This challenging yet breathtaking 100 km route begins in Estepona, a popular coastal town nestled on the Costa del Sol. From the outset, the climb starts in earnest as you head inland towards Puerto de Peñas Blancas, a local classic that offers 15 km of climbing with an average of about 6% with almost 1000m of elevation gain. This is not an easy climb, especially due to its inconsistent gradients.
The ascent winds through pine forests and offers sweeping views back down to the Mediterranean – a true test for the legs and lungs. From the summit, the route rolls deeper into the rugged beauty of Serranía de Ronda, linking a series of picturesque white villages. First comes Jubrique, tucked into the folds of the mountains,followed by the dramatic clifftop village of Gaucín, where the views stretch as far as Gibraltar and Morocco on a clear day. The final white village is Casares, with its iconic hillside cluster of whitewashed houses.
After Jubrique, there’s another climb to the Puerto del Espino. It’s 9.5 km that will take you 584m up, averaging an agreeable 6%.
After soaking up the tranquil charm of the interior, the route descends back toward the coast. The return leg follows the busy coastal road, offering a fast, flat finale – but with traffic to navigate, it’s a good idea to stay alert and time this section for quieter hours if possible.
This ride combines climbing, culture, and coast – a signature slice of Andalusian cycling.