A Cyclist's Guide to Granada
Heading to Spain’s hidden cycling gem? Here’s all you need to know...
The descent of the Camino de la Cabra or the Goat’s Path (read more here)
Granada is one of Spain’s best-kept cycling secrets—a destination where high-altitude challenges meet the laid-back charm of the Costa Tropical. Nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada and only 10 km from the sun-drenched coast, Velez de Benaudalla is your gateway to a diverse network of roads and routes. With new adventures around every bend, you’ll never have to ride the same road twice.
Why Ride in Granada?
Granada offers an irresistible mix of rugged mountain climbs, scenic coastal escapes, and historic rural landscapes. Enjoy world-class climbs such as Pico Veleta—the highest paved road in Europe—while also relishing gentler rides along the Costa Tropical. The region’s unique microclimate means that while Granada city and the ski resorts of the Sierra can be cold in winter, our base in Velez de Benaudalla stays mild and sunny year-round. This is one of the few spots in Europe blessed with a subtropical climate, where mango and avocado trees flourish, boasting over 320 days of sunshine annually.
CYCLE SIERRA NEVADA is nestled in Vélez de Benaudalla, where you’ll find a curated selection of cycling gear, premium BMC bike rentals, and expertly crafted café con leche. Positioned at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains and just moments from the Costa Tropical, it serves as your launchpad for road and gravel adventures.
road rides OF GRANADA —
Grab our pre-planned road rides starting and ending at Vélez de Bendaudalla. Experience Granada’s mix of iconic climbs and hidden gems—all ready for your Wahoo or Garmin.
The Cáñar Loop
If you’ve been dreaming of a ride filled with switchbacks, this is it. VIEW THE RIDE
trevélez
A Challenging Ride to one of Spain’s highest villages. VIEW THE RIDE
The 'Must-Do' Cycling Routes in Granada
Check out our full list of rides VIEW THE FULL LIST
gravel rides OF gRANADA —
Explore Granada off the beaten track with our gravel rides. Navigate through quiet back roads, historic villages, and striking natural landscapes. VIEW THE RIDES
Ronda de Nigüelas
Tucked against the western wall of the Sierra Nevada, the village of Nigüelas feels like a place time misplaced and forgot to reclaim. VIEW THE RIDE
Los Guájares lOOP
Deep in the mountains, this loop offers some of the most immersive and scenic gravel riding in the area. You’ll ride for hours without seeing signs of life, surrounded by raw, untouched nature. VIEW THE RIDE
The climb to Haza del Lino via Polopos
THE CLIMBS to the SOUTH OF GRANADA
When the Sierra Nevada is mentioned, thoughts often turn to the snow-capped heights of Pico Veleta, famed for its high-altitude challenges and pro-training camps. Yet, just south of the mountain lies a hidden realm of climbs catering to riders seeking something different. South of Granada, on the gentler slopes of the Sierra’s southern side and along the undulating coastal mountains, riders find routes that remain inviting all year round. From our base, all the climbs listed on our site are within easy reach—rideable in every season thanks to the temperate climate of the Costa Tropical. Just as Mallorca is more than Sa Calobra, the Sierra Nevada offers a diverse range of climbs accessible throughout the year.
The GOATS PATH
Forget the Pico Veleta, this is probably the most spectacular climb in Granada. From the coast it’s 36 kilometres until the climb tops out at 1,358 meters above sea level. VIEW THE CLIMB
Haza de lino via polopos
Starting in the the ironically named village of La Guapa (The Pretty One), but as you climb the view improves a lot. This route to Haza del Lino is an unforgiving one, averaging a gradient of 7% for almost 17km. VIEW THE CLIMB
the mines climb
If you appreciate perfectly surfaced roads completely devoid of traffic with veiws for miles around then this climb is for you. VIEW THE CLIMB
The climb from Castell de Ferro to Lujar
The climb to Cañar
The climb to Haza del Lino above Polopos
The climb to Venta de Cebada via Los Guajares
strava routeS, MAPS AND MORE…
1 - THE ROUTEs
Get all the routes and GPX files for your Garmin, Wahoo or other device
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Check out our full list of rides VIEW THE FULL LIST
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.
3 - THE STORE
Our store is located just 50 minutes from Málaga and 30 minutes from Granada (where we deliver bikes daily). More importantly, we're only minutes away from the most 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
cycle sierra nevada kit —
The right gear makes all the difference. Our CSN Cycling Kit offers exceptional breathability, durability, and comfort—ideal for everything from mountain training sessions to leisurely coffee spins. Equip yourself with gear that’s as dynamic as Granada itself.
A Cyclist’s Guide to Granada’s Climate —
Although winter in Granada and the high Sierra Nevada can be harsh, life on the southern side is a different story. Nestled just 100 meters above sea level and only a short distance from the Costa Tropical, this area enjoys a sub-tropical climate with nearly 320 days of sunshine a year—resulting in mild winters.
A donkey’s view of the village of Cañar
Practical —
how to arrive
Granada is accessible via several convenient options: Granada Airport offers good connections to Spanish cities like Madrid and Palma de Mallorca. Malaga Airport provides a broader range of international flights. In addition, visitors can travel by train from cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, and Sevilla or take a bus. (tickets available via Renfe and alsa.es).
Cycle Sierra Nevada provides convenient airport transfers from Malaga International Airport,
WHERE TO STAY
Where you base yourself will shape your riding experience. Cycle Sierra Nevada offers cycling-friendly accommodation in Velez de Benaudalla. This picturesque town provides immediate access to the best cycling areas, including the Costa Tropical, the Alpujarras, and the Lecrín Valley. Also recommended would be La Ventera, a cyclist-friendly hotel in Gualchos.
For more information on where to stay, see the Andalucia Turist Board website.
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Cycling Sierra Nevada have one of the most extensive selection of rental bikes in Granada or in the South of Spain. They offer daily deliveries and collections to Granada City, all year round.
We have over 150 bicycles in stock, with a premium selection of road, gravel and e-bikes from BMC. -
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.
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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.
Malaga Airport has a much better range of international flight destinations.
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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For us, it depends on which route we ride, but for each route we have given you the best place to stop coffee or toastadas or lunch on each ride.
https://www.sierranevada.cc/cycling-routes/granada/must-do-routes
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!