Cabo de Gata Coastal Climb (La Isleta del Moro)
Category 38.2 km
Distance
310 m
Elevation Gain
3.8%
Average Gradient
11%
Max Gradient
Cabo de Gata — Spain's only desert national park — provides a completely different cycling experience from the Sierra climbs: short, punchy ascents over volcanic headlands with the Mediterranean always in view. The route from San José to La Isleta del Moro and beyond follows the park's internal road, climbing and descending over successive rocky promontories. The gradients are sharp but brief — typically 8-11% for 300-500m before dropping back to flat coastal sections. The road is narrow, in reasonable condition, and carries minimal traffic outside peak summer weekends. The landscape — black volcanic rock, white beaches, and intense blue water — is unlike anywhere else on mainland Spain's coastline.
Pro Tip
The Cabo de Gata roads are best ridden as loops from San José, exploring different spurs of the national park on successive days rather than a single linear route. The park gates are free for cyclists. Carry sufficient water — there are almost no services between San José and the park interior. The light in early morning and late afternoon makes Cabo de Gata one of the most visually spectacular cycling environments in southern Spain. Avoid weekend lunchtimes in summer when local traffic on the single-track internal roads becomes problematic.
Part of
Cycling in Costa Almeria