The Best Places for Mountain Biking in Andalucia

For outdoor enthusiasts and cycling lovers, there is no better place to go than Andalucia in Spain. Here you will find an array of stunning scenery, varied terrains, an excellent climate and plenty of cultural attractions. Due to the area’s popularity, visitors will also discover a plethora of biking trails around Andalucia to enjoy. 

Whether you’re looking for challenging routes or something for the whole family, there are cycle paths for all in Andalucia. The area also displays mild temperatures throughout the year, making it an excellent place for those looking to get out and active. You can also relish the number of hiking paths here, ideal for those who like to spend some of their time walking. 

If you’re planning a cycling trip or hiking and biking holiday in Andalucia, you’re likely in need of a little more information. Luckily enough, we have put together everything you need to know below. This will help ensure you make the most out of your time here, all whilst experiencing some of the best trails that Spain has to offer.  

The Best Time to Cycle in Andalucia

When you choose to visit Andalucia for your mountain biking adventure is something to consider. Many choose to cycle here in spring or fall, this is when the temperatures remain pleasant and there are fewer tourist crowds in the area. Planning your trip is important as it ensures you get the most out of your time here. Some excellent hike and bike companies will help ensure you see all that this beautiful part of Spain has to offer, as well as guide you to some of the best routes. 

Vía Verde de la Sierra

First up is the excellent Via Verde de la Sierra path. This is a relatively easy trail and one that is great for families. The favoured route begins in Olvera and takes visitors along an old railway. There are plenty of interesting sights along the way, alongside some excellent cafes to grab a bite to eat. These are just some of the reasons why the trail is favoured among families, as there are plenty of places to rest whilst enjoying this route.  

Its descending path is great for those seeking a leisurely ride, or one to enjoy with the whole family. Make your way through the remote countryside alongside the 30 tunnels along the route, providing an exciting adventure for all. 

You will also have the opportunity to experience over 4 viaducts whilst enjoying a hike and bike holiday in Andalucia, with the Via Verde de la Sierra being a great way to witness more of the fascinating landscapes here. The route is around 36 km in length and takes about 3.5 hours to complete. With an ascent of 147m, you can enjoy all that the beautiful scenery has to offer, all whilst appreciating a wholesome day out in Spain with the whole family. 

Setenil de las Bodegas

The Setenil de las Bodegas begins in Ronda and ends in Setenil. Comprising idyllic villages and beautiful landscapes along the way, it is known for being one of the favoured rides in Andalucia. It is also considered to be one of the easier routes, perfect for those seeking a gentle cycle or somewhere to simply witness all of the sights and attractions here. The area is also an excellent spot for those seeking a hiking or biking holiday in Spain. 

This is a great option for families or anyone pursuing a leisurely bike in Andalucia. The route consists of quiet roads and tracks, alongside some lovely architecture to enjoy. Whilst travelling along the Setenil de las Bodegas trail, be sure to spend some time marvelling over the limestone walls and structures, allowing visitors to soak up some of the interesting history and heritage of the area. 

Set in a deep river gorge, the Setenil de las Bodegas trail is perfect for those desiring a tranquil ride in Andalucia. With pretty landscapes and breathtaking scenery, you will find yourself needing to stop off multiple times just to breathe it all in. 

Stretching over 24km with an ascent of 163m, we recommend allowing 2 to 3 hours to complete the Setenil de las Bodegas cycle route. This should give you enough time to enjoy all that the trail has to offer. However, if you plan to stop off or grab a bite to eat, you will likely need more time for this excellent bike ride in Andalucia. 

Grazalema Natural Park

Looking to explore one of Andalucia’s protected areas of outstanding natural beauty? Well, look no further because Grazalema Natural Park is the place for you. Here you will find dramatic scenery and stunning landscapes in abundance with mighty peaks and sweeping valleys along the way. This is an excellent choice for those seeking a little serenity during their bike ride as they head into the remote wilderness. 

The Grazalema Natural Park is ideal for those seeking a mountain biking adventure in Andalucia as the route comprises varied terrain and cross-country cycling. Be sure to take some time to marvel over the impressive mountain sierras, alongside the unspoiled natural beauty throughout. There will also be plenty of opportunities to catch a glimpse of the beautiful wildlife and lush greenery during your ride. 

This route is considered to be of an easy to intermediate level, great for those who have some previous cycling experience. It is also an ideal introduction to mountain biking in Spain, as there are challenging areas alongside smoother paths. 

