The best cycling routes around Algarrobo

Mijas Pueblo is a picturesque white mountain village that's perfect for a strenuous bike ride. The climb from the coast is challenging but rewards with impressive views of the Costa del Sol and the Mediterranean. At the top, the village's narrow, flower-lined streets are a delight to explore. Around Mijas Pueblo, squares, viewing terraces, and historic buildings invite you to take a break, while ambitious cyclists will find further scenic routes in the neighboring hinterland of the Sierra de Mijas. Thus, the tour combines a sporting challenge with cultural flair and impressive panoramic views.

The Torre Vigía Manganeta is a historic watchtower on the coast of Almayate Bajo, near the mouth of the Vélez River. It was built in the 16th century during the reign of Philip II as part of the Spanish coastal defense system to protect the region from pirate attacks. Raids by North African corsairs, in particular, made such watchtowers necessary. The cylindrical tower reaches a height of approximately 8 to 10 meters and has a diameter of around 4 meters. It is made of stone and mortar, a typical construction method for coastal watchtowers of that period. Its location near the beach, south of Almayate Bajo and not far from the Vélez River, allowed control of the stretch of coast between Torre del Mar and Benajarafe. Today, the Torre Manganeta is protected as a historical monument and is part of the cultural heritage of Andalusia.

The 9.6-meter-high old lighthouse, built in 1929, and the new, approximately 24.7-meter-high lighthouse, built in 1974, are still in operation. It is located directly on the promenade and is visible from afar. Its automatic signal has a range of approximately 13 nautical miles. Inside, 106 steps of an iron staircase lead up to the top. The small, 9-meter-high lighthouse, which stands next to the new "large" one, was built in 1969 but did not meet modern requirements.

The tower is located on the right bank of the Vélez River estuary and dates back to the 16th century. Due to sedimentary deposits over the centuries, the shoreline is now 800 m high and partially submerged by 8 m. It is built of masonry and brick.

The Playa de Torre del Mar is a beautiful, spacious beach, with a wide promenade and many chiringuitos where you can take a break and enjoy the sea view. The Paseo Marítimo de Torre del Mar is very well developed, relatively wide and ideal for cyclists and pedestrians. There is a designated cycle path that stretches along the coast, so you can cycle along the sea in a relaxed manner.

Playa de Varadero is located at the western end of the Torre del Mar seafront, near the mouth of the Vélez River. A special feature of Playa de Varadero is the regular presence of jábegas, traditional Andalusian fishing boats, which can often be seen along the coast. Overall, the stretch of beach is a lovely destination for anyone looking to spend a relaxing day by the sea in an authentic atmosphere.

In Torre del Mar, these striking trees grace the Paseo de Larios, one of the city's main promenades. The tree change from the original orange trees and plane trees to the Ceiba chodatii occurred in the 1920s, giving the area a unique tropical feel. Originally native to the tropical and subtropical forests of South America, the Ceiba chodatii is now widespread in many parts of the world, particularly in Mediterranean climates such as the Costa del Sol. The Ceiba chodatii, known in South America as Palo Borracho, is an impressive tree. Its name "Palo Borracho" translates to "Drunk Tree" because of its distinctive bottle-shaped trunk, reminiscent of a drunken man. The tree is characterized by a thick, plump trunk that stores water and is covered in prickly thorns.

Vélez-Málaga offers some impressive views, especially when exploring the region by bike. The Camino de la Ribera is a beautiful route that is great for touring. The path runs along the Vélez River and offers views of the surrounding hills, olive groves and Axarquía countryside. The Camino de la Ribera is relatively flat, making it ideal for a relaxed bike ride. There are many opportunities to stop along the way to enjoy the surroundings and take great photos.