Malaga - Gibraltar via some hills

[Kirstie]

We've both got a week off at the same time in early April and were thinking of putting together a jayclock style short tour (1 week) to get some decent weather by jumping on a plane to Malaga and riding for a while to come back from Gibraltar. The andalucian mountains are in the way and we intend to cross them a couple of times. We're probably going to camp or stay in hostels.

Has anyone ridden in this area before - do you have any tips or recommendations, either accommodation, routes, campsites etc?

I know a bit of spanish and will brush up before I go.

Ta everyone.

 

[BigonaBianchi]

I used to live along that coast..12 years ago...

...avoid the coastal highway it is a death trap, well was then anyway.

I remember the village of Arcos de la Frontiera as being really nice..on top of amassive cliff up near Rhonda somewhere I think...

La linea was/is a dump..Gib itself was always grubby..had to go there to get paid...

The spanish you need in land is far more than you need on the coast whwere the main language used to be ..well..erm english

 

[andym]

I'm planning to do the TransAndalus and I've been researching campsites. Here's a Google Map - most sites have websites so you can check if they are open.

Bear in mind that you can't take bikes on the train service that runs between Málaga airport and Málaga.

As a possible alternative suggestion, if you have an off-road capable bike there's some nice riding to be done on wilder and less-touristy Costa de la Luz - plane to Jerez.

 

[ASC1951]

a jayclock style short tour (1 week)

Have you PMd him about it, Kirstie? He was eyeing up Malaga to Faro last year - http://www.cyclechat.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=45568

 

[jay clock]

Blimey! I am famous!! Yes I did, so have a look here http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/malagatofaro

 

[stephenjubb]

+1 for the roads being a death trap near Malaga. This was Dec 08. I was warned by a car driving Brit that the roads were bed on the coast near Malaga.

For a comparison around there it is like riding on a motorway. scary.

 

[ASC1951]

+1 for the roads being a death trap near Malaga. This was Dec 08.

For a comparison around there it is like riding on a motorway. scary.

I think you get that whenever you are near a large town, particularly at both ends of the day - the road fills up with half awake commuters and lads with their heads on backwards, all of whom drive like knobs. I've cycled most of that coast road and in general I'd much rather be on a Spanish dual carriageway than surrounded by British drivers, but I always avoided the bit around Malaga except in light traffic.

Unfortunately further down around Marbella there is little choice: it's the dual carriageway or straight through the middle of every town, which may have slower traffic but IME is just as dangerous. There is quite a long section where the only quiet roads are 20 miles inland.

 

[Kirstie]

Yes I already read your blog Julian - thanks I enjoyed it.

 

[onlineamiga]

Hi Kirstie, I live in the area youre cycling. Ive sent you a PM.