Cycling in Granada: Where to Go, What to Ride

Heading to Spain’s hidden cycling gem? Here’s all you need to know...

Why Go to Granada?

Granada is one of Spain’s best-kept secrets for cyclists. With a mix of high mountains, rolling countryside, and mild Mediterranean weather, it offers perfect conditions for year-round riding. The roads are smooth, the scenery is stunning, and the region is far less crowded than other Spanish cycling hotspots like Mallorca or Girona.

Granada is also home to the mighty Sierra Nevada, the highest mountain range in mainland Spain, which attracts both pro teams and amateur riders alike for altitude training. Add to that the quiet roads of the Alpujarras, the dramatic coastline of the Costa Tropical, and the historic charm of Granada city itself, and you have a dream cycling destination.

When to go to Granada for cycling

Granada enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters, making it an ideal year-round cycling destination. However, the best months to visit are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to October), when temperatures range from 15 to 25°C, perfect for long days in the saddle.

  • Summer (June to August): While Granada can get too warm for cycling during peak summer, the Costa Tropical and Vélez de Benaudalla offer cooler coastal breezes and more comfortable riding conditions.

  • Winter (December to February): Granada’s higher altitudes can be cold, but the Costa Tropical and Vélez de Benaudalla remain mild, making them excellent options for winter cycling.

For those looking to combine their trip with an event, check out the Gran Fondo Sierra Nevada Límite, a challenging sportive that takes in some of the region’s best climbs.

What to take for cycling in Granada

The main question: bring your own bike or hire one?

While bringing your own bike is always an option, renting a bike can save you the hassle of transport and assembly. At Cycle Sierra Nevada, we offer premium rental bikes from BMC. Cycle Sierra Nevada offer delivery to Granada city for as little as 20€, making it easy and affordable to enjoy top-quality cycling during your stay.

Essentials include:

  • A range of kit: It can be warm at lower altitudes but much cooler in the mountains, so bring arm warmers, a gilet, and a packable jacket.

  • Lights: Some rides include tunnels, so a front and rear light are recommended.

  • Compact gearing: The Sierra Nevada features long, steady climbs, so a compact chainset (or at least a 32T cassette) will make your rides more enjoyable.

Where to Stay When Cycling in Granada

Where you base yourself will shape your riding experience.

  • Granada City: Perfect for those who want a mix of culture and cycling. You can ride straight from your accommodation into the mountains and enjoy tapas and Alhambra views in the evenings.

  • Costa Tropical (Almuñécar, or Gualchos): If you prefer coastal rides and warmer temperatures, the Costa Tropical provides fantastic riding with stunning Mediterranean views. Don’t miss the cycling hotel of La Ventera, a cyclist-friendly hotel in Gualchos.

  • Lecrin Valley: A quieter alternative to Granada, this area offers rolling terrain, olive groves, and stunning views of the Sierra Nevada.

  • Lanjarón or Órgiva (Alpujarras region): These charming villages offer access to rolling terrain, quiet roads, and breathtaking scenery. A great choice for those wanting a mix of climbing and more relaxed rides. We would recommend the Hotel Alcadima mail directly to book

While the city of Granada offers a cultural hub, many cyclists prefer to stay in Vélez de Benaudalla. This picturesque town provides immediate access to the best cycling areas, including the Costa Tropical, the Alpujarras, and the Lecrín Valley. The climate here is more temperate than in Granada city, with cooler summers and milder winters, making it an excellent all-year-round destination.

Cycle Sierra Nevada is based in Vélez de Benaudalla and offers more than just premium bike rentals. We also provide cycling-friendly accommodation and airport transfers, ensuring a seamless experience for visiting riders. Whether you’re here for a weekend or an extended stay, we’ll make sure your cycling holiday is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Where to Ride in Granada

Granada is a paradise for climbers, but there are also great options for flatter rides and recovery days. Here are some of the must-ride routes:

1. Pico Veleta – The Highest Road in Europe

  • Distance: 40km (from Granada, one way)

  • Climbing: 2,700m

  • Average gradient: 6%

This legendary climb takes you from Granada city (at 700m altitude) to over 3,300m at the summit of Pico Veleta. It’s the highest paved road in Europe and a bucket-list ride for any serious cyclist. The last section is rough, but the breathtaking views make it worth the effort.

Click here to read our guide to riding the Pico Veleta

2. Alpujarras Loop – Rolling Terrain and White Villages

  • Distance: 100-150km (various options)

  • Climbing: 2,000-3,000m

This ride through the Alpujarras takes in some of Spain’s most beautiful mountain villages, including Lanjarón, Pampaneira, and Trevélez (the highest village in Spain). Expect quiet roads, stunning switchbacks, and plenty of places to stop for coffee and jamón.

3. Granada to Guejar Sierra – A Short but Stunning Climb

  • Distance: 40-60km

  • Climbing: 1,200m

If you’re looking for a shorter ride, the road from Granada to Guejar Sierra is a fantastic option. The route winds through pine forests and offers views of the Sierra Nevada peaks. Stop for a coffee in Guejar before descending back into Granada.

4. Costa Tropical – the goat’s path

  • Distance: 80-120km

  • Climbing: 1,000-1,500m

For a change of scenery, head south to the coast. The ride from Granada to Almuñécar is a long but rewarding route, with a mix of fast descents and steady climbs. Once at the coast, enjoy a well-earned seafood lunch before heading back or taking the train.

5. Los Guájares Loop – A Hidden Gem

  • Distance: 90-110km

  • Climbing: 1,500-2,000m

This lesser-known loop takes you through the stunning Guájares Valley, a quiet and scenic area with rolling roads and spectacular mountain views. Perfect for a mid-week ride away from the busier main routes.

How to Get to Granada

  1. Granada Airport has good connections with other Spanish cities like Madrid, Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca but there are very few direct international flights. The Airport is 20 km from Granada Centro, timings coincide with flight arrivals/departures.

  2. Malaga Airport has a much better range of international flight destinations.

  3. Train: visitors can reach Granada by train from Madrid, Barcelona, Sevilla, or other cities in Spain. Granada has no high-speed rail but has long distance lines. Check the Renfe website.

  4. Bus: It takes approximately 5 hours by bus from Madrid to Granada. Buses from Malaga to Granada run every one to two hours and take only 1.5 hours. You can buy a ticket from Malaga to Granada at alsa.es.

Final Thoughts

Granada is an incredible cycling destination with everything from high-mountain challenges to coastal escapes. Whether you're training for an event, looking for quiet roads, or simply want to soak in the culture and landscapes of southern Spain, it’s a must-visit for any cyclist.

At Cycle Sierra Nevada, we’re here to make your cycling holiday unforgettable. Based in Vélez de Benaudalla, we offer fully guided packages, accommodation for cyclists, airport transfers, premium BMC bike rentals and deliver to Granada city and beyond. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bike (or rent one of ours), book a flight, and discover one of Spain’s best cycling regions for yourself!