Mountain Biking and Gravel Biking Holiday in Southern Spain: A Guide to Andalucía’s Best Rides

Ash Beyer

Travel Writer

Andalucía is a Year-Round Cycling Paradise, making it the perfect cycling holiday destination.

Southern Spain’s Andalucía region is a dream destination for your cycling holiday, whether you’re into mountain biking, gravel biking or road cycling. With year-round sunshine, mild winters and a diverse variety of landscapes, you can easily pedal from the rugged mountain trails of the Sierra Nevada to the rolling hills near Málaga, pass through sun-kissed beaches and olive groves of the Via Verde, and even venture into desert terrain–all in a single day. Add this to the region’s rich cultural history, friendly communities, and excellent local produce, and you have the perfect backdrop for a cycling adventure in Spain, no matter what your skill level is.


Here’s a breakdown of the best road cycling, mountain biking and gravel trail routes in Andalucía, organised into easy scenic routes, medium-level rides, and more challenging terrain for those seasoned cyclists.

A scenic bike path and stairway stretch along the Costa del Sol in Málaga, Spain, at sunset.

Easy and Scenic Rides

For beginners, families and those looking for a more leisurely cycling holiday, these easy and scenic rides offer stunning views with (nearly) minimal effort.


Via Verde de la Sierra (Cádiz Province) - This converted railway line between Puerto Serrano and Olvera is one of Spain’s most beautiful and accessible cycling routes. You’ll ride among olive groves, over historic viaducts and through tunnels, with plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the surrounding countryside.

  • Distance: 36 km
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Best for: Families and beginner gravel cyclists! The mostly unpaved surface makes it perfect for gravel or hybrid bikes, offering a gentle introduction to off-road cycling.



Costa del Sol to Ronda (Málaga Province) - This ride takes you from the sunny beaches of the Costa del Sol to the winding mountain roads leading to the historic hilltop town of Ronda. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a mix of sea views and hilly terrain, with an end reward of arriving in one of Andalucía’s most picturesque towns.

  • Distance: 55-60 km
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Perfect for: Road cyclists and gravel bikers alike, thanks to the combination of coastal and mountain terrain. Slightly more challenging than the Via Verde!

The Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos cycling and hiking path leads to Andalucía's famous whitewashed villages of Ronda, Grazalema and Zahara de la Sierra.

Medium to Challenging Rides

For mountain bikers and gravel cyclists who want to push their limits, these routes offer moderate climbs and longer distances while still allowing riders to take in the beauty of Andalucía. 


Cabo de Gata Natural Park (Almería) - Famous for its volcanic landscape, secluded beaches and turquoise waters, this natural park is perfect for cyclists who want to escape the crowds and enjoy a peaceful ride amidst untamed nature. Riders can opt for the flatter coastal paths or take on more challenging climbs along the rugged terrain.

  • Distance: 40-60 km
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Great for: Cyclists who chase those off-the-beaten path experiences and long for a remote ride in one of Spain’s most stunning coastal regions.



Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos (Cádiz and Málaga Provinces) - This route is a collection of winding roads and rolling hills that take road cyclists through Andalucía’s famous whitewashed villages, including Ronda, Grazalema and Zahara de la Sierra.

  • Distance: 120-160 km
  • Difficulty: Medium to Hard
  • Perfect for: Riders with an adventurous edge - the mix of paved roads and off-road trails makes it a great option for gravel cyclists looking for an immersive experience and mixed terrain.


The popular Sierra Nevada summit Pico Veleta stands tall in the distance under a blue sky.

Hard and Adventurous Rides

If you're an experienced cyclist looking for a serious challenge for your cycling holiday, Andalucía offers some of the toughest rides in Europe. These routes push the limits of endurance and climbing ability, while rewarding cyclists with some of the most dramatic landscapes and scenery in Southern Spain.


Sierra Nevada National Park (Granada) - The Sierra Nevada offers some of the toughest cycling challenges in Europe, including the bucket list climb to Pico Veleta, one of Europe’s highest paved roads sitting at 3,396 metres. The elevation gain and high altitudes make this a demanding ride, but the panoramic views at the top are well worth the effort. During summer, the Sierra Nevada transforms into an exciting Bike Park, featuring over 30 km of signposted routes, from 3,000 to 2,100 metres in altitude. The park includes seven downhill and enduro circuits, along with a beginner-friendly MiniBike Park in Borreguiles, making it a must-visit for mountain bikers.

