If you're a cyclist visiting Marbella — or a local looking to explore new roads — you're in for a treat. The Costa del Sol has it all: flat coastal paths for easy morning spins, rolling hills through white villages and serious mountain climbs into the Sierra de las Nieves. Here are our five favourite routes, chosen by the team at Gravitate Bikes in San Pedro de Alcántara.
1. The Senda Litoral — Marbella's Coastal Path (Easy, 22km)
Starting right from our door in San Pedro, the Senda Litoral is one of the most enjoyable easy rides on the coast. This purpose-built cycling and walking path runs along the shoreline from San Pedro all the way to Marbella — and eventually beyond. It's flat, well-surfaced and perfect for all ages and abilities.
Stop at the chiringuitos along the way, ride past the marina at Puerto Banus, and finish with a coffee in Marbella old town. Then ride back — or jump in a taxi if your legs have had enough.
Best time: Early morning in summer, any time in spring and autumn. Expect company on weekends.
2. San Pedro to Ronda — The Classic Climb (Hard, 95km)
This is the one serious cyclists dream about. Heading inland from San Pedro, you climb steadily through olive groves and white villages before the big push up to Ronda — perched dramatically above a 100-metre gorge. The descent back to the coast is one of the best in Spain.
It's a full-day commitment and you'll need decent legs, but the views and the sense of achievement make it unforgettable. Drop into the shop before you go and we'll make sure your bike is dialled in for the climb.
Best time: October to May. Avoid July and August — the climb in 38-degree heat is no joke.
3. Benahavis Loop — Hills and White Villages (Intermediate, 55km)
Head north from San Pedro into the hills and you'll quickly leave the coast behind. This loop takes you through Cancelada and up to Benahavis — a beautiful little village with excellent restaurants — before looping back via the valley. Rolling hills, quiet roads and genuinely stunning scenery.
It's a step up from the coastal path but nothing too scary. A great choice if you want to feel like you've earned your lunch.
4. Sierra de las Nieves Mountain Bike Trail (Intermediate MTB, 40km)
Marbella's backyard is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve — and one of the best places for mountain biking in southern Spain. Pine forests, rocky singletrack and big views back to the coast.
Come into the shop and we'll give you the route and a bike to match — our basic MTB rentals are perfect for a day in the Sierra.
5. Puerto Banus Evening Ride (Easy, 12km)
Short on time? This easy out-and-back along the coast to Puerto Banus is perfect for a late afternoon spin. Watch the boats in the harbour, grab an ice cream and roll back to San Pedro as the sun goes down. Simple, beautiful and completely free.
Ready to Ride?
We rent road bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes from our shop in San Pedro de Alcántara. We can also take you out on a guided tour of any of the routes above — just get in touch and we'll sort something out.
