Medium is where Almerimar starts to show its mountain side. These loops are longer days, between 81 and 85 km, with around 1,150 metres of climbing, and they leave the coastal plain for the real roads of the Sierra de Gádor. You still start and finish at the marina, but you earn the view.
They suit riders who are comfortable with a day of three to four hours in the saddle and want proper climbs without going to the high mountain.
The three loops at a glance
| Loop | Distance | Climbing |
|---|---|---|
| Medium 01 | 81 km | 1,185 m |
| Medium 02 | 85 km | 1,158 m |
| Medium 03 | 84 km | 1,149 m |
All three start and finish in Almerimar. They are proposals: we adapt distance and pace to the group.
Medium 01: Dalías, Castala and Trinchera
The one with the most height: it reaches around 730 m. It heads straight for Dalías and takes on Puerto de Castala, the most demanding of the climbs around Berja, with a sustained gradient above 6% over about 6.6 km. A good test before you try anything bigger.
Medium 02: Río Chico, Arbolillo, Benínar, Berja, Dalías and Matagorda
The most varied of the three. It goes through the Río Chico valley, passes the Benínar reservoir, visits Berja and Dalías and returns by Matagorda. Three climbs spread across the day, with a highest point around 530 m, so it never gets too hard and it never gets boring.
Medium 03: Atajauelillos, Dalías, Berja, Hirmes and Río Chico
The one for people who like to link towns. It crosses Dalías and Berja and climbs the Alto de Hirmes, a steady cruising climb of about 6.3 km at 4.7% on average. The highest point is around 610 m.
What's free here, and what's in the guide
This page tells you which loops exist and what kind of day each one is. The online guide (25 € per area, one guide for the whole group) is where we give you everything you need to ride them without a doubt:
- The GPX track for each loop, ready for your Garmin, Wahoo or phone.
- A detailed map with the route drawn on it.
- Where to stop for water, coffee and lunch, and what is closed on which day.
- The tricky junctions, the roads to avoid and the best time to start.
- Our own tips, from people who ride these roads every week.
Looking for a gentler day? See our easy loops. Ready for more? See our hard loops.
When to come
The Poniente coast is rideable almost all year. The best months are September to June. In summer, start early: the afternoon heat on the coast is serious.
