Cycle Touring in Spain. Harry Dowdell

      After crossing the Río Turón take the right turn towards Ardales, turning right again at the T-junction to cycle away from the town. Pass under the road just exited. This is the road to the Garganta del Chorro (literally the ’throat of el Chorro’). The road climbs (ignoring the left turn to the reservoir), then soon sweeps downhill (ignoring the right turn to Bobastro) through the spectacular sheer-sided dry gorge of the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes. As the gorge widens the Garganta del Chorro appears on our left. The freewheeling downhill is one of the highlights of this trip. Look out for the picture-book hermitage up on the left and later for the railway line from Málaga that threads its way along the cliffs before spanning the gorge. The Garganta del Chorro has been cut by the Río Guadalhorce and provides some of the best rock climbing in southern Spain.

      Garganta del Chorro with the Caminito del Rey and railway bridge

      The ride down to Álora is pleasant, but has more uphill sections than expected.

      Bustling Álora comes as something of a surprise. The only accommodation is the Hostal Durán, just off the main square. Some rooms have balconies that overlook the town’s Moorish castle.

      Staying on in Álora

      Apart from the castle there is little to see; Álora is best considered a convenient staging point. There are frequent trains to Málaga, one of the more historic towns on the coast, with a Roman theatre, Moorish castles, parks and seafood restaurants.

STAGE 5

      Álora to Málaga airport

Start	Álora
Distance	40km (24.8 miles)
Climb	15m (49ft)
Cycling time	2hr 15min
Type	River valley

      The easiest day’s cycling of the tour, going gently down the river valley on good-quality, reasonably quiet roads. If catching an afternoon or evening flight this short stage is a relaxed way to end the tour. For a morning flight consider the Churriana and Málaga options detailed below.

      From the Hostal Durán head east, taking the maze of side streets that lead downhill to the main road skirting the town centre. Join it by turning right and continue downhill, passing the railway station. Cross the Río Guadalhorce and turn right at the T-junction. After 1km keep left at the confusing junction (forking right leads back across the river); the route is down the east bank. The superior Málaga to Ardales road on the west bank takes most of the traffic. The road is pleasant but busier than the mountain roads, and the landscape becomes more urban as the coast is approached. Pass to the west of the centre of Pizarra, through Estación Cártama and the centre of Campanillas.

      After crossing the Río Campanillas pass under two motorways, keeping to this road. Approximately 6km from the centre of Campanillas turn right at the roundabout signed ‘Pol. Ind. Guadalhorce’. The road passes through a developing business and commercial district, then climbs over a railway line becoming a dual carriageway. The road swings left then passes under a railway bridge. Continue straight ahead at all the roundabouts. Approaching the MA-21 fork right immediately after the roundabout signed to Torremolinos and the airport, taking great care on this busy road. After a couple of kilometres again bear left onto the airport spur road. Go straight ahead at the roundabout and head for Salidas (Departures) by following the signs.

      Churriana and Málaga Options

      For early flights Churriana is just the closest place to stay that retains its Spanish feel. There are a couple of places to stay. Follow the route detailed above but turn right at the roundabout in Estación Cártama towards Cártama. Cross the river and at the next roundabout turn left to Churriana on the MA-9002. The road changes to the A-7052 then to the A-404 before arriving in Churriana. To get to the airport from Churriana follow the signs firstly for Málaga and then the airport. Join the MA-21. After 1.5km bear right onto the airport slip road. Take care having crossed the dual carriageway as traffic joins from your right. Go straight ahead at the roundabout and head for Salidas (Departures).

      Ronda

      The other option is to continue straight on at Campanillas into Málaga, which is certainly worth a visit. It has some 65 hotels and many more bars and restaurants. The route to the airport is a not-too-pleasant 8km ride, very well signposted from the centre of town.

      Time to spare at Málaga airport

      One option is to head for the coast. From the Churriana dirrection, get onto the airport slip road and turn right, following the signs to San Julián. Head west through the village, turning left after the Restaurante El Kiosko, through the fields and under the motorway. Enter the coastal strip town and keep heading west. Soon the coast is reached, close to the mouth of the Río Guadalhorce, but beware: the sand is far from golden. From the Málaga direction go as far as the roundabout on the airport link road and double back as if returning to Málaga. San Julián is signed from the flyover.

      Accommodation on or Close to Route 1

      Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. Hotel guide prices are in Euros, based on a double room with an en suite bathroom at high season. Rooms without en suite are typically 20% cheaper, as are single rooms. Please note that hotels are constantly opening, closing or being refurbished; it is always advisable to book ahead. Prices (where known) are indicated as follows: (1) up to 50 Euros; (2) 50–75 Euros; (3) 75–100 Euros; (4) over 100 Euros.

      Alhaurín de la Torre

      (3) Cortijo Chico, Poligono Ind. Nave 57, Bajo (tel: [phone])

      (1) Pensión El Patio, Álamos, 45 (tel: [phone])

      Camping Malaga Monte Parc, Arroyo Hondo, s/n (tel: [phone])

      Alhaurín el Grande

      (3) El Mirador, C. A-404, km 8 (tel: [phone])

      (2) Finca La Mota, Ctra. De Mijas (tel: [phone])

      (2) La Palmera, Pl. de la Palmera, s/n (tel: [phone])

      (2) Kadampa, Fuente del Perro, s/n (tel: [phone])

      Coín

      (2) Hostal Coín, Dr, Palomo (tel: [phone])

      (2) Hostal Santa Fe, Ctra. Monda, km 3 (tel: [phone])