From Tarifa to "Finally Climbed That Hill"

Agata ziemecka
May 20
3 min read

Updated: May 29

Ever stood on the beach in Tarifa, looked at that giant mountain full of wind turbines and thought: “I wonder what’s up there?” This ride is your answer. Spoiler: it’s part paradise, part pain cave, all adventure. Saddle up, it’s gonna get dusty.

**Tap the pic, let Strava do the guiding.**

We kick things off from a conveniently placed parking spot just outside Tarifa — perched right above the ocean, because obviously, we like to start rides with a view. From there, we head inland toward Cañada de la Jara, and let me tell you: the scenery does not disappoint. On the right, you're flanked by Parque Natural Los Alcornocales — home to some of the finest gravel roads this side of the Iberian Peninsula. (Want proof? I’ve got a whole blog post about it — tap here for foresty fun).

To the left, after just a few kilometers, our goal starts to appear — looming in the distance like a glorious, wind-turbine-spiked promise: Monte de la Peña, a.k.a. “that big hill behind Tarifa you always admire from the beach and promise to ride one day.” Well… today is that day. Almost.

After about 20 km of gentle rolling through this dreamy valley, we roll into the sleepy village of Facinas — your last chance to grab water, snacks, or one of those life-saving mystery pastries from the local shop.

Highly recommend stocking up, because from here on out… it’s just you, your bike, and the wild heart of Monte de la Peña.No shops. No shade. No signal. Just clean air, dirt roads, and the occasional lizard sprinting across your path like it owes someone money. It’s the kind of isolation that makes you feel like an explorer. Or at least like someone who really should’ve packed more snacks.

Up ahead, we’ve got 15 kilometers of gravel goodness leading us to the very top of Monte de la Peña. Saddle up and let the adventure do its thing — a mix of dusty trails, cheeky climbs, and views that’ll make you forget about your burning legs.

Just a little more cross-country-style gravel — the kind that keeps your hands glued to the bars, your face stuck in a grin, and your legs wondering what they signed up for. Once your eyes (and camera roll) have soaked up the views, it’s time to tackle the descent...down a road with the wonderfully fitting name: Vuelta del Loco.

And yes, it lives up to the name — steep, twisty, and wild enough to really test your gravel reflexes. You might even laugh out loud mid-descent. Not because it’s funny, but because it’s just that thrilling. Descent: conquered (thankfully, not us), which means it's time for a little stretch of tarmac. And after that gravel fiesta, it feels like riding on butter. Smooth, silky, leg-hugging butter. Your quads will think they’ve been gifted a spa treatment.

We roll back into Tarifa with wind in our helmets and dust in our grins, but there’s one last gem before calling it a day — the Antiguo Puente Río Jara, a charming old bridge that once connected trade routes… and now connects tired cyclists to their final coffee stop.

Legend has it, if you cross it smiling, you're guaranteed tailwind on your next ride.Probably. Not scientifically proven, but we believe in vibes. Time to rest, refuel, and maybe dip your toes in the ocean — you’ve earned it.