Sierra de los Filabres — Bacares Loop
Category 114.5 km
Distance
820 m
Elevation Gain
5.7%
Average Gradient
10%
Max Gradient
The Sierra de los Filabres offers the most sustained and varied climbing terrain in Almeria province, and the Bacares approach from the northern Almanzora valley is the most rewarding single ascent on this flank of the range. The road climbs from Tíjola (560m) through the village of Bacares (1,204m) and continues to the open plateau at 1,400m, where a network of quiet lanes connects to Velefique, Calar Alto, and the descent toward Gérgal. The gradient is consistent and rarely punishing, making it an ideal climb for building tempo or threshold efforts over an extended period. The Filabres pines create almost complete canopy cover for the lower third of the climb — welcome shade in spring and autumn. The Bacares village itself, clustered around a ruined Moorish castle, is a genuine high point of any cycling day in Almeria.
Pro Tip
Use the Bacares ascent as the gateway to a Filabres traverse — climb from Tíjola, traverse the plateau road to Velefique or Calar Alto, and descend back to the Andarax valley for a tour de force day covering three distinct ascents. The plateau roads above 1,200m are largely traffic-free even in peak season. Bacares village has a bar-restaurant that occasionally opens for lunch — confirm hours locally before relying on it as a café stop.
Part of
Cycling in Costa Almeria