Where to Ride in GranadA - Guájar Alto

 

The ride details

Quick Ride from Vélez de Benaudalla

If you’re arriving late, leaving early, or just want to squeeze in one more ride, this out-and-back route delivers instant adventure. Unlike busier hubs like Malaga or Girona, staying in Vélez de Benaudalla means diving straight into iconic Spanish riding—no warm-up needed.

The 12km Climb: Perfect for Short Rides

Right on our doorstep, this climb is ideal for testing a new bike, adding last-minute elevation, or fitting in a shorter day. Clocking in at 12km, it’s steeped in scenery and efficiency.

Waterfall La Toba

At kilometer 15, just before Guájar Alto, you’ll pass the sudden spectacle of Waterfall La Toba. Stop for photos and soak in the unexpected beauty before rolling onward.

 
GRANADA CYCLING ROUTES GUAJAR ALTO
Granada Cycling Routes Guajar Alto
Granada Cycling Routes Guajar Alto
Granada Cycling Routes Guajar Alto
 

The Trio of Los Guájares Towns

Guájar Alto is the top of a trio of towns. Los Guajáres translates from the Arabic word for ‘abrupt’, ‘steep’, and ‘difficult to access’. The first town which you bypass is appropriately named Guájar Fondón, with Fondón translating to ‘Foundation’ as it is the first and lowest town in the trio. The next town, which is also the biggest is Guájar Faragüit which also has an appropriate translation to ‘steep garden’. You will understand why this translation is so appropriate if you take a right turn in the town and head towards Pinos del Valle instead of towards Guájar Alto as the gradients immediately kicks up to 10% climbing out of the town.  Eventually we come to one of our favourite towns in the area, Guájar Alto (with Alto having a complex translation to ‘top’); the town has very few tourists and a very high level of authenticity for us plebs to enjoy. The landscape around the top town is unlike anywhere else in the area as it is overlooked by some steep peaks which are just asking to be explored further on another day… 

 
 

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.

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The Climbs of granada & the sierra nevada

The climbs of the Sierra Nevada may not be the most well known, but they are undoubtedly some of the best in Europe. Most tend to exclusively consider the likes of Mallorca or Girona for their cycling holiday/training camps. While these are all great options, the Sierra Nevada matches and even outdoes each of the aforementioned

READ ON

 
 

strava route MAP

 

1 - THE ROUTE

Get the route for your Garmin, Wahoo or other device


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2 - RENT AND RIDE

Skip the hassle—book your BMC Roadmachine or Teammachine online now with Cycle Sierra Nevada. We’ll have your bike ready when you arrive, with bike delivery to Málaga and Granada. Just want to ride? Join one of our guided tours and soak up the scenery while we take care of the rest.

BOOK ONLINE NOW

3 - THE STORE

Our store is located just 50 minutes from Málaga and 30 minutes from Granada. More importantly, we're only minutes away from incredible riding. Drop by for top-quality bike rentals, gear, or expert advice . Whether you're looking for route recommendations, a fresh coffee, or a place to talk cycling, you'll find a warm welcome here.

You can find us at:
Calle Mariana Pineda 13 B, 18670 Velez de Benaudalla, Granada


 

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.

 

Lujar Coastal Loop

A good mix of coastal riding beside the Mediterranean, challenging climbing and flowing descents. continue…

haza Del Lino via Polopos

Possibly to be one of most challenging climbs in the area, but there’s a bar at the top and the views are worth it. continue…

Granada Cycling Routes Mines Climb Trevelez.jpg

Trevélez

Trevélez a town famed for it’s jamón and it’s claim to be the highest village in Spain or as we like to call it Hamsterdam. continue…

 

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!