The route
This is a wonderful ride that you must do when youâre near Ronda, by itself a must-do destination in the province of MĂĄlaga. Itâs one highlight after another, I promise you this loop will not disappoint.
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To begin with, you start in the amazing Ronda, a drop-dead gorgeous city steeped in history. After a short urban ride in the outskirts of Ronda, you quickly descend into the valley towards the Embalse de Zahara.
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The first climb of the day, Sanguijuela, starts immediately when you turn off the A-374. Without a proper warm up, your legs feel like lead and itâll feel like youâre riding up La Redoute or the Mur of Huy.
The climb isnât very long or steep, fortunately. Take it easy, because this is just an amuse-bouche, thereâs plenty more of climbing to come. At the summit, youâll descend slightly into jaw-droppingly beautiful landscape.
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Soon after, the artifical lake of Zahara looms large, and above it, towering on a rock, the equally beautiful village of Zahara de la Sierra. The town also heralds the beginning of the wonderful climb towards Puerto de Las Palomas. This is a jewel of a climb and highly enjoyable.
Itâs a steady climb that becomes increasingly more difficult. The many many twists and turns, and even a few hairpin corners, are somehow helpful to keep up the morale.
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A quick descent takes you to Grazalema, the wettest place in Spain. Itâs true, look it up! If it isnât raining, you can stop by the main square for a coffee and perhaps a little snack or light lunch before making your way to Ronda.
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If your legs can still keep up, you can take a little detour through the valley and through villages like Montejaque and BenaojĂĄn. It is beautiful up here, and if youâre hot, you can go for a quick swim at the popular Cueva del Gato.
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Upon leaving BenaojĂĄn, you climb out of the valley back to Ronda.
Fueling up
Zahara de la Sierra is a great place to stop. As is Grazalema, which comes right after the descent of the Puerto de Las Palomas. And no shortage of great food in Ronda itself.