The best cycling routes around Almogía

Restaurant and museum with an incredibly rich and interesting collection of agricultural and household appliances. Housed in a former factory hall and well-attended.

Impressive views. It must be done by bike but be careful with people walking.

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.

The railway bridge near Cártama Station, also known as the Puente de Hierro, spans the Guadalhorce River and is a defining structure of the area. It was built between 1927 and 1931 to ensure a rail connection between Cártama Station and the town center. The iron structure is a prime example of early 20th-century engineering and remains part of the regional railway infrastructure. Over the years, the bridge has undergone several maintenance and modernization projects. A comprehensive restoration was carried out in 2001, followed by the installation of architectural lighting in 2006, which further emphasizes its significance as a technical structure and local landmark. The bridge continues to be used today, vividly connecting transportation history with the landscape of the Guadalhorce Valley.

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.

A little refreshment on warm days and an ideal opportunity to refill your water bottles on your bike ride – especially practical and welcome after a climb!

The Puente del Horcajo in Villanueva de la Concepción is a historic 18th-century stone bridge that formed part of the Royal Road of Carlos III. It was built between 1787 and 1789 to carry traffic over the Horcajo stream gorge and provide a safe connection between Antequera and the newly established settlements at the foot of the Torcal de Antequera. Its construction was part of the major infrastructure project of King Charles III, who aimed to modernize the roads of Andalusia and promote trade between Madrid and the southern Spanish ports. The bridge was built under the direction of the engineer Carlos Lemaur, one of the most important master builders of the time. It is made of local limestone and features typical late 18th-century construction, with robust rounded arches that blend harmoniously into the landscape. The Puente del Horcajo is a striking example of the engineering prowess and the Enlightenment spirit of the era of Charles III, which combined technology, functionality, and aesthetics. Originally, it served as an important crossing point for traders, travelers, and stagecoaches on the route between Madrid, Córdoba, and Málaga. Today, it is a listed monument and part of the Mozarabic Way of Santiago, which intersects the historic Camino Real at this point. The bridge commemorates a time when Spain began to grow together through modern transport routes and also stands as a silent witness to the history of Villanueva de la Concepción and the Torcal region.

The Torcal de Antequera Natural Park is an impressive nature reserve, one of the most famous karst landscapes in Europe. The spectacular rock formations were formed around 150 million years ago, when the area was still covered by the sea. Tectonic movements lifted the limestone, and over time, wind, rain, and frost shaped it into the bizarre forms visible today, reminiscent of animals, figures, or towers. The landscape appears almost surreal. In addition to its unique geology, the Torcal is home to a rich flora and fauna. A visit to the Mirador de las Ventanillas and Mirador del Torcal Alto viewpoints is particularly worthwhile, offering magnificent views of the mountains and the vast Andalusian landscape. The Torcal is also a popular destination for cyclists, as the access road to the nature reserve offers a challenging but extremely scenic bike ride. The climb is steep, with numerous curves, but the view of the surrounding hills and the impressive rock massif rewards every effort. The Torcal de Antequera is a fascinating natural experience that offers insights into the earth's geological history while simultaneously providing tranquility, expansiveness, and breathtaking views.