Alcázar to Mediterranean Classic

This route is an absolute classic of the area.

You start off the ride with the first climb of the day out of Alcazar, the steady 5km climb at a very gentle 5% the perfect way to gently spin the legs. Once at the summit, you’ll be greeted by stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the descent of Haza del Lino. The 14km descent off Haza del Lino is an amazing road, like Sa Calobra, but with much less traffic, it is also very steep with lots of sharp hairpin bends, take care.

After the descent you’ll find yourself in the coastal town of Castell de Ferro, this takes you to the highlight of this ride, the fabulous 20km stretch along the Mediterranean. This road is one of the most popular cycling roads in Andalusia, a regular for pro cycling teams for warm-weather training in the winter. This road has also featured in the Vuelta Espana, where you’ll get the helicopter shots of the world’s best riders meandering their way along the coast, alongside the cost. 

Once you enter the village of La Rabiita, you’ll then go inland, gradually rising towards the town of Albunol, once you reach this town, you’ll begin the main climb of the day, the 20km climb back up to Haza del Lino. Although the distance of 20km may seem daunting, the 5% average gradient makes this the most gentle way up Haza del Lino. However, don’t be fooled by the shallow gradient, 20km is still a long time climbing, pacing yourself is very important here, as 20km is a long time. Once near the summit, you’ll be on top of the ridge, here you’ll be greeted by stunning views, overlooking the Med glistening 1000 metres below you! Once at the summit, you will rejoin the loop you stared, and you’ll then be rewarded with 5km decent you climbed up at the beginning of the ride, although the road is in perfect condition, it is narrow in places and there a many blind corners, take this descent with car and watch out for oncoming traffic.

Water stops and refreshments 

There are several water stops along the way and we urge you to use them as there are long distances between each stop. There are water taps in the following places;

• Rubite 
• Castell de Ferro
• La Mamola 
• La Rabita 

There is also a Repsol garage before you come into the town of Albunol, and there are also plenty of supermarkets in Albunol, this will be the last opportunity to take on refreshments before the long climb to Haza del Lino, so if you are low we recommend you fill up there. There is also a cafe just before the summit of Haza del Lino, where you can fill up and get refreshments before the descent back home.  

You can also use the linked route to Strava to find water stops.