The best traffic-free bike rides around Casabermeja

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.

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.

This well has long served as a resting and drinking place for travelers, herders, and hikers. Such "ventorrillos" were typical of Andalusia's old trade and cattle routes, connecting villages and towns. The Ventorrillo Patascortas itself is a traditional restaurant known for its authentic Andalusian cuisine. It is located in a historic building that originally served as a rest stop for travelers and dates back to the 16th century. Cyclists, in particular, enjoy the restaurant as a break during their tours through the picturesque landscape of the Montes de Málaga. The menu includes classics such as grilled meats, migas, hearty stews such as berza, the fish soup gazpachuelo, and homemade desserts. The restaurant is conveniently located on the road from Casabermeja to Arroyo Coche, offering beautiful views of the surrounding area and is an ideal place for a break during a cycling tour.

On the way to Vendomiel, you'll experience a stunning change of landscapes—from the warm Mediterranean coast to expansive olive groves to the fresh mountain air of the Andalusian Sierra. The climb itself is quiet and quiet, ideal for cyclists who appreciate solitude and nature. Once at the top, you'll be rewarded with sweeping views, tranquility, and pristine beauty—a place where you feel like you have Andalusia all to yourself.

Those coming from Málaga will experience a tour with a significant change of scenery: from the Mediterranean coast through vast olive groves to the cooler mountainous regions of Granada. The ascent is particularly rewarding in the early morning, when the roads are quiet and the light of the rising sun bathes the hills in warm gold. Whether on a road bike or gravel bike, the route from Málaga up to Vendomiel is a strenuous but worthwhile challenge, rewarded with impressive views and Andalusian authenticity.

A cycling landmark, a point of reference. Its beautiful facade deserves a photo.