Cycling day trip from Güéjar-Sierra to Capileira

This epic gravel adventure takes you from the charming mountain village of Güéjar-Sierra—famous as a gateway to Sierra Nevada—down to the beautiful whitewashed town of Capileira in Las Alpujarras. You’ll be riding about 69 kilometers with close to 3400 meters of climbing—so bring your climbing legs!

The route is a wild mix of surfaces: mostly unpaved, with long stretches of gravel, some rough ground, and just a few sections of smooth tarmac. You’ll top out at a breathtaking 3200 meters (hello, thin air!), with panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada’s rugged peaks and deep valleys below.

Prepare for a proper backcountry experience: more than half the ride rolls along tracks, with only short stints on quiet roads. The scenery shifts from alpine pine forests near Güéjar-Sierra to the lush, terraced hillsides of Capileira—one of Spain’s highest villages, and a great spot for a post-ride meal.

It’s a tough and remote route, so pack snacks, plenty of water, and all your adventure spirit. Few rides capture the high-mountain magic of southern Spain like this one!