The beauty of the Andalusian mountains – Transandalus southern section
Bike Touring Collection by Ana Carmen
11
days
5-10 h
/ day
577 mi
55,500 ft
55,475 ft
Golden sand, dense forests, lush green valleys, breathtaking gorges and demanding climbs... If you like a challenge in remote natural settings, read on.
The Transandalus is a 2,000-kilometre (1,242 mi) loop that crosses all the Andalusian provinces in southern Spain, passing through places that will leave you breathless. To make it more accessible, I've divided it into two parts. To see a Collection about the northern section from Almería to Huelva, click the following link: komoot.com/collection/2021820. This Collection, meanwhile, covers the southern section from Huelva to Almeria.
This adventure is divided into 11 stages. The days are fairly long and demanding due to the climbing involved. To get the most out of it, it's best to have at least an intermediate level of fitness, but you can always adapt the stages to suit your requirements.
The places you'll visit are magnificent, from the coastal villages at the start of the route to the mountain villages further on. Barbate, Ronda, Antequera, Lanjarón and Pampaneira are good examples.
The undeniable beauty of nature is overwhelming here, encouraging you to slow down and take in the scenery. The Los Alcornocales Natural Park, the Sierra de Grazalema, the Sierra de las Nieves and the Torcal de Antequera Nature Reserve are just a taste. I recommend saving your energy for the highlight of the Collection: the Alpujarra. This very wild region gives the impression of cycling in a documentary in which you are the protagonist.
The route is made up of dirt tracks, paths and secondary roads that take you to the less-frequented areas of the mountains. Be aware that you may encounter a lot of sand, streams and stones along the way, requiring you to get off your bike. That's why we recommend choosing a bike with wide tyres and good grip. This could be a gravel bike, or even better, a full-suspension mountain bike for more comfort riding over the potholes.
The original route forks several times. Each time, I'll offer you two options: the original route or one that avoids the detours. Feel free to change the route if you wish to visit other places. Public transport is available at the start and end of the route, via train stations in Huelva and Almeria. You can also take the bus.
You can tackle this adventure at any time of year, but bear in mind that summers are very hot. If you choose this option, take plenty of water with you and avoid the middle of the day. In spring and autumn, the temperatures are more pleasant and you can enjoy the colours of the landscape. Finally, in winter, the days are much shorter and the route may be covered in snow at higher altitudes. Whatever the time of year, it's a good idea to check the weather forecast before you set off.
So don't wait any longer – embark on your adventure!
On The Map
Do it yourself
Ready to get going? Create and customize your own version of this adventure using the full Tour below as a template.
Last updated: October 31, 2023
Plan your own version of this adventure in the multi-day planner based on the stages suggested in this Collection.
Tours
- 08:3464.6 mi7.5 mph1,025 ft1,025 ftFerryExpertExpert gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Some portions of the Tour may require you to push your bike. The Tour includes a crossing by ferry.
The day begins at the Huelva train station. It is a long stage, but practically flat. You pass through several towns where it is possible to get supplies and water. However, I recommend that you take a snack and enough drink with you to maintain optimal hydration. Also, if you feel like taking a dip…
by Ana Carmen
- 07:0860.2 mi8.4 mph1,925 ft1,825 ftExpertExpert gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Some portions of the Tour may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
To carry out the first part of today's route you have two alternatives. The first is to pedal near the coast on the greenway that passes through Chipiona and reaches Rota. After skirting the naval base, it connects with the cattle track to El Puerto de Santa María. Next, passing Valdelagrana, the route…
by Ana Carmen
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- 06:4056.6 mi8.5 mph3,475 ft3,575 ftExpertExpert gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
You are facing a different stage, the orography is more rugged and the landscape is full of vegetation. The panoramic views that you are going to discover are of indisputable beauty.
The day begins with a gentle pedaling along the coast. If you want to cool off, this is your chance before entering the…
by Ana Carmen
- 07:5155.0 mi7.0 mph5,525 ft4,750 ftExpertExpert gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
The day begins with a gentle pedaling towards the interior of the Los Alcornocales natural park. At this stage you no longer pedal along the coast, but you cross the Guadacorte River and follow the path of Guadarranque to the reservoir with the same name. If the temperatures are high, you have several…
by Ana Carmen
- 05:4334.9 mi6.1 mph5,375 ft3,825 ftExpertExpert gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
This day is quite demanding. The route is full of constant slides with very steep slopes. On some occasions the unevenness exceeds 15%. I recommend that you carry enough water and a snack to help you recover energy during the journey.
Jimera de Líbar is an ideal place to rest before entering the Sierra…
by Ana Carmen
- 08:3256.7 mi6.7 mph6,600 ft7,300 ftExpertExpert gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
This stage continues to show you authentic natural beauties of the province of Malaga. In the first part, you cross the Sierra de las Nieves natural park and, in the second part, you visit the Tajo de la Encantada reservoir. Here are some gigantic canyons with vertical walls, in which a path was built…
by Ana Carmen
- 06:2046.4 mi7.3 mph5,300 ft4,100 ftExpertExpert gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
On this day you pedal between very peculiar and truly surprising mountains. The landscape stands out for its spectacular karstic formations. It is convenient to start the day early to be able to visit some of these beauties.
The first stop can be made in the Torcal de Antequera natural area, where the…
by Ana Carmen
- 06:0740.7 mi6.7 mph3,725 ft4,875 ftExpertExpert gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
This stage takes you to visit the north of the Sierra de Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama natural park. Here you will find the steepest slopes of the day, but also the wildest landscapes. It's time to enjoy the scent of fresh pine and the mountains that surround you.
The Bermejales reservoir invites you to…
by Ana Carmen
- 10:5863.4 mi5.8 mph10,650 ft9,300 ftExpertExpert gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Some portions of the Tour may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
The hardest day of the Collection arrives. You face more than 3000 meters of positive elevation gain. In this stage you enter the famous Alpujarra, located on the south face of Sierra Nevada. They are lands of indisputable beauty as well as physically demanding. I recommend that you start the day very…
by Ana Carmen
- 07:3450.1 mi6.6 mph6,275 ft7,850 ftExpertExpert gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
The stage covers the rest of the Alpujarra of Granada and Almería. The path takes you through a constant seesaw, but with shorter slopes than the previous day. In addition, the negative slope exceeds the positive one.
You cross several towns where it is possible to get supplies. However, I advise you…
by Ana Carmen
- 07:1848.0 mi6.6 mph5,675 ft7,100 ftExpertExpert gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Some portions of the Tour may require you to push your bike.
The last day of this Collection arrives. A very exciting stage that guides you through the increasingly rounded mountains and with little vegetation to your final destination. Do not hesitate to make a stop at the viewpoints, the landscape will surprise you.
Felix is one of the few towns you find along…
by Ana Carmen
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Collection Stats
- Tours11
- Distance577 mi
- Duration82:45 h
- Elevation55,500 ft55,475 ft
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