Puerto del Espino (Benarraba)

Start Town	Altitude	Elevation Gain	Length	Gradient	Difficulty	Rating
Benarraba	884m	662m	8.3 km	8.0%	740	***

Climb Description

Puerto del Espino is a pleasant climb in the west of the Málaga province of Andalucia which can be reached from several different sides and also incorporated with other ascents in the area to make an excellent longer route. It is comfortably reachable both from the Costa del Sol and the Grazalema Mountains.

The climb via Benarraba is the hardest side, both because of the steep gradients on the lower part of the climb, and also due to the gravel road surface in the first 2km. The scenery is very nice here and makes it a worthy detour - but only if you have a lot of power or are riding a hybrid or mountain bike. The gradients peak at over 17% for short periods and the first km is a real challenge for cyclists of all abilites.

Puerto del Espino is open throughout the year.

Roads & Traffic

The road surface is in excelllent condition from the village of Benarraba, which you reach around half way up the climb. The first part of the climb is a gravel road (similar to the Strade Bianche of Tuscany). It is fine to ride on a road bike, but the steep gradients and relative lack of traction can make it a real challenge.

Traffic is very light until the final kilometer where you join the slightly busier A-369 road. There is a bit more traffic in this final section, but it is still ok to ride.

Alternative Routes

Puerto del Espino can also be climbed via Gaucín, Algatocin, San Pablo and from the Guadiaro River. Each side is pleasant for riding, although with different characteristics.

Nearby Climbs

Gaucín

Pedro Ruiz

Puerto de las Palomas

Peñas Blancas

Puerto del Madroño

Cycling Holidays

We can arrange customized cycling holidays to the mountains of Malaga and the Sierra Grazalema; including the climb to Puerto del Espino. If you would be interested in this, please contact us to discuss the options and to put together an itinerary.

You may also be interested in the links below to some of the other tours that we currently run in Spain.