Classic Climbs Cycling Tour — Southern Spain

Our Classic Climbs Tour is a guided cycling holiday and training camp in Southern Spain, designed for riders who enjoy long climbs, quiet roads and warm-weather riding.

Based in Vélez de Benaudalla, just one hour from Malaga Airport, the tour offers easy access from across Europe while placing riders in some of the best climbing terrain in Spain. This is a climbing-focused cycling holiday built around long steady mountain efforts, spectacular scenery and a relaxed, supportive group atmosphere.

Many riders searching for a cycling holiday in Malaga discover that the best climbing is found a little further east on the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada, where quieter roads, longer climbs and more varied terrain create ideal training conditions.

Whether you are preparing for a major cycling sportive, building early-season fitness, or simply looking for an unforgettable week of riding, the Classic Climbs Tour delivers.

Why Southern Spain is Perfect for a Cycling Holiday

Many riders begin their search looking for a cycling holiday in Malaga. Just inland from the coast, Southern Spain offers quieter roads, longer climbs and more varied terrain, while still benefiting from the excellent flight access that Malaga provides.

From our base in Vélez de Benaudalla, riders have access to:

  • Long sustained mountain climbs

  • Quiet roads with very little traffic

  • Warm and sunny riding conditions

  • Coastal routes along the Costa Tropical

  • Challenging Sierra Nevada terrain

Compared to more crowded cycling destinations such as Mallorca or Girona, Southern Spain offers quieter roads, longer climbs and more consistent weather, particularly in early spring and autumn..

The Location

We are based in Vélez de Benaudalla, a quiet Andalusian village positioned between the mountains of the Sierra Nevada and the Costa Tropical, just over one hour from Malaga Airport. This makes the Classic Climbs Tour easily accessible from across Europe, with a wide choice of direct flights throughout the year.

While many riders begin their search looking for a cycling holiday in Malaga, our location offers the best of both worlds — easy access from Malaga Airport combined with quieter roads, longer climbs and more varied terrain than the immediate coastal areas.

The area is known for challenging mountain terrain and quiet roads, making it particularly well suited to riders training for sportives, mountain events or general early‑season fitness.

A Typical Week on the Classic Climbs Tour

A typical week on our Classic Climbs cycling holiday follows a simple rhythm, building gradually through the week before easing off towards the end.

  • Saturday — Arrival Day
    Arrival, airport transfers, bike build and set-up. Depending on arrival times, there is often the option for a short, relaxed spin to loosen the legs after travel.

  • Sunday — Light to Medium Ride
    3–4 hours • 70–85 km • 1,400 m climbing
    A steady first day to get used to the roads, settle into the group, and ease into the week.

  • Monday — Medium to Long Ride
    3–4 hours • 75–90 km • 1,800 m climbing
    The riding begins to step up, with longer climbs and more time in the saddle.

  • Tuesday — Long Mountain Day
    5 hours • 90–120 km • 2,400 m climbing
    A proper Classic Climbs day, with sustained climbing, quiet mountain roads and spectacular views.

  • Wednesday — Rest Day or Optional Coffee Spin
    Optional easy spin to the coast
    1.5 hours • 35 km
    A relaxed recovery day. Many guests enjoy a gentle spin to the beach, while others take the opportunity to rest, explore Granada or enjoy the village.

  • Thursday — Long Mountain Day
    5 hours • 90–120 km • 2,400 m climbing
    Back into the mountains for another challenging and rewarding day of climbing.

  • Friday — Light to Medium Final Ride
    3–4 hours • 50–85 km • 1,500 m climbing
    A final ride to round off the week, usually steady and social, with time for coffee stops and good conversation.

  • Saturday — Departure Day
    Breakfast, pack up, airport transfers and departure.

We aim to be flexible with arrival and departure days where possible, allowing the trip to work around flight schedules.

What is included

Our 7-night package includes:

  • 7 nights accommodation in a self-catering apartment

  • 5 expertly guided group rides

  • daily bike upkeep by our professional mechanics

  • a welcome pack with CSN apparel

  • daily coffees at CSN HQ

  • free bike set-up when hiring one of our bikes

Prices start from €750 per person sharing.

A single supplement is available, and private accommodation or transfer options can be arranged subject to availability.

Per Person Sharing is based on a party of two sharing a twin room

Single Supplement is an additional €100 per person

Upgrade to your own Private Apartment is €350

Optional Airport Transfers (€75 per person)

  • Private transfers are from 50€ extra per way

  • Bike transport 25€ per bike per way

  • One way transfer 50€

GET IN TOUCH

Good to know before your cycling holiday in Southern Spain

Level of fitness

To get the most out of this holiday, you should arrive with a solid base level of cycling fitness. Ideally, your regular long ride should be around 3 to 4 hours, or roughly 80 to 120km. The terrain is mountainous, so most days involve a fair amount of climbing and descending.

If you are used to weekend long rides and steady climbing, you should be in a good place to enjoy the week.

Non-cyclists are welcome

If you are travelling with a partner or friend who does not cycle, that is no problem. Evenings are free, so there is time to enjoy the village, the coast, local food and a bit of sunshine together. There is also a rest day in the week for shared time away from the bike.

Getting here

You can fly into Malaga, Almeria or Granada airports. Malaga is the most common choice for transfers. Airport transfers can be arranged, and we recommend confirming flight details before booking if you are relying on collection.

Bike hire

If you do not want to travel with your own bike, you can hire one from us. We have a selection of premium hire bikes available from BMC, and we can provide a free bike fit when you hire from CSN. All hire bikes must be pre-booked and are subject to availability.