  • Distance: Various routes, up to 50 km
  • Difficulty: Hard
  • Best for: Hardcore road cyclists and mountain bikers who want to conquer some of the highest peaks in Europe!




Alpujarras Region (Sierra Nevada Foothills) - Nestled in the southern foothills of the Sierra Nevada, Granada's Alpujarras region offers a unique blend of snow-capped mountain views, charming whitewashed villages, terraced farmland and the Mediterranean coastline. The steep climbs and winding roads make this one of Andalucía’s most challenging but rewarding rides.

  • Distance: 50-100 km
  • Difficulty: Hard
  • Perfect for: Gravel and mountain bikers looking to test their climbing skills while enjoying an unforgettable mix of nature and culture.


A cyclist takes a short break from the desert heat to rest and hydrate alongside his campervan before getting back on the gravel trail.

Bonus Ride for an Epic Gravel Biking Adventure - The Badlands

Known for hosting the Badlands Ultracycling Challenge, this area offers one of Europe’s toughest off-road challenges. Stretching over 700 km of mostly unpaved terrain, the Badlands will push even the most seasoned gravel cyclists to their limits - stay hydrated! The arid desert landscapes and dramatic cliffs make this region one of Spain’s most visually striking.


For those embarking from the Siesta Campers base in Málaga, you’re just a short ride away from some of the stunning trails in the nearby Sierra de Alhama, offering a flavour of the rugged Badlands terrain.


The Tabernas Desert sits at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada and offers many cycling routes for riders of skill levels.

Long-Distance Rides and Road Bike Touring

For long-distance cyclists, Andalucía offers plenty of multi-day adventures that allow you to experience the full diversity of the region’s landscapes, and the area surrounding Alhaurín de la Torre is a well-known spot for road cycling enthusiasts near Málaga. Smooth tarmac, moderate climbs, and endless scenic routes make it a popular destination for a cycling holiday in Spain.


TransAndalus - This long-distance route encircles the entire region of Andalucía, taking you through its most scenic and remote areas. Ideal for saddlebag touring, this is a must for any cyclist looking for an extended adventure across a mix of terrain.

  • Distance: Over 2,000 km
  • Difficulty: Easy to Medium



Transnevada - This route loops around the Sierra Nevada, offering challenging climbs with one heck of a backdrop. It’s perfect for adventurous cyclists seeking a tough, multi-day ride through some of the Andalucía’s most rugged landscapes.

  • Distance: 450 km
  • Difficulty: Medium to Hard


Southern Spain's converted railway lines, or Vias Verdes, are traffic-free and offer a safe, enjoyable cycling experience for families with cyclists of all ages.

Family-Friendly Cycling Holidays in Andalucía

For families or less experienced cyclists, the Green Ways of Andalucía provide accessible routes, including those suitable for people with disabilities. These converted railway lines, or Vias Verdes, are traffic-free and offer a safe, enjoyable cycling experience for all ages - you may have noticed one of the area’s many Vias Verdes was our first route at the top of this blog! A fun note: there are plenty of family-friendly activities organised along these routes, ensuring a fun day out for everyone.


Cycling Events and Organised Tours in Andalucía

In addition to its various breathtaking cycling routes, Andalucía is home to a large number of organised cycling events throughout the year. The popular Quedadas (KDDs), or meets, cover the region’s extensive network of routes, offering cyclists of all abilities the chance to ride together and explore new areas.


Road Cycling Near Málaga

If road cycling is more your style, the area around Alhaurín de la Torre, near Málaga, is a fantastic base for cyclists. Popular with road cyclists, this region offers smooth tarmac, moderate climbs, and stunning coastal and mountain views. You can start on the flat roads along the Costa del Sol before heading inland towards the more challenging El Torcal de Antequera or the mountains of the Axarquía.

A cyclist rides along a trail in volcanic nature park Cabo de Gata in Costa del Sol, Andalucia.

Conclusion: Andalucía is a Year-Round Cycling Paradise, making it the perfect cycling holiday destination!

From the easy-going Vias Verdes through ancient whitewashed villages to the bucket list climb to Pico Valeta, Southern Spain offers a variety of cycling opportunities for every level of rider while rewarding their efforts with adventurous exploration, natural beauty and cultural gems. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly cycling holiday, a challenging mountain ascent, or a gravel biking adventure, Andalucía has something for everyone.