5 best bike rides in Malaga

Almost completely flat terrain and miles of bike lanes make Malaga an ideal city to explore on your bike. To give you some ideas on where to go, check out our list of the 5 best bike rides in Malaga.

 

If you’re hiring a bike in Malaga, there are several companies. Double-check the deal – not all offer the best value for money. Some also offer bike tours. But if you’re keen to cycle Malaga on your own initiative, below are 5 route suggestions. We’ve only provided a map for the Malaga Reservoirs route since the other routes are pretty much self-explanatory. For a map of the cycle lanes in Malaga click here.

City Centre

Apart from the narrow pedestrian streets in the city centre, getting around the old quarter by bike is fairly easy. Start on the bike lane in the Paseo del Parque and make your way northwards via the cathedral and Plaza de la Merced to Calle Parras. Lose yourself and your bike down side streets as you discover the real Malaga.

Top tip: If you planned bike ride in Malaga includes Calle Larios or Calle Granada, get on your bike first thing in the day (before 11am) or be prepared to have to walk some of the way because of the crowds.

Seafront East

Another of the best bike rides in Malaga takes your east. There are hardly any designated bike lanes on this side of town, but you can still cycle easily from the centre to the Candado Marina to the east. The route takes you through Malaga’s two fishing districts, Pedregalejo and El Palo, and most of the 7km ride runs next to the beach so it’s sea views almost all the way. There are plenty of places to stop for a drink or some chargrilled sardines (espeto de sardinas). Read our guide to El Palo and Pedregalejo.

Top tip: The seafront promenade in Pedregalejo gets very busy at weekend lunchtimes. To avoid the crowds, cycle up one of the side streets and ride parallel to the seafront as far as you can.

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Seafront West

Follow the bike lanes from the Paseo del Parque to the train station and then southeast to the seafront from where you can cycle along the designated tracks to the sports stadium (about 5km). This route takes you past some of Malaga’s industrial chimneys and Misericordia beach. And if you’re a birdwatching fan or just love nature, combine it with a visit to the Guadalhorce River via the stunning bridge. Beach bars and cafés line the route so refreshments are never far away. Read our guide to the Western Seafront.

Top tip: Watch out for skaters, electric-scooter riders and (very) young cyclists on the cycle lanes especially as you go round the bends.

Malaga Port

And now for one of the more unusual bike rides in Malaga – this one explores the city’s huge port. Start at the cruise terminal in the east, cycle past the lighthouse and along Muelle Uno. Continue through the port and take in the west end with its small but busy fishing port. Surprise yourself with the contrast in the cityscapes from one end to the other.

 

Top tip: You probably won’t be allowed to ride round the port during the week because of heavy lorry traffic. At weekends, the customs police don’t usually mind.

Malaga Reservoirs

This is a slightly more challenging ride since it’s longer and involves some hills at the end, but you’ll be rewarded with a very different view of Malaga. Take the cycle lane from Plaza de la Merced and once past the Rosaleda football stadium, continue on the cycle lane up the river. Shortly after the cycle lane ends and you pass a tennis court, turn right and then left at the roundabout. Continue for about 1km before turning left under the motorway. Go right to the reservoirs about 2.5km further up the road. There are several roadside bars up here for some well-earned refreshments.

Top tip: Make a day of it and visit La Concepcion botanical gardens. Bike parking is available inside as well as a lovely café for snacks and refreshments. Read our guide to Malaga botanical gardens.

See map for this route

The Montes de Malaga

Perhaps the most challenging bike ride of all, this trip takes you up into the mountains to the east of the city. This protected area known as the Montes de Málaga has 5,000 hectares of peaks, waterways, pine forests and tracks.

To get there, follow the cycle lane from Plaza de la Merced and once past the Rosaleda football stadium, continue on the cycle lane up the river. Shortly after the cycle lane ends and you pass a tennis court, turn right and then left at the roundabout. Continue for about 1km before turning right onto a track sign-posted for the Montes.

Getting out and about on your bike in Malaga is just 1 of the great things to do in the city.

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