The route begins at Malaga’s port in front of the Bike Tours Malaga shops. The port is situated in a large natural bay and is of fundamental importance to the tourism sector of the Costa del Sol. Throughout the year, some of the largest cruise ships and private yachts dock here. The port area of Muelle Uno is also worth a visit, with the Pompidou museum, a Hard Rock café and many boutiques and restaurants.
Head westwards from the harbour, using the coastal promenade and the city cycle path, until the Chimenea de la Central Térmica de La Misericordia (for a long time Malaga’s tallest building). After a stop for a photo, follow the cycle path until the roundabout in the Sacaba district. Don’t cross the street on this roundabout to stay on the cycle path, but go straight ahead and down the dirt ramp towards the nature park.
From here you can cycle on a good gravel track away from the sea until you cross the first white bridge and then take the slope uphill.
You’ll pass the entrance to the nature reserve which is home to a variety of native bird species. From the several bird hides you might even be able to spot flamingos, which occasionally visit the lagoon.
Another small burst of energy will take you to the Costa del Sol’s original beach resort, Torremolinos, famous for its nightlife and restaurants. Keep following the path, cross the green bridge and turn left. Turn right at the 2 stone pillars to enter Calle Guadalhorce. Keep following this street westwards until the you see exit Playa on the roundabout to head towards the beach.
Following the beach promenade will take you into the heart of Torremolinos, la Carihuela, where you can stop for an ice cream or a beer. If you push on a little bit, you’ll reach the lighthouse of Benalmadena (about 20 km from your start point at Bike Tours Malaga).
Torremolinos is a former fishing village, but has developed into a vibrant multicultural city that attracts, especially in the summer months, numerous tourists who want to enjoy the sun, the beach and parties. During the winter months it regains its tranquility and it’s the locals who go for walks on the 9 km long sandy beach. Also, many chiringuitos (beach restaurants) offer a delicious lunch or a quick seafood snack.
Benalmadena is another highly sought destination on the Costa del Sol with wide sandy beaches, bars, hotels, clubs and the marina, which offers space for more than 1000 vessels. Above the town, visit the Tivoli chairlift that will take you to the summit of Mount Calamorro where you might get a falconry display. From Benalmadena, you can cycle back to Malaga or hop on the local train.
Continuing westwards will take you to the pretty resort town of Fuengirola, which is about 30 km from Malaga. Again, you have the choice to cycle back or hop on the local coast train.
