Some of our favorite local climbs
Haza de Lino (from Orgiva) 17km and 669m altitude gain - really a range of
climbs reaching 1300m altitude, with several different approaches from
both our inland base and from the coast. The top boasts epic panoramic
views with mainland Spain's highest mountains, Mulhacen and Pico Veleta
on one side and the shimmering Mediterranean on the other.
Trevelez (from Orgiva) 32.5km and 1022m altitude gain - heading
inland from our base get set for a long climb to Spain's highest
village. The climb has a bit of everything, shallower straight sections
as well as steeper hairpins bends through the famous 'white villages'
and even descents as the climb winds through the Poquiera Valley. There
are numerous turnings to pretty villages
where you can top up your bottles from fountains of fresh spring water, including the seemingly
endless switchbacks to Cañar and the dead end road (a forest track
continues to Pico Veleta) to Capileira, which hosted a finish of the
Vuelta a España in 2015.
Minas 13.3km and 845m altitude gain - a
long climb at 13.3km but you are rewarded for your hard work with
beautiful scenery and unbelievably quiet roads. You snake up from the
valley through the village of Almegíjar and continue towards Trevélez
with views of the Poquiera Valley stretching below and the abandoned
mines which give the climb it's name.
Contraviesa (from Cadiar) 6.5km and 366m altitude gain - another
mountain range leading to the sea with approaches from the coast or
various inland routes. You might choose the gentler approach from Cadiar
or the steep slopes from Torvizcón. The ridge at the top stretches
across towards the Haza de Lino and features turn offs to Europe's
highest vineyards, home of the protected Contraviesa-Alpujarra denominación.