15 essential tips for cycling Almeria, Andalucia, Spain

Pack wisely

A little preparation before you travel can make a big difference to your trip, especially in a region where bike shops and supplies can be few and far between.

1. Gearing

Double digit gradients are relatively rare here – but the climbs are long. Bear this in mind when choosing your gearing before your trip. If you’re planning on tackling the Velefique, you might find a 32t cassette handy, since the first four kilometres of the climb average at around 10%!

2. Pack enough spares

Even on the coastal strip, there aren’t an oversupply of bike shops (this isn’t Mallorca!). Head inland and it gets remote very quickly. Make sure you bring all the usual spares and, if you’ve got room, pack a few more besides. Our packing list should help.

3. Service your bike before you leave home

For the same reason as above! You don’t want to spend your cycling trip not being able to cycle!

Bike parked above Agua Amarga overlooking winding mountain roads in Almeria

Get route planning

Almeria is home to some fantastic cycling routes, but its remote landscapes mean it pays to plan ahead before you head out riding.

4. Plan your routes

You can find links to all our firsthand route reviews within our ultimate guide to Almeria, here. If you’re planning a broader cycling trip, our ultimate guide to cycling in Andalucia also includes ideas for other riding destinations across southern Spain. More information can be found here.

5. Get familiar with where you’re going

Should the worst happen and your Garmin and/or phone dies, it’s nice to have some idea where you are and where you’re going… as mentioned, this part of the world is sparsely populated!

6. Expect good road surfaces

Wondering what the road surfaces will be like? We found the ones on our routes almost uniformly excellent. If you find yourself pondering how this is possible, apparently it’s because the Spanish authorities give the utilities companies a six-month warning that they’re intending to resurface. It’s then up to the companies to do anything they need to do under the road while the new surface is being laid. After that, no major work can be done until the road is resurfaced next time. Novel!

A snaking road in Almeria, Spain

Before you leave your hotel

The dry climate, remote roads and long climbs mean a few quick checks before you roll out each day are well worth the effort.

7. Carry plenty of water

This is an extremely dry and sometimes very hot part of the world. This makes hydration particularly important. We rode with two bottles each and refilled at petrol stations and cafes along the way.

8. Stock up before remote sections

Once you’re away from the coastal strip, you can sometimes cycle 20-30 km without seeing a shop or cafe. Ensure you are well stocked before you leave your hotel and stop when you see an opportunity to refuel.

9. Check your repair kit

Check you’ve got your basic repair kit with you. We had a front wheel puncture in a remote part of the Cabo de Gata-Níjar National Park, but had inner tubes and gas cannisters with us to quickly get back on the road – we would have been simply stranded without them.

10. Bring a jacket

Even though this region has an amazing climate, bring a jacket. On some of the fast and longer descents (Calar Alto and Alto de Velefique), depending upon the time of year, you’ll need one due to the windchill.

11. Use sunscreen

Lather on the sunscreen. It gets hot here, really hot, and you need to avoid sun bun and sun stroke.

Photo stop with Sierra Nevada view (photo credit: Sierra Sports & Tours)

And finally…

A few final tips and bits of common sense can help make your cycling trip to Almeria safer, smoother and more enjoyable.

12. Ride with someone else if you can

If you can get a friend to come with you on your trip, so much the better. Then, if there’s a problem, there’s someone to help!

13. Never forget the essentials

Keep a small rear light fitted to your bike in case of sudden bad weather (or darkness…). It goes without saying really, but never leave home without money, ID and your telephone.

14. Check local traffic laws

Familiarise yourself with the traffic laws. It sounds boring, but the rules of the road might be different to the ones you’re used to at home!

15. Watch out for goats

We spotted quite a few, and while they’re generally good at getting out of the way, be on the look out!

John Vicars divides his time between England and Spain and, together with his wife, clocks in around 10,000 miles each year searching out Europe's finest roads. John loves to share his experiences (good and bad) from the saddle and has a particular loathing for double digit gradients, sub-zero temperatures and red traffic lights!