Alto de Velefique

The Alto de Velefique is simply an amazing climb to do on a bicycle. You’re riding in the desert, on a perfect and deserted road that doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. And the climb is litered with hairpin corners, where every corner reveals another spectacular corner of this amazing area.

As soon as you leave your accommodation, the road goes up. The actual, proper climbing starts when you cross the bridge at the town of Velefique, but the road goes up ever so slightly on the mesmerizing road towards Velefique.

You’re actually in a desert, so don’t expect the environment to be friendly on you. It can be extremely hot, cold, and windy here, and there’s no shelter whatsoever to protect you from the elements.

The size of this place is hard to put into words. The mountain range doesn’t seem to be getting any closer, it’s almost hypnotising. Soon enough though, the village of Velefique hoves into view and an epic climb awaits.

The climb does not have the typical Andalucían irregular character. Instead, it’s a steady climb with a tougher part a few kilometers in, with an average of about 9 to 10%.

The last 8 kilometers or so are just awesome. It’s one hairpin corner after the other, and the views get better after each one. You’ll almost want this climb to never end, but it does rather nicely with almost 360 degrees of amazing views over the desert and of surrounding mountains.

The road goes on and might eventually take you to Calar Alto and/or Bacares, if you’re keen on making a monster ride.

Fueling

You’re in the desert, so make sure you’re self-sufficient. The sleepy town of Velefique has a bar located near the municipal swimming pool, high above the town’s center. Network coverage has worked fine every time I went, but I doubt it’s always like this.