Marbella for Cyclists – Ride Marbella

Let us tell you more about Marbella for cyclists. Great weather, great roads and spectacular scenery for all.  Your level and particular cycling tastes are irrelevant.

There are great facilities for those wanting challenging road rides in the mountains. Plenty high adrenalin downhill mountain bike routes are close by. Those wanting a gentle Sunday ride by the beach with their children are also well served.

I love cycling here in Spain.  I’ve covered over 16,000 kilometres  on two wheels! Including cycling across Spain. Starting from the Atlantic north coast to Marbella here on the south coast.

Cycling the Istan Road

If you are a road cyclist this is the most popular route for a quick ride. From Marbella you wind your way up a beautiful mountain road. The glistening waters of Istan Reservoir on one side. The spectacular La Concha mountain on the other side. After about 18 km of climbing you reach the beautiful white washed village of Istan. A great place to stop for a coffee or a meal in the traditional little Spanish square. Then an exhilarating ride back down to Marbella. A magnificent ride with countless curves and drops.

This is very popular route for James, the owner of LVS, and his friends. He would be happy to invite you along, if this is of interest while you are here in Marbella.

Road Cycling from Marbella

The Istan road is great for a quick ride any day of the year but some riders will be seeking more serious routes. Wanting to cover more kilometres. That’s no problem. The area has featured many times in Spain’s famous Vuelta de España race. The Spanish version of the Tour de France.

This area is also a popular winter training destination for professional cycling teams.

So here are a few other great route suggestions, all with spectacular scenery:

Marbella to Mijas ride

Take the back road from Marbella to the pretty whitewashed village of Mijas. Heading north from Marbella you ride past Ojen and Monda, before taking a right to Mijas. This ride is 40 km in each direction.

Marbella to El Chorro ride

For those wanting to push it a little further the ride to El Chorro is magnificent. Head north from Marbella past Ojen and Monda towards Pizzara. Then take the road to Ardales before heading right to El Chorro. Passing the lakes on your left before you drop down into the gorge. You will need to keep stopping to take in the spectacular views. Look up to see the circling vultures above the gorge. Then past Alora back towards Pizarra and back on the same road past Monda and Ojen. This route is about 140 km.

Cycling to Sierra Nevada

Want to do a serious climb? No problem. Put your bike in the car and head up the road two hours to Granada. Or if you prefer ride from Marbella? From here you can do the climb up to the ski resort of Sierra Nevada.

Marbella for Cyclists – Mountain Biking in Marbella

Marbella is also an epic choice of location for mountain biking. For many of the same reasons as for road cycling. The all year round great weather and that all important ingredient – Mountains! Spain is the second most mountainous country in Europe, behind only Switzerland.

From Marbella there are many great trails on and around the La Concha mountain. The landmark which towers over Marbella. For those who love riding fire trails there are some great scenic fire trails. Many going out into the hills behind Istan, a short ride up the road from Marbella. One of these routes takes you to a stunning waterfall and some crystal clear ponds. A great place to enjoy a cooling dip. You can also ride a great trail from Istan around the back of La Concha over to Ojen in the next valley. From Ojen there is another superb fire trail all the way through to Entrerrios near La Cala de Mijas. I rode this trail from Marbella right through to Entrerrios and from memory it was about 70 km each way.

For those wanting more hard core downhill action head to the Sierra de Mijas mountains. These overlook the pretty village of Mijas. Here there are several challenging downhill routes. From nearby Benalmadena you can take a cable car to the top of the mountain. From here you can ride the mountain bike downhill tracks back to the base for another uplift.

Family Cycling in Marbella

Marbella is also a great place for recreational cycling and cycling with your family. One of the most popular routes is the famous Marbella Golden Mile Paseo Maritimo. This is a simple flat beach side ride along the sea front. About 7 km from the old town centre of Marbella to Puerto Banus. With many great restaurants and bars on route.

Marbella for cyclists! – Get on your bike with LVS

If you are looking for a Marbella property and cycling is a key factor let us know your preferences. With three keen cyclist in the team we know Marbella for Cyclists better than any other agents.  We can suggest the best area for you to buy a home where you can cycle straight out from your door.

Come along and cycle up to Istan with us!   Please contact Marbella LVS on +34 952 77 44 33.