With around 24km of ground to cover and an ascent of about 336m, the ride through Grazalema Natural Park takes roughly 3 hours. This is the ideal place for outdoor enthusiasts and avid cyclists to immerse themselves in all of the natural beauty that Andalucia has to offer. 

Málaga Lakes & El Chorro

For those seeking a thrilling cross-country ride in Andalucia, the Malaga Lakes and El Chorro are the perfect places for you. Here you can explore a vast area of mountainous terrain, alongside remote countryside and stunning landscapes. You will also discover plenty of shimmering lakes and lush greenery, ideal for those hoping to immerse themselves in the natural beauty surrounding Andalucia. 

The ride starts in Cuevas Del Becerro and ends in El Chorro Lakes and takes around 3 to 4 hours to complete. With the whole route stretching over 42km, it is considered to be of a moderate level, so some prior mountain biking experience is recommended. 

With a descent of 590m, the Malaga Lakes and El Chorro route is perfect for those looking to challenge themselves when out on a biking adventure. However, the rewards are certainly worth it with breathtaking scenery and a diverse range of terrain to enjoy. Plus, you can also rest your legs on the way back with an enjoyable descent of around 1,152m! 

Sierra de las Nieves 

The Sierra de las Nieves route is also referred to as the mountains to the Mediterranean, as the course covers many of the stunning landscapes that Andalucia has to offer. With a path of around 36km, an ascent of 396m and a ride time of approximately 3 hours, we recommend that those who attempt this ride are of an intermediate biking level. 

There are plenty of hilly climbs along the way, all of which are rewarded by rugged natural vistas at the top. You will journey along remote tracks and stunning valleys as you embark on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure along the Sierra de las Nieves. 

When travelling through the Sierra de las Nieves National Park, you will see why this route is considered to be one of the best in Andalucia. Make sure you spend some time immersing yourself in the mountainous terrain, pristine beaches and lush pine forests along the trail. With so much to see throughout this route, it comes as no surprise that so many cyclists head here to enjoy all that it has to offer. 

After making your way through the Sierra de las Nieves National Park, this trail will then take you to the sandy shores of the Costa del Sol. Here you can spend some time resting up, or continue your ride towards the Mediterranean Sea, where you can soak up the impressive coastal vistas. With so much to witness along the way, this is one of the routes in Andalucia not to be missed! 

The Mythical, Granada 

For those pursuing a thrilling mountain biking adventure in Andalucia, consider partaking in the Mythical route from Granada to Pico Veleta. This exciting trail includes the climb of the Pico Veleta mountain, situated in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Many start their ride from the lovely city of Granada and head towards the gorgeous national park for an adventure of a lifetime. 

The route is roughly 40 km in length with a total elevation gain of around 1,300m. Not only will this trail challenge your cycling ability, but it is also known for being one of the most difficult in Europe, so certainly not for the faint of heart. However, with dramatic landscapes and impressive mountainous terrain, the reward is certainly worth it. 

Be sure to spend some time marvelling over Granada city as you head into the Sierra Nevada mountain range, a great place to take in the vistas from a bird’s eye view. You will also be encompassed by wildlife and natural beauty along this trail, ideal for those seeking a little serenity when out on their bike. 

If you’re hoping to make the most of the beautiful countryside in Andalucia, alongside stunning mountain vistas and exceptional scenery, the challenging Mythical from Granada is sure to do the trick!  

The Tajo Algarín Mountain Loop

Another favoured cycling route in the Granada region is the Tajo Algarin Mountain Loop. Stretching over 18 km with an average elevation gain of 495m, this is considered to be a difficult path. Cyclists often start their journey in the lovely town of Almunecar, providing another excuse to explore more of the Andalucia area. 

There are a few challenging climbs along the way, alongside some fairly steep descents. With this in mind, previous cycling experience is recommended for partaking in the Tajo Algarin Mountain Loop. However, cyclists often find that the roads are good throughout the trail with few narrow and winding sections, alongside a good mix of paved and rugged paths. 

This scenic trail is ideal for those looking to challenge themselves when planning a mountain biking adventure in Andalucia. Not only do the stunning landscapes provide an excellent reward for riders, but the many attractions and sights along the route are perfect for those looking to explore more of Andalucia. 

Summary

After browsing our top mountain biking recommendations in Andalucia, we hope you can now visit here with all of the best places in mind. Whether you’re seeking somewhere to challenge your biking abilities, or just a leisurely day out with the family, there is something here for all. With so much to do in the area, you will also discover plenty of other exciting adventures and activities when visiting this beautiful part of Spain, making it an ideal destination for a range of travellers.