"I discovered these routes when touring the area for the first time.
Picked them out for their beauty, and the cycling challenge"
STU - VELO VELEFIQUE
Our Routes
Alto de Velefique
The most iconic climb in southern Spain, Velefique is located in the Sierra de los Filabres mountain range. The winding road stretches 13 km to the summit, also known as Alto de Velefique, is a real test for any cyclist.
Including 20 hairpin turns and averaging 7.8%, the climb finishes at 1,820 m. Cycling in this spectacular scenery includes views to what is Europe’s only desert, the Tabernas desert. If you look closely you may see a set from a Spaghetti Western movie or even Lawrence of Arabia!
We believe Velefique has all the ingredients to be named the “Best climb in Spain”,with a smooth road surface, fantastic open hairpin bends and stunning scenery. On our last ride we saw no other cyclists or cars, just one couple on a motorbike taking photos at the viewpoint, sometimes it really is like riding on your own private road.
A very tough climb indeed especially the first 4 km. After the initial hurt you settle into an average of around 7% more or less to the summit. It can be cold at the top so your extra gear will be waiting. You may need it for the descent!
Velo Velefique use our "Broom Wagon" for this route and provide drinks and snacks at the summit. All your extra gear will be in the van.
The descent will need your full attention!
Mojacar - Cabo de Gata - Nijar loop
Starting in Mojacar this ride takes us south along spectacular coastline into the Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park, the largest coastal protected area in Andalusia, which is the only region in Mainland Europe with a true hot desert climate.
One of highlights of this route is the Mirador de la Granatilla which we have to climb towards the end of the ride. The views from the top are simply breathtaking, the best in Cabo de Gata-Nijar. A real Instagram opportunity!
From here we roll along the coast and down from the Mirador, through the coastal town of Carbonares and further into the Natural Park on pristine roads which are eerily quiet! We can stop for coffee on the beautiful beach at Aqua Amarga, a typical pretty Spanish village, before we head out on a loop to bring us back to the climb up to the Mirador de la Granatilla.
This ride really does showcase the best of Almeria cycling.
Mojacar - San Juan - Mojacar
One of our favourite rides on an undulating coastal road so breathtaking it is one of the main reasons for us relocating to this area.
We leave Mojacar, cycling north along the beautiful coastline. We pass through the town of Garrucha with the Mediterranean on our right. Along to Vera Playa which is a Naturist resort, so you may catch a glimpse of the odd ….!!
Villaricos is the next village and Sunday is their market day, one of the largest in the area. This is the start of 20km of rolling silky smooth tarmac, with the sea shimmering away next to us. The road is one for the Punchuers.
San Juan de los Terreros appears at the end of this section. A great spot for a coffee and cake! We then turn and head uphill and take a 15km loop around the magnificent Aquilón Golf Course, rated “Best Desert Golf Course in Europe”.
Heading back along the coastline, the return will feel like a completely different ride - up becomes down and vice versa, the direction of the sun casting an entirely different landscape.
This ride is approximately 75 km with 900 m of climbing. A great end of tour ride?