There can’t be many bicycle rides that provide more stunning scenery than San Pedro to Marbella on a sunny day. Having tried it ourselves, we can certainly confirm that, and as it was a gorgeous early summer’s day, the ride involved gloriously clear blue skies, sunny weather, a fresh breeze and fantastic coastal views bathed in golden light.
You can rent bikes of all kinds in both San Pedro Alcántara and Marbella, ranging from comfortable urban bikes, easy ones for beginners and children to the latest sports bicycles and those suited for mountain biking. What’s more, the range of accessories is complete too, including baskets, attachable drinks bottles and a host of other equipment you think you might need along the way.
The route between the main avenues through residential park areas to the coastal pathway is largely made up of bicycle tracks, and overall easy to ride, though in the busy season you may need to be a little patient when sharing the scenic beachside path with pedestrians and strollers, as it can get busy.
Fantastic scenery, vibrant atmosphere
The views of the coastline, beaches, swaying palm trees and Marbella shimmering in the distance are wonderful, as are the glimpses you catch of La Concha Mountain, while on the way back the shoreline follows a parabolic curve to the ragged outlines of Gibraltar and North Africa, with miles of glistening sea in-between.
It’s one of those moments when you feel alive, enjoying the fresh air and vibrant ambience coming off those lively beaches and succession of chiringuito beach bars and trendy beach clubs – the variety of which amazes even those who live here, and indeed, they cater to just about every taste, budget and preference you can imagine.
Cycling like this is not only healthy, but also a way to see Marbella from a different angle, enjoying its shoreline up close and also discovering the luxury villas, apartment blocks, parks and resort hotels that line it, with an ever-changing setting as you reach Puerto Banús and the more urban seaside setting of Marbella town all the way to its La Bajadilla fishing port.
In-between there are lots of opportunities to rest, grab a drink, enjoy a snack or even an ice cream, as you gaze at the scenery before you. It’s the perfect way to combine exercise and exploring, and turns staying healthy from a chore into a pleasure.
In other news San Pedro has a new cycle lane that improves the bike ride experience and creates more space!