.4 km) difficult trail that offers significant elevation gain through varied terrain around the reservoir.
What natural features and landmarks can I see along the touring cycling routes?
The routes often pass by notable natural features and historical sites. You might encounter the Hundred‑Spout Fountain, which is the source of the Guadalhorce River, or the healing waters of the Baños de Vilo Hot Springs. Scenic viewpoints like the Boquete de Zafarraya Viewpoint offer panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys. You can also explore sections of the Old Rack Railway Route (Vía Verde de la Axarquía).
Are there any routes that combine cycling with cultural or historical stops?
Yes, some routes offer opportunities to integrate cultural experiences. For instance, the Venta de Alfarnate & Museum – Puerto del Sol (1085 m) loop from Alfarnatejo passes by the historic Venta de Alfarnate, a restored 17th-century inn that now operates as a restaurant-museum. The traditional white villages of Alfarnate and Alfarnatejo themselves provide charming backdrops and opportunities for breaks.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Alfarnate?
The touring cycling routes in Alfarnate are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 7 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse scenery, which transitions from rugged mountains to fertile valleys, and the challenging yet rewarding climbs. The blend of natural beauty and cultural points of interest also contributes to a memorable experience.
When is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Alfarnate?
Alfarnate offers pleasant cycling conditions for much of the year. You can witness beautiful almond blossoms in January and February, and cherry blossoms in March, adding a scenic element to your ride. The region's high altitude can provide cooler temperatures compared to coastal areas, making spring and autumn particularly ideal for touring cycling. Evenings are also noted for astrotourism due to minimal light pollution, especially for meteor showers in August.
Are there any touring cycling routes that offer views of the coast?
Yes, some longer routes connect the mountainous inland areas with coastal views. The Monument to Peace – Torre del Mar Beach loop from Periana is an excellent example, providing a diverse journey from the mountains down to the Mediterranean coast and back, offering a wide range of scenery.
Are there any routes suitable for beginners or those looking for an easier ride?
While many routes in Alfarnate are challenging, there are options that offer gentler sections, particularly through agricultural lands and valleys. However, it's important to note that the majority of routes are classified as moderate to difficult due to the mountainous terrain. For easier rides, look for routes with less elevation gain or consider shorter sections of the Vía Verde de la Axarquía, which follows an old railway line.
What are the typical elevations encountered on touring cycling routes in Alfarnate?
Alfarnate is situated at over 900 meters above sea level, and touring cycling routes frequently involve significant elevation changes. For example, the Upper Guadalhorce River Valley – El Boquete Viewpoint loop from Villanueva del Trabuco includes over 1500 meters of ascent, while the Iglesia Vieja de Zafarraya – Zafarraya loop from Zafarraya features over 900 meters of climbing. Be prepared for sustained climbs and descents.
Are there places to stop for refreshments or accommodation along the touring cycling routes?
The charming white villages in the region, including Alfarnate and its neighbors, offer opportunities for breaks. The historic Venta de Alfarnate, now a restaurant-museum, is a notable stop. These villages typically have local cafes and restaurants where you can refuel. For multi-day tours, Alfarnate is recognized as a strategic overnight stop, with accommodation options available for cyclists.
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