Food and drink

Accommodation is self-catering, but there are bars and cafés in the village where you can get a Spanish-style breakfast. Lunch is usually taken on the road, and on longer days there may be more than one stop. In the evenings, guests often eat out together, though this is entirely flexible.

On-bike nutrition

Our store is fully equipped with nutrition products from Clif Bar and SIS.

Travel insurance

You must have your own personal medical and accident insurance for the full duration of your holiday. We also recommend bringing your EHIC card if you are travelling from another EU country.

FAQS

  • Here is the full practical packing list we recommend:

    • cycling helmet

    • cycling shoes

    • 2 to 3 pairs of bib shorts

    • 2 to 3 jerseys

    • 2 base layers

    • arm warmers

    • leg warmers

    • wind vest or gilet

    • rain cape or lightweight waterproof

    • light gloves

    • thermal jacket for early-season trips

    • sunglasses

    • sun cream

    • casual clothes for evenings

    • travel insurance details

    • EHIC card if applicable

    • bike computer and/or heart rate monitor if you use one

    • pedals, if you prefer to ride on your own system

    • any essential race nutrition or preferred energy products

    • a favourite tea, drink or small comfort item if you do not want to rely on local shops

    We also recommend checking the weather before you travel, especially in the early season, as temperatures can vary in the mountains.

  • You should have a decent base level of cycling fitness and be comfortable with several days of riding in hilly or mountainous terrain. If you regularly do long weekend rides, you should be well placed to enjoy the holiday.

  • Yes. The Classic Climbs Tour is ideal preparation for many of Europe’s best-known climbing sportives, including:

    • Maratona dles Dolomites

    • Étape du Tour

    • La Marmotte

    • Mallorca 312

    • Quebrantahuesos

    These events all require sustained climbing, back-to-back riding days and strong endurance in mountainous terrain.

    During the Classic Climbs Tour, riders experience:

    • Long sustained climbs

    • Back-to-back mountain days

    • 1,400–2,400 m climbing per ride

    • 3–5 hour riding days

    • Warm weather training conditions

    This makes the week ideal for building climbing strength, improving pacing and preparing both physically and mentally for major European sportives.

    Many riders join the Classic Climbs Tour specifically to prepare for summer events in the Alps, Dolomites or Pyrenees.

  • This is a guided climbing-focused cycling holiday/training camp in Southern Spain, designed for road cyclists who want a challenging week of riding.

  • This part of Southern Spain offers excellent riding conditions for much of the year, with warmer winter temperatures than Girona, Calpe and Mallorca, and generally less rainfall than Malaga.

    The combination of coastal and mountain terrain provides reliable sunshine, mild temperatures and ideal conditions for climbing‑focused riding.

    https://www.sierranevada.cc/the-weather

  • Malaga is the most popular choice, but Almeria and Granada are also possible depending on your flight options and transfer needs.

  • Yes. Transfers can be arranged, and Malaga is the usual collection point. Please confirm your arrival and departure times in advance so the transfer can be organised.

  • No. You are welcome to bring your own bike, but we also offer bike hire and can set the bike up for you.

  • Many guests join the Classic Climbs Tour on their own. We regularly welcome solo travellers, both male and female, and the week naturally develops into a friendly and social group environment.

    Riders ride together during the day and in the evenings guests often dine out together in local restaurants. This relaxed and social atmosphere makes it easy to settle in quickly, even if you are travelling alone.

  • No. You can take a day off if you need one, and the itinerary includes a rest day in the middle of the week.

  • As the terrain is hilly and mountainous, the rides are usually measured by time rather than distance. Group rides generally last between 2 and 5 hours depending on the day and the group.

  • We aim to tailor the rides where possible so the group can ride at an appropriate pace. The area is challenging, but the week is designed to be enjoyable as well as rewarding.

  • No, a car is not necessary for the week, although some guests may prefer one if they want extra freedom in the evenings. We recommend www.malagacar.com

  • Most accommodation has WiFi, but it is not guaranteed in every property. Please advise us if it’s necessary for work etc.

  • Yes. Non-cyclists and partners are welcome, and the location works well for mixed cycling and non-cycling trips.

  • Please refer to our booking terms and conditions for the full cancellation policy.

  • Yes. We can arrange group bookings and may be able to offer more competitive rates for larger groups.

  • The Classic Climbs Tour is ideal for:

    • Solo travellers

    • Riders building early season fitness

    • Cyclists who enjoy climbing and mountainous terrain

    • Riders preparing for cycling sportives

    • Club riders looking for a training camp

    To get the most from the week, riders should be comfortable riding for 3–4 hours and happy riding in hilly or mountainous terrain.

  • From our base in Vélez de Benaudalla, riders have access to some of the best cycling climbs in Southern Spain. Many of these climbs are featured in our route library and are ridden regularly during the Classic Climbs Tour.

    Popular climbs include:

    • Haza del Lino

    • Pico Veleta / Sierra Nevada

    • Puerto de la Ragua

    • Los Guindos

    • Otívar and the Costa Tropical climbs

    You can explore more of the classic climbs here:

    These climbs offer long steady gradients, quiet roads and spectacular scenery — ideal for building strength and endurance for major European sportives.

Ready to join the Classic Climbs Tour?

If you are looking for a cycling holiday in Spain with proper climbing, warm weather and a supportive week of guided riding, the Classic Climbs Tour is a strong choice.

Get in touch to check availability, ask about bike hire, discuss transfers or plan a custom group trip.

Book your Classic Climbs cycling holiday in Southern Spain today.

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