4.5
(39)
811
riders
53
rides
Touring cycling around Periana offers diverse and picturesque landscapes within the Axarquía region of Málaga, Andalusia. The area features stunning mountainous terrain, including the Sierras Alhama and Gallo-Vilo, with panoramic views of Lake Viñuela and the Mediterranean Sea. Extensive olive groves and fruit orchards characterize the rural areas, while the Guaro River contributes to the scenic beauty.
Last updated: July 2, 2026
5.0
(1)
10
riders
27.4km
02:08
680m
680m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
37
riders
41.9km
03:45
990m
990m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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40
riders
94.9km
06:58
2,070m
2,070m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
20
riders
47.5km
03:33
1,070m
1,070m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
21
riders
41.6km
04:00
940m
940m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Periana
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Hiking around Periana
MTB Trails around Periana
Road Cycling Routes around Periana
Running Trails around Periana
Scenic vista point and accss to two parallel steeper trails above and below this remarkably gradual gravel road. Cork oaks with thick bark thrive at this elevation
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Just off to both sides of the gradual Colmenares gravel road, steeper side roads and trails beckon to explore the nature reserve. Asphodelus albus flowers cover the slopes in early spring https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asphodelus_albus
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At every turn of this well-built smooth gravel road the views open up across the valley and mountains to the west.
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A large bronze sculpture dominates this overlook of the Río del Alcázar source valley. The little rest area with a platform raised on natural stone walls along the Colmenares gravel forest road is an unexpected quality in this remote location, thanks to the nature preserve.
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This very small village is situated on a fertile piece of land on top of a mountain ridge as you drive further into the mountains from Velez Malaga towards Alhama de Granada. The Neanderthals were already settled here, as evidenced by human remains found in the natural caves nearby. This region was and still is very fertile and therefore very worthwhile to settle. The Phoenicians, Romans and later from the 8th century the Moors also knew this. If you visit there you will not see much, much is "new". This is because in 1884 this was the epicentre of an earthquake and considerable damage was caused. The area is beautiful, mountainous, green and with a lot of agriculture. It is certainly worth taking the road from here to the nearby Alhama de Granada, which is certainly worth it. The village itself is small and quiet, with a traditional Andalusian appearance. The white houses, narrow streets and friendly community make it an ideal place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
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The Church of the Immaculate Conception is located in the Plaza de la Libertad and has a traditional architecture typical of the region. The church was completely destroyed during the 1884 Granada earthquake. The current church was built at the end of the nineteenth century by order of General Narváez.
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In Alfarnate, La Venta de Alfarnate dates back to the 13th century, and is considered the oldest in Andalusia. Due to the numerous stories and legends surrounding it, it is considered a true popular monument, and it is not for nothing that it now houses the Museum of Andalusian Banditry. All kinds of people and all social classes have passed through here: muleteers, black marketeers, bandits, even King Alfonso XIII and Saint Joseph of Calasanz, not to mention artists, painters, and more. La Venta de Alfarnate remains faithful to its principles, its mystery, and its romantic magic. Its cuisine is fundamentally based on Andalusian mountain and country cuisine, with notable dishes including Alfarnate crumbs, eggs a lo bestia (roasted eggs), garlic goat, fried lamb blood sausage with tomatoes, and scrambled eggs with anise porridge.
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Tunnel of the former cog railway. Very impressive.
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There are over 50 touring cycling routes available around Periana, offering a wide variety of options for different preferences and fitness levels. The komoot community has explored these routes over 700 times.
Touring cycling routes in Periana feature diverse and picturesque landscapes. You'll encounter stunning mountainous terrain, including the Sierras Alhama and Gallo-Vilo, with significant elevation gains. The region is also characterized by extensive olive groves and fruit orchards, offering charming rural sections. Many routes combine paved and unpaved surfaces.
While many routes in Periana feature significant elevation gain and are rated as difficult, there are 5 moderate routes available. These routes offer a less strenuous experience while still allowing you to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Periana's touring cycling routes offer access to several natural and historical highlights. You can cycle past the ancient Moorish thermal baths at Baños de Vilo Hot Springs, enjoy views of La Maroma Massif, or discover the Hundred‑Spout Fountain. The region is also known for its extensive olive groves and the tranquil Lake Viñuela.
Yes, Periana offers several circular touring cycling routes. A popular option is Embalse La Viñuela – circular desde Periana, which provides expansive views of Lake Viñuela and the surrounding mountains. Another is the Venta de Alfarnate & Museum – Puerto del Sol (1085 m) loop from Las Mayorales, leading through mountainous terrain.
The Axarquía region, where Periana is located, generally offers pleasant cycling conditions for much of the year. Spring and autumn are particularly ideal, with milder temperatures perfect for tackling the area's varied terrain. Summers can be hot, especially at lower elevations, while winters are generally mild but can bring cooler temperatures to the mountainous areas.
Absolutely. For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, routes like Monument to Peace – Torre del Mar Beach loop from Moya offer a difficult 58.6-mile (94.4 km) path with over 2,000 meters of elevation gain, connecting inland landscapes with coastal views. Many of the 45 difficult routes available provide significant distances and ascents.
Periana is a small village, and parking is generally available within or on the outskirts of the village, making it convenient to start many routes directly from there. For routes starting from other nearby towns or specific trailheads, local parking options are usually indicated on komoot route details.
The touring cycling routes around Periana are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 30 reviews. Cyclists often praise the stunning mountainous backdrops, verdant olive groves, and the tranquil Lake Viñuela, highlighting the diverse and picturesque landscapes.
Given the mountainous terrain and significant elevation gains characteristic of Periana, most touring cycling routes are rated as moderate to difficult. While there are no specifically designated 'easy' routes, families with older children or those comfortable with some climbing might enjoy shorter sections of the moderate routes, particularly those around Lake Viñuela, which offer scenic views without extreme technical difficulty.
Yes, cycling through the extensive olive groves is a quintessential Periana experience. The region is famous for its verdial olive oil, and many routes, such as those that are part of the 'Route of the Olive Oil and Mountains,' traverse these charming rural landscapes. You'll find yourself cycling past ancient olive trees and fruit orchards, particularly peach and quince.
Periana and the surrounding villages offer various cafes, restaurants, and small shops where you can stop for refreshments. Many routes pass through or near these villages, providing opportunities to refuel and experience local hospitality. It's always a good idea to check the route details on komoot for specific points of interest or towns along your chosen path.


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