A Cyclist’s Guide to Gravel Cycling in the Badlands of Andalucia

The Badlands are a unique collection of landscapes that have been put on the gravel cyclists’ radar by the annual Badlands Ultra event. Every year 500 cyclists sign up to race a 600km self-supported route non-stop. The race starts in Granada, heads east through the Sierra Huetor to the Gorafe desert, then turns south through the Tabernas desert en route to a spectacular finish along the coast at Cabo de Gata.

Our Cyclist’s Guide to the Badlands is all about how best to enjoy the region at a more relaxed pace, we’ll cover the cycling highlights, where to stay, what to eat, cultural highlights and of course when to ride & what to pack. Let’s go!

Badlands Cycling Highlights

Each region listed below can easily support 3 or 4 days of unique riding. The beauty starts when you put them all together and witness the dramatic changes in landscape from olive groves, forests and snow-capped high mountains to desert ravines & ramblas and the spectacular Mediterranean coast.

1. Granada – La Vega, Sierra Huetor, Sierra Nevada

The city of Granada provides the perfect starting point for the adventure. Cobbled streets rise to the Alhambra palace and to gravel trails beyond.

To the west of the city you’ll find the olive groves of La Vega with gentle rolling hills perfect for a leg loosening ride after a long journey.

To the north east is the Sierra Huetor, full of steep forested slopes and spectacular vistas.

To the south east the Sierra Nevada rise above the city. Snow capped peaks in winter make a picturesque backdrop to the Alhambra. The mountain range is home to challenging gravel rides and the mighty Pico de Veleta.

2. Gor & the Gorafe Desert

100 kms from Granada you’ll find the tiny village of Gor, and to the north the village of Gorafe, gateway to the Gorafe desert. The landscape is astonishing, marked with deep gullies formed by thousands of years of erosion and full of beautiful colours.

At an altitude of xx the desert rises and falls, making for challenging and rewarding riding. Look out for vultures circling high above.

3. The Tabernas Desert

Journey south from Gor to Tabernas and the desert which provides the location for the shooting of the Spaghetti Westerns of the 1950s, Indiana Jones & most recently Black Mirror.

The cycling highlights have to be the deep ramblas (dry river beds) that cut through the desert.

4. Cabo de Gata

The first UNESCO nature reserve in Andalucia, the Cabo de Gata provides a spectacular backdrop to the finish of the Badlands route. A dramatic coast road rises up and down providing a stunning finish to the ride.

Food & Culture Highlights

The whole area is packed with Espectaculos! Here’s our top 5 not to miss culture moments:

1. Visit a movie set – take an afternoon off in Tabernas to go and see a film location. If you’re lucky you’ll also get to see an ESPECTACULO!
2. Watch Flamenco – Andalucia is full of Flamenco music & dance. You’ll likely see some street performances in Granada or book to see a show in a local tablao
3. Go to the natural spa – a few kms from Gor bathe in mineral waters heated by volcanic activity.
4. Race track – for something different head of the Circuito de Andalucia race track.
5. Visit the Alhambra – the palace and gardens of the Alhambra are a must visit when you are in Granada. Book a ticket ahead of time and block as much time as possible to wonder around and soak up the history. Watching the sunset over the Alhambra from the Mirador San Nicolás viewpoint is also a must.

Food is an essential part of any journey through the Badlands. Here’s my favourite food moments:

1. Jamon y Queso – the backbone of local food! Avoid ham and cheese before travelling to Andalucia, you’ll eat enough for the coming few months during your visit.
2. Vino dulce – this little glass of sweet wine packs and is delicious as an aperitif or digestive.
3. Paella – squeeze in with the locals for a paella lunch at the weekend on the coast. Although originally from Valencia paella is enjoyed all over Spain and happens to provide great carbs for the next ride.
4. Tapas – an Andaluz classic. Head to the Saint Germain district in Granada and bar hop.
5. Ensalada Mixta – to balance all the fried food a good mixed salad is essential. The usual combination involves crunchy lettuce, tuna, olives, cucumber and big chunks of tomato.

Where to Stay

There are plenty of great options for those of us normal folk not wanting to spend the night in a bivvy bag on the side of a road or wedged into a bus stop… Here’s an ever expanding list of our favourite places to stay.

Granada

• Villa Oniria, Granada centre

Gorafe

• Cuevas El Atochal, Gor
• Cuevas la Chumbera, Benalúa

Tabernas

• Jardines del Desierto, Tabernas
• Casa Mimi, Gérgal

Cabo de Gata

• Hotel Carboneras Cabo de Gata, Carboneras
• Cabogata Beach Hotel, Retamar

When to ride the Badlands

The area can be enjoyed all year around although it’s advisable to avoid the brutal heat of July and August when carrying enough water becomes an issue. September to June provide ideal cycling conditions. January & February are cooler but still really comfortable to ride in.

What to Pack for Riding the Badlands

This depends on whether you’re riding self-supported or have vehicle back up or luggage transfers, however there some essentials to ensure comfort whilst riding.

• Cycling mitts – give your hands some extra padding on rough terrain
• Lip balm and a good face moisturiser – a lovely luxury before and after the ride, dry skin can crack and get sore over a week.
• Suncream – even in winter the sun can get strong
• Cycling kit – the usual! My advise for the ‘winter’ months is to pack layers over heavy duty winter kit, it can get up to 20 degrees in the heat of they day.
• Mini first-aid kit (just in case and you’re in the middle of nowhere)
• Bar bag/saddle bag – especially if you’re riding self-supported it’s good to have extra carrying capacity
• Camel Back in summer – if you’re crazy enough to ride in July & August you need to carry as much water as possible. Re-fuel stops are few and far between adn the heat will be intense.
• Warm jacket for the evenings. It can get cold when the sun goes down and you’re staying at altitude.

How to get to the Badlands

Fly in to Málaga, Granada or Almeria. There’s a train from Málaga and Almeria to Granada (you can take a bike on the regional slow speed, the high speed requires a reservation and the bike packing into a small-ish box).

Eat Sleep Cycle can also arrange bike friendly private transfers to your start location.

Want to Find out more?

If you’re interested in discovering the magic of Badlands get in touch! You can also browse our self-guided and fully supported tours from our Badlands page. Our itineraries have been designed meticulously in colaboration with route-master & founder of Badlands, David. We offer full flexibility and love to work with private groups too.