Nerja – Frigiliana – Torrox – Nerja

Nerja/ Frigiliana
An enjoyable route to the pretty village of Frigiliana and beyond offering views over the Mediterranean Sea and a speedy descent to Torrox Costa. Finally, a smash back along the coast and back to base!

Leaving Nerja head north and commence the climb that characterises the first part of this ride. Initially the area is quite developed, but this is more than compensated for by the views to The Sierra de Almijara visible ahead. In particular, the pyramid shaped peak of Lucero, is impressive to behold.
After a short time, the road reaches Frigiliana, skirts to the left of the village and continues uphill. The village itself is well developed for tourists due to its proximity to the coast. It is worth visiting to meander round the pretty flowered filled streets.

North of the village the climbing continues. The road spirals up swiftly providing amazing views to the coast. On clear days the Atlas Mountains of Morocco are visible in the distance.
The gradient of the climb lessens the further you cycle away from the coast. There are some options for replenishment in some pleasant establishments at this point. You also pass the turning for Acebuchal down a rough track on the right. This is an exceptionally beautiful hamlet known locally as the ‘Lost Village’. It was originally built on a traditional “muleteers” route between Granada and Malaga. The hamlet was abandoned during the civil war. However, a local family have reopened some of the houses and a restaurant. It is a very pleasant excursion for another day.

Our route passes through a notch in the hills and begins a rapid descent towards the Rio de Torrox valley. The road on this stretch has been resurfaced in the last year. The surface is much smoother than it used to be. Nevertheless, care needs to be taken as the gradient is steep and there are some tight turns. Following some more sharp bends and a climb back to the main coast to Competa road you bypass the sizable village of Torrox pueblo. The town has an assortment of cafes for refreshments spots both on the main route into the pueblo and the large main square if you require a refill.

From Torrox you descend to the seaside resort of Torrox Costa. Turn left at the roundabout and head back towards Nerja. The sea remains close on your right- hand side. The return route is interspersed by wooden chiringuitos offering fish, meat, tapas and other Spanish dishes.

This route is 33kms and has 629meters of ascent. Consequently, this may look an easy ride, but the climbing is front loaded, steep in parts and not to be under- estimated. However, the reward for your efforts are stunning views over the area and to the coast beyond plus a pleasantly flattish run back to the delights of Nerja!