The best cycling routes around Casabermeja

At the end of the steady climb, where a sign reads El Torcal, you reach the pass, which runs along the western edge of the mountain range of the same name. Just a few kilometers further on, a separate road branches off to the El Torcal de Antequera Natural Park and its visitor center. From here, a sweeping view opens up across the surrounding mountain ranges. The pass lies directly on the main road connecting Antequera and Villanueva de la Concepción, making it a prominent landmark. Many mistake it for the natural park itself, but it actually marks the highest point of the road on the edge of the impressive karst mountains.

Located in the Montes de Málaga, this restaurant is an ideal stop for cyclists exploring the region's mountain trails. The restaurant exudes a rustic, traditional atmosphere, with old tools, jerrycans, and platters evoking the area's agricultural past. The menu features hearty, typical regional dishes such as migas (a type of sausage), Plato de los Montes (a regional specialty), and meat and game dishes—perfect for refueling after a strenuous climb. From the terrace and windows, there are sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, making the break particularly worthwhile. Venta Galwey is therefore not only a place for good food but also for relaxation and enjoying the scenery during a cycling tour through the Montes de Málaga.

The ascent to Puerto del León follows a winding, paved road characterized by a consistently steep gradient, particularly noticeable in the switchbacks. The route leads through the foothills of the Montes de Málaga, past wooded slopes, scattered olive groves, and small fields. Upon reaching the upper sections, a view opens up to the mountainous landscape of the Axarquía region, with its gentle mountain ranges and deep valleys. The road itself snakes through the mountains, with the gradient frequently alternating between moderate and challenging, demanding both stamina and pedaling technique. The route, combined with the altitude, offers an intense experience of nature and riding.

The monument near Colmenar is a stone memorial monolith commemorating José Campos Fontalba, a chief engineer of the province of Málaga. Constructed of roughly hewn natural stone, it takes the form of a stepped base with an inset cross. At its center is a recessed stone plaque bearing his name, profession, and a dedication. The monument stands at the roadside, surrounded by tall cypress trees, and is clearly visible from the road. It conveys the impression of a traditional, solid memorial, a common feature of the first half of the 20th century. Its simple, robust design and the use of local stone blend harmoniously into the landscape of the Montes de Málaga. Overall, it is a typical example of a Spanish road or engineering monument of that era, commemorating both an individual and the importance of public works in a mountainous region. Today, the monument stands as a silent historical witness by the roadside, preserving the memory of the technical and social development of this area.

The Puerto de El Torcal is the highest point on the road that leads from Villanueva de la Concepción up to Antequera (Carretera de Málaga a Antequera por Villanueva de la Concepción). At the end of the steady climb, where a sign reading El Torcal stands, you reach the pass, which runs along the western edge of the mountain range of the same name. Just a few kilometers further, a separate road branches off to the El Torcal de Antequera Natural Park and its visitor center. From here, a sweeping view of the surrounding mountain ranges opens up. The pass is located directly on the main road between Antequera and Villanueva de la Concepción and is therefore a prominent feature in the landscape. Many mistake it for the natural park itself, but it actually marks the highest point of the road at the edge of the impressive karst mountain range.

Puerto de El Jaral is not only a geographical crossing, but also a quiet viewpoint where the tranquility of nature and the wide view over the Mediterranean landscape combine – a characteristic destination for cyclists and nature lovers alike.

The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Socorro in Casabermeja dates back to the 16th century and was expanded in the Baroque style in the 18th century. The church has a Latin cross plan with three naves, a dome over the transept, and a striking, tall bell tower that dominates the townscape. Inside, it houses several chapels, including one dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, richly decorated in the Baroque style. The rooms are decorated with Marian symbolism and sacramental depictions, often through elaborate plaster statues, making the church a central cultural and religious landmark of Casabermeja.

The Fuente Los Praillos near Casabermeja depicts a shepherd with his flock of sheep on ceramic tiles – a symbol of the region's traditional livestock farming. The scene evokes the simple rural life that has shaped everyday life here for centuries. The fountain invites you to take a short break.