The best traffic-free bike rides around Iznate

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.

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 mural honoring "Verdiales and Paco Maroto" by Lalone in Benagalbón is a large-scale graffiti piece on the facade of the local folklore center. The mural pays tribute to the Verdiales, a traditional music and dance form from Málaga, and honors the important musician Paco Maroto. Lalone, a well-known street artist from Málaga, combined a realistic portrait with colorful floral elements that highlight the vibrant character of the local folklore. The work, measuring over one hundred square meters, was created using more than one hundred spray cans and was commissioned by the Rincón de la Victoria town hall. The mural aims to strengthen the cultural identity of the region and was completed in time for the traditional Verdiales competition in Benagalbón.

The Torre Vigía de El Cantal is a 14th-century Moorish coastal watchtower that was part of a defense system against pirates. It stands on a rocky outcrop about thirty meters above the sea. The tower is approximately eight to ten meters high, built of stone and limestone, and was used for signaling with smoke and fire. After the Reconquista, it lost its military significance but remained as a landmark. Today, it is protected as a cultural monument ("Bien de Interés Cultural") and offers a breathtaking view of the coast.

The Paseo Virgen del Carmen in Rincón de la Victoria is a particularly picturesque stretch of the seafront promenade, extending along the rocky coast to the cliffs of El Cantal. The path offers magnificent views of the Mediterranean Sea, and at its end, a small chapel is nestled into the rocks. This section of the Paseo Virgen del Carmen thus impressively combines nature, faith, and art – ideal for a peaceful moment by the sea, especially at sunset when the rocks and the sea are bathed in golden light.

The sculpture ensemble "Dolphins by the Sea" by artist Salvador Gómez Escaño is located on the Rincón de la Victoria seafront and was inaugurated in March 2024. It is a work that symbolizes the close relationship between the coastal town, the sea, and its natural environment. The inscription emphasizes that the beaches are more than just water and sand – they are places of life and inspiration. Their preservation is seen as a duty, their enjoyment as a privilege. With this ensemble, the town of Rincón de la Victoria honors the importance of the sea to the life of the community and simultaneously sets an artistic example of environmental awareness and connection to the coast.

A town famous for its honey and sausages, among other things. A visit to its central square and the church located at the top of the town are highly recommended.

The Río Seco near Caleta de Vélez is a popular stretch for an easy bike ride near the coast. The trail is flat and paved, with sections along the riverbed and is suitable for cyclists of all experience levels. The route connects urban sections with natural areas and offers frequent open views of the mountains. This allows for a leisurely ride while enjoying the scenery and proximity to the beach and water.