Not every beautiful corner of the Costa del Sol and the Axarquía fits into a single tour. So every once in a while, we like to share our favourite side trip.

For anyone who wants to keep exploring on their own, or just wants to dream about their next ride.

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Fuente de los Cien Caños

At the foot of the Sierra de San Jorge, near Villanueva del Trabuco, the Guadalhorce River is born: water bubbles down from the limestone wall through more than a hundred (101, to be exact) spouts. A surprisingly cool, green spot inland, with a picnic area right beside it — perfect for stretching your legs during a longer ride.

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Comares — "the balcony of the Axarquía"

A village perched on the edge of a cliff, 700 metres above sea level. The road up winds through olive groves and almond trees. Once at the top, you look out over nearly the entire Axarquía, all the way to the sea.

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El Torcal de Antequera

A surreal landscape of limestone formations, shaped over millions of years of erosion. More of a hiking destination than a riding route, but the road there through the Sierra is a treat in itself.

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Caminito del Rey (El Chorro)

The famous walkway clinging to the cliff face, high above the Guadalhorce River. Booking ahead is required, but the ride there through the mountains around El Chorro is every bit as beautiful as the walk itself.

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Ronda

A bit further out (just over an hour), but well worth it: the Puente Nuevo spans a gorge 100 metres deep, and the town is home to one of Spain's oldest bullrings. Perfect for a day trip, with plenty of mountain villages to stop in along the way.

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Nerja — Balcón de Europa & the caves

The clifftop viewpoint is a classic, but don't skip the Cuevas de Nerja — enormous caves full of stalactites, just a few minutes outside the town centre.

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Sedella & Salares

Two tiny, rarely-visited villages tucked away in the Sierra de Tejeda. Narrow mountain roads, hardly any traffic, and a feeling that time has simply stood still. Ideal for anyone who wants to see the "real" inland Andalucía.

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Puerto de la Refriega

A mountain pass in the Sierra Tejeda-Almijara with one of the finest views in the region — the sea on one side, the mountains toward Granada on the other. A quiet road, full of curves.

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Granada

A proper day trip (just over an hour's drive), but one you won't forget: the Alhambra rises over the city, and the narrow streets of the Albaicín quarter feel like stepping back in time. Leave early so you'll have time to stop along the mountain roads on the way.

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Puerto de Zafarraya

The mountain pass separating the Axarquía from the Granada plain. From the top, the landscape suddenly changes — drier, wider, completely different. A great spot to stop, grab a coffee, and ride back with the sun behind you.