Malaga Bike Tour – Marina & Beach
A bike ride from Malaga to Rincón de la Victoria is undoubtedly one of the most entertaining trips you can make in this region. In the first place because this is the ‘Real Spain’, as tourists have yet to discover this coastal area.
Moreover, it is a diverse and safe route. You can do the 15-kilometre stretch as a quick bike ride or enjoy it as a day trip because there is plenty to do and to see on the way.
It’s a nice getaway for both families and sportsmen, day-trippers and culture lovers. Along the way, you will find not only the expected sun, sand and sea but also exciting sights, museums, spectacular views, lounge bars and restaurants.
Muelle Uno – the port of Malaga
You start from Malaga city centre at the Plaza Marina. Bikes can be rented here. Continue through the port of Malaga (Muelle), passing terraces, a musical playground and of course, the port itself.
If you are lucky, you can visit a naval ship. In the absence of uniformed men, one can potentially marvel at the Tatoosh, the yacht of Paul Allen (co-founder Microsoft) or the world’s largest cruise ship Oasis of the Seas.
The culture aficionado will get his fix at the Centre Pompidou, a surprisingly beautiful venue, even though it is located inside a Parking Garage.
The Malagueta Beach
The prominent lighthouse marks the end of the harbour and the beginning of the beach. Swaying palm trees welcome the visitor. Note that the promenade is shared with skaters, joggers and pedestrians. All of them take precedence over you!
On the beach, you will find sand, chiringuitos (beach bars) and playgrounds.
This is a relatively short bike tour. Although it might not offer enough physical exercise, en route are several (free) outdoor fitness areas to work off that surplus energy.
Tour the historic city of Malaga by bike, and discover all its attractions, including the ancient Roman Theatre and Gibralfaro Castle.
Visit Picasso’s birthplace and see the Semana Santa Museum. You’ll also get to enjoy a lovely cycle by the beach!
You are now four kilometres down the road. Well done! An excellent point to have a rest.
Baños del Carmen
Baños del Carmen is my favourite spot in Malaga. The terrace of the lounge café and restaurant overlooks a turbulent sea, white pillars and graffiti. The sky is always blue, the light otherworldly beautiful. But actually, you better keep this pit stop for the return journey, as it is the ideal location for a sundowner. Sun, sea and faded glory. What else? Okay, a George Clooney look-a-like as a waiter would add the finishing touch.
Not to worry, there are plenty of other cafés and restaurants on the way. Pez Tomillo, for example, is a nice restaurant with a fabulous roof terrace which you’ll find at the beach of Pedregalejo next to the Nereo shipyard. This is a museum and yard simultaneously, where ancient ship replicas are built and repaired.
Alternatively, continue your tour, as a few kilometres down the road, at the beginning of El Palo, you encounter El Tintero, an exciting seafood restaurant.
Peñón del Cuervo
After a well-deserved refreshment, it is time to get on your bike again. At the marina El Candado, you can peek at a beautiful sheltered beach and find another good restaurant.
Here you go a bit inland. You have to ride roughly a few hundred meters along the highway. Don´t worry, this path is separated from the main road by a large fence. Across the street stands the cement factory, which looks more like the original Centre Pompidou in Paris than the current affiliate in the Malaga harbour.
Opposite the Peñón del Cuervo, a giant rock in the sea is a public barbecue area. At the weekend, it is usually crowded here, but it is mainly empty during the week. A great place to have a picnic midway, and you don’t even need to bring your own barbecue.
From here, the road takes you to Cala del Moral. The cycle path, a dirt track, continues on the beach.
Rincón de la Victoria
On this stretch of beach, you will notice fishing boats, on the boulevard mainly terraces. Then, riding through various tunnels, you will end up in Rincón de la Victoria.
Here awaits the ultimate reward for your children, the one and only Burger King. If you would like to camp, continue to Almayate or Torre del Mar, here are several campsites at the seaside. Now all that remains is the return journey.
Cycling the Montes de Malaga
One of the more scenic and strenuous routes in Malaga is the circular route in the mountains, read here about cycling in the Montes de Malaga.
Practical information
- A helmet is compulsory for all cyclists outside urban areas, children up to 14 years of age need to wear a helmet at all times.
- On this route are some minor inclines to be conquered. Gears are not necessary but convenient.
- If you would like to stay at the beach, try la Chancla. Situated on the beachfront in Málaga, this charming hotel is located in the traditional fishing neighbourhood of the city.
- Alternatively, if you like the beach and a bit more luxury, try Grand Hotel Miramar which is set in a listed early 20th-century building and is 10 yards from La Malagueta Beach. This beachfront hotel has a spa centre and a seasonal pool.
- Note that the distance between Malaga – Rincón is 15 kilometres one way. Therefore, keep the return journey in mind when planning your trip.
- Book your bike tour now.
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