Haza del Lino Loop via Rubite and Polopos

Thanks to its south-facing, coastal location, this route offers comfortable cycling conditions year-round. You can enjoy the stunning scenery and challenging climbs any time of the year.

This loop is considered a difficult climb, often categorized as Hors Catégorie (HC), indicating an extreme challenge. The ascent through Polopos, for instance, features an unforgiving average gradient of 7% over nearly 17 kilometers, with particularly steep sections at the start. It's definitely one for experienced road cyclists.

Yes, there are a couple of key stops. The village of Polopos, about 10.5 km into the climb, has a small café and a fountain to refill your water bottles. Near the summit, you'll find the Haza del Lino Pass and Restaurant, which is a great spot to refuel with food and coffee before your descent.

Prepare for breathtaking panoramic views! As you cycle along the ridge of the Sierra Contraviesa, you'll see expansive vistas of the Sierra Nevada mountains, the Alboran Sea, and a beautiful mosaic of fruit and almond trees. The route through Polopos is especially picturesque, winding through mountains with views of rolling hills and the coastline. You'll also pass vineyards and almond trees with pink blossoms.

Given its 'difficult' rating and Hors Catégorie climbs with steep gradients, this route is not recommended for beginner cyclists. It requires a good level of fitness and experience with challenging ascents.

The road surface is generally in good condition, making it suitable for racebikes. Some sections have even been recently resurfaced. You'll encounter beautiful switchbacks as you climb the mountain.

Absolutely! You'll pass several interesting spots. Look out for the View of Motril and the coast from El Conjuro, the challenging Rubite Climb, and the Haza del Lino Pass and Restaurant. The village of Polopos itself is historically significant, known for its 16th-century Arabic fortifications and wine production. You'll also get fantastic Views of Polopos and eventually reach Playa de Casarones.

While specific parking areas aren't detailed, the route typically starts from coastal towns like Motril or Salobreña. You'll need to find suitable public parking in one of these areas to begin your loop.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to cycle the Haza del Lino Loop via Rubite and Polopos. The roads are publicly accessible.

This route is designed for racebikes on public roads. While there are no specific restrictions against dogs, it's generally not considered a suitable or safe route for cycling with dogs due to the challenging terrain, traffic (albeit light), and long distances involved.

The roads on the climb, especially when ascending via Polopos, are often described as isolated with very little traffic. This enhances the immersive experience of the natural surroundings, allowing for a more peaceful ride.