Where To Ride in Granada - Lújar Coastal Loop

Coastal Riding with a Challenging Climb

If you fancy a bit of coastal riding beside the Mediterranean mixed with a challenging climb and a flowing descent, this 87km loop is perfect for you. Think of it as the Costa del Sol equivalent of Mallorca’s famous Andratx ride.

Ride Overview

This 87km loop offers a variety of roads, stunning views, and gradients that are less harsh compared to other climbs in the area. It’s a well-rounded ride that combines coastal scenery, a rewarding climb, and a thrilling descent.

The Initial Climb: Vélez to the Tunnel

The ride begins with a climb out of Vélez towards the tunnel. This initial climb is the perfect warm-up—you’ll reach the top before you know it, and the descent that follows is entirely worth the effort. The descent from La Gorgoracha brings you into the heart of Motril, where you’ll start making your way towards the hills.

Climbing Towards the Windmills

After passing through Motril quickly, you’ll turn off the main road and begin climbing towards the windmills on the hilltop. While they don’t look too far away, the climb takes you the long way up, offering a steady challenge. At the 27km mark, take a left turn at the junction, and the top of the climb is just 3km away.

The Descent to the Coast

After cresting the top, you’ll enjoy one of the best descents in the area, which brings you right back down to the coast. The descent flows through the town of Lújar, where you’ll find Andrés Barros Ruiz, a local café on the right-hand side. This family-run café has unpredictable opening hours, but if they’re open, they’ll welcome you in for a bite to eat and a drink on their terrace with panoramic views. If the café is closed, Caferini in Castell de Ferro is a reliable alternative, offering fantastic tostadas with gluten-free options—our go-to is the avocado, ham, and balsamic option.

Scenic Coast Road Back to Vélez

After your stop in Castell de Ferro, the coast road provides a scenic ride home. You’ll bounce from town to town, slightly bypassing Motril, and eventually find your way onto the iconic canyon road that leads back to the base of Vélez. Be sure to bring rear lights for your bike, as you’ll pass through a couple of short tunnels on the coast road.

Why Clockwise is the Preferred Direction

We recommend doing this loop clockwise, as the descent into Castell de Ferro is more enjoyable than the one into Motril. However, be cautious of a tight left-hand corner 43km into the ride—it’s sharper than the rest of the descent. Additionally, there’s a grating on a right-hand corner at 44.25km where the road flattens out. The grating’s slats run vertically instead of horizontally, which can be tricky even with 28mm tires. Despite these challenges, one of our long-time guests described this as the best loop he has ever ridden.

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

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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!