Puerto del Espino (Gaucín)

Start Town	Altitude	Elevation Gain	Length	Gradient	Difficulty	Rating
River Genal	884m	755m	13.9 km	5.4%	560	***

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 Gaucín is quite challenging in the first half, with fairly steep average gradients, which ease considerably after passing through Gaucín. The scenery is excellent throughout, with open views of the various mountain ranges which dominate the landscape in this part of Andalucia.

Puerto del Espino is open throughout the year.

Roads & Traffic

The road surface is in excelllent condition throughout.

Traffic is fairly light until the town of Gaucín. Here you join the busier A-369 where there can be a few cars. It is slightly annoying, and it keeps the rating at *** rather than the **** that the scenery probably merits.

Alternative Routes

Puerto del Espino can also be climbed via Benarraba, 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.