Malaga Bike Routes | West Coast to Torremolinos

This is one of our most popular bike routes. The route is all flat and follows the sea for the most part along the west coast of Malaga. We recommend doing this route on one of our KONA trekking rental bikes, as part of the bike route takes place on non-technical off-road terrain. However, it is also possible to do the route on one of our city bikes. To get to Torremolinos is approx. 15 km one way.

The route points and brief descriptions of some of the highlights along the way are listed below. If you would like to read more fun facts about each place then please check out our blog.

Points of interest:

1. SOHO

The neighbourhood of the arts is home to alternative kinds of businesses, cool restaurants and the Teatro SOHO, owned by our favourite Malagueño, Antonio Banderas. The area is well-known for its amazing street art. International and local artists have painted impressive murals all around the neighbourhood.

2. CAC/ River Guadalmedina

CAC- the Contemporary Art Centre is next to the (usually) dry river Guadalmedina. Entrance to CAC is free and a visit is highly recommendable. The name of the river means ‘river of the city’. Dividing the city into two, it is a flood plain. Rain water is stored in the Limonero Dam in the mountains. When there is an excess of water, the dam is opened up and the dry river is no longer dry for a while.

3. Parque de Huelin

The bike path will take you through this lovely green space, named for a British industrialist that had factories in this area in the early 20th century. In fact, the whole neighbourhood is called Huelin.

4. The Car & Fashion Museum | Russian Museum

To visit the museums, follow the bike path up Calle Princesa. Both museums are well worth a visit. the Russian Museum WAS the only international branch of the Hermitage museum in St. Petersberg. However, with the Russian War on Ukraine, the artwork has been returned to Russia. The museum is still open, exhibiting works  of Malaga born artist, Pablo Picasso. The Car & Fashion Museum is just stunning! Impeccable vintage cars are paired with designer fashions of the same era. The perfect ‘His & Her’ museum visit. The museums are housed in the old tobacco factory ‘La Tabacalera’. Bike parking is available just inside the gates.

5. Torre Monica

In the mid- 1800’s, Málaga was the second most important industrial city and port in Spain after Barcelona. Measuring 100 metres, this is tallest old factory chimney in the area. It is a vestige to the industrial past of the city. The name Monica stems from a local love story. For some interaction with the locals, why not ask a passerby why it is called Monica? They will tell you the story in great detail!

6. Parque Oeste

To visit the park, leave the promenade shortly after Torre Monica. The park takes up two whole city blocks and is full of suprises. Around 40 fantasy sculptures are dotted around the park. Black swans and other water-fowl float around the large artificial lake. In the middle of the park, up some steps you can even find a couple of emus and wallabies.

7. Bridge over Guadalhorce River

When the bike path and the cars turn north after the end of the beach, you don’t! Keep going straight to the river. Head north up the river and then cross the beautiful undulating bridge. Opened in 2020, it is the longest wooden bridge in all of Europe.

8. Nature Reserve

If you would like to visit the nature reserve, lock your bike on the bike parking at the entrance. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the lagoons and walk out to the sea mirador. The Nature Reserve is home to all kinds of species of birds. If you are lucky, you may even see a flamingo or two!

9. Torremolinos

Where tourism first started on the Costa del Sol in the 1950’s and 60’s. To get to Torremolinos, after the nature reserve, cross the next bridge, turn left and then after approximately 50 metres, turn right down a dirt track to the road. Turn right and cycle west, past the Parador golf and then follow the sign for ‘Playa’ at the roundabout. The first beach you will reach reach is Los Alamos at the start of Torremolinos. A popular chill out and party place, many of the chiringuitos (beach bars ) have DJ’s or live music. A bike path on the promenade will take you to the end of Torremolinos coast. If you want to visit the town it is a steep uphill cycle or you can lock your bike on the coast and take the elevator up.

Most Malaga Bike clients choose to end the west coast route here. However, if you you would like to continue further west you can visit the following towns:

10. Benalmadena & Puerto Marina

11. Arroyo de la Miel

12. Fuengirola

For information on the above towns, check out our blog.

We hope you enjoyed your west coast bike route. Why not try our other popular Malaga Bike Routes along the east coast and to the north?