Nerja – Torre del Mar – Cajiz – Velez Malaga – Competa – Nerja

This 100km ride encompasses coastal and mountain roads exhibiting the best of the varied cycling routes in the Axarquia. It embraces over 1500 meters of climbing, fast flat sections and rapid descents.

Heading west on the coastal road towards Malaga you pass through a mixture of traditional fishing settlements and larger resorts. The road is not too busy most of the time. Cycling through the more developed areas is interesting and usually pretty stress free. In addition, there are some lovely open sections with incredible sea views and the sound of lapping waves accompany your pedalling.

A few km’s beyond the Spanish resort town of Torre del Mar the route turns away from the coast towards the hinterland and the village of Iznate. The road immediately starts to climb through typical Andalusian country- side with groves of mangos, olives, avocados and vines lining the road. The ascent from the coast is about 9kms. You gain over 355 meters in altitude indicating that there are some steeper sections. Bearing this in mind you may want to keep your powder dry as there are some more challenging climbs ahead. On cresting the climb you have superb views inland across to the majestic Almijara and Tejeda Sierras. This includes the bare rock faced giant Monte Maroma that dominates the skyline.
Descending from here you whizz past the white village of Cajiz, that is clinging to a hill low on your left. The descent twists down to the town of Benamorcorra. Here you pass through the main square which is usually busy with locals passing the time of day among the shaded statues and fountains. Heading out of the town towards Velez Malaga it is still largely downhill. This is a fast fun section of the ride before you enter the region’s largest settlement.

At this stage you need to pay attention to your GPS instructions. This will enable you to find the quiet road out of Velez signposted to Arenas. Once on this road you leave the busy town behind. You will rise rapidly with outstanding views to the coast on your right. This is another leg testing climb but is soon eases and then descends before a shorter climb to Arenas. Arenas is a small traditional town. It has a good bar serving tapas and cake situated on the left of the main road. From the bar terrace you can look up to the remains of Castillo de Bentomiz on a pointed hill. The castle is reachable by road bike from a road to the right as you leave Arenas. Be warned as it is pretty steep! Needless to say the 360 degree views from the top on a clear day are some of the best in the area.

After leaving the village you pass the sleepy hamlets of Daimalos and Corumbela. This is an undulating road before an enjoyable descent to the Moorish village of Archez nestled in a valley. These three villages contain churches converted from Mosques after the Reconquista. The towers are effectively converted minarets. This architectural feature is clearly visible from the saddle as you pass through the villages.

From Archez to Competa there is more climbing but this is compensated by the inspiring views of the town and mountains behind. Competa is one of the larger towns for this part of Axarquia. It hosts an abundance of bars and restaurants should you need to re-energise at this stage. This is the highest point of the ride. From here it is largely down to the coast and the resort of Torrox Costa.

At Torrox Costa head east on the coast road and hope for a tail wind. This will make a rapid return to Nerja for a well-earned drink