Where To Ride in Granada - the Goat´s Path

The Goat’s Path Loop: A Ride That Has It All

This fan-favorite route is a must-ride from Vélez de Benaudalla. Known as ‘La Carretera de la Cabra’ (The Goat’s Path), it offers a bit of everything—climbing, descending, and stunning scenery.

Route Overview

The Goat’s Path loop is one of our favorites, starting from Cycle Sierra Nevada HQ. Originally used by mule drivers transporting fish from the Costa del Sol to Granada, this historic road is now a cycling paradise, free of traffic and perfect for finding your rhythm.

The Start: Flat Warm-Up and Rolling Hills

The ride begins with a flat 10km through the canyon, followed by a rolling but mostly uphill section through Molvízar. After a flowing descent, you’re just 3km from the recommended stop in Otívar.

The Main Climb: 23km to the Mountain Plains

From Otívar, the main climb begins—a consistent 23km ascent towards the mountain plains near Granada. The top features an 8km forested plateau, where you’ll think you’ve reached the summit multiple times before the true descent starts at 62km.

The Descent: Fast and Thrilling

After the descent into Padul, the main section of road passing by Durcal until you get to Niguelas is nothing to write home about. From the latter town it’s pretty much all downhill to Vélez de Benaudalla.

Key Stops: Refuel and Rehydrate

Once you leave Otívar, there’s no food or water for 50km until Padul. Refill your bottles and grab a bite in Otívar before the climb—Restaurante Buenavista and Restaurante El Capricho serve excellent tostadas. Meson Los Prados, on the climb, is unreliable for water during the week (open Thursday to Sunday). Always prepare for the climb with enough water, especially on hot days.

KEY RIDE KIT

Fast and Furious? More like fat and furious! You may think you’re fast, but there’s no way you’ll ever look as fast as our Patrón next to an “Alpujarra Racing” Seat. Stay cool in one of our lightweight cycling jerseys, built for long ascents under the Andalusian sun.

BUY THE LOOK

the route’s main Climb

The Goat’s Path is probably the most spectacular climb in the area. This is the old road from the coast to Granada city, locally named La Carretera de la Cabra or La Cabra. In the past, the road was used by mule drivers taking fish from the coast to the markets in Granada city, taking almost two days and traversing the mountain at night to avoid the daytime sun…

READ ON

strava route MAP

other rides in granada & the sierra nevada

Sunshine, solid climbs, perfectly engineered roads, the Mediterranean and a local community tuned into the needs of the visiting cyclist.

Contact Information

Cycle Sierra Nevada
Calle Mariana Pineda 13 b,
Vélez de Benaudalla, AL, 18670, Spain

Phone: +34 684205648
Email: info@sierranevada.cc

Let’s make your next cycling adventure one you’ll never forget!