In search of the coast – Madrid to Puerto de Mazarrón

For many residents of the Spanish capital, Puerto de Mazarrón in Murcia has long been a beloved destination for sun and beach holidays. It's a place where many people from Madrid own second homes, often used primarily during the summer months.

Even today, the road connecting Madrid to Albacete and Murcia is known for its extensive summer traffic jams. In the past, this journey was often undertaken by bus or family cars, offering travellers views of vast agricultural landscapes and clear skies. Now, it's the younger generation of cyclists exploring the great plateaus of the region. Will you join this adventure?

In this Collection, I propose a six-stage journey. Starting from the bustling metropolis, you'll traverse regions rich in history, with good roads and spectacular sunsets.

The majority of the route takes place on dirt tracks and some less-travelled roads. Only the final stage, from the city of Murcia to Puerto de Mazarrón, presents a few technical and physical challenges, particularly the ascent and descent to El Relojero. The rest of the trip includes a few steep slopes or complex sections, making it suitable for a variety of bikes designed to handle some gravel. I recommend using a gravel bike with wide tyres, allowing you to enjoy the paved sections and ride confidently on the dirt roads.

You can embark on this adventure at any time of the year, but consider the summer heat (due to limited shade), the autumn rain (which can make many roads hard to ride) and the dry cold of winter. Spring is the ideal season to explore the countryside of La Mancha. During these months, the fields teem with life and you have a greater chance of encountering migratory birds along the way.

Madrid is accessible by car, plane, or bus from almost anywhere. Your journey begins at Sol station, located in the city centre and easily accessible by metro or train. The route concludes at the bus station in Puerto de Mazarrón, where you can find daily departures to return to Madrid directly. Another option is to take a bus to Murcia, which runs every half hour. Both buses and trains connect you to Madrid.