By motorbike along the Carretera de la Cabra

The road

The A-4050 is 59 kilometres long. It starts at Puerto del Suspiro del Moro south of Granada, passes through Padul and Albuñuelas, into the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama nature park, over Puerto de la Cabra and down through Otívar, past Lentegí and Jete, and finally past the aqueduct at Torrecuevas down to the coast road in Almuñécar.

Before the motorway, it was one of the most important roads between Granada and the coast. Even before 1940, people from Granada drove this way on holiday to Almuñécar, and road workers blasted tunnels and built stone walls to push it through the mountains. It is still a two-lane mountain road with many bends – and it is just as popular with cyclists as it is with motorcyclists.

The trip step by step – from the coast and up

1. Torrecuevas: Just after Almuñécar, you drive past the arches of the Roman aqueduct.
2. Jete and Otívar: The road follows the Río Verde valley with plantations of cherimoya and avocado. Otívar is a good stop for coffee and petrol – from here the road becomes steeper.
3. Mirador de la Cabra Montés: The viewpoint over the valley and the sea. Many turn back here – but the most spectacular part of the road actually lies further up.
4. Puerto de la Cabra and the tunnels: Narrow passages through the rock and sweeping views of the mountains.
5. Puerto del Suspiro del Moro (865 m): The mountain pass where the road meets the motorway near Granada.

The Moor's Sigh

The mountain pass at the top gets its name from one of Spain's most famous legends. When the last Moorish king, Boabdil, had to leave Granada in 1492, he turned here for one last time to look back at the city – and sighed. His mother is said to have told him: "Weep like a woman for what you could not defend as a man." Ever since, the place has been called Suspiro del Moro – the Moor's sigh.

Hire a motorbike from Tropical Riders

Bikes and rates

When making a booking, simply provide your dates, your chosen bike, and where you are staying. They will then confirm availability and the delivery cost. At the same time, make sure to ask about the deposit, insurance, helmets, and age requirements – these are not listed on their website.

Guided tours with Tropical Riders

Tours are led by a local guide and require a minimum of two motorbikes. The price is per bike.

• Carretera de la Cabra – Valle de Lecrín – Los Guájares · 150 km · 4–5 hours · moderate · 170 € (≈ 1.268 kr.) – mountain roads, fertile valleys, and the reservoir at Rules dam.
• Alpujarra, half day · 150 km · 4–5 hours · moderate · 170 € (≈ 1.268 kr.) – up to the whitewashed villages beneath the Sierra Nevada.
• Axarquía · 120 km · 4–5 hours · moderate to easy · 180 € (≈ 1.343 kr.) – mountains, vineyards, and sea views.

Or ride yourself – their suggestions

• Carretera de la Cabra and the Alpujarras – up over the mountains and on to the white villages of Pampaneira, Bubión and Capileira on the southern side of the Sierra Nevada.
• The Nerja – La Herradura – Almuñécar coastal ride – the relaxed trip featuring cliffs, coves and viewpoints at Cerro Gordo. Can be done on a scooter.
• La Axarquía and the white villages – Frigiliana, Cómpeta and Torrox on quiet roads among the vineyards.
• A full day in the Sierra Nevada – up the Carretera de la Cabra, stopping in Trevélez and returning to the sea. Allow 6–7 hours including breaks.
• Close to Almuñécar – the Río Verde valley and Otívar, or a short ride to La Herradura, Marina del Este and Cerro Gordo.

Opening hours: every day 10–18 from June to October, and weekdays 10–15 from November to May. If you'd rather head out on the water, their sister company Alborán Charters charters boats from the same harbour.

Prices and tours from tropicalriders.es 19-10-2026. Prices are subject to change – always check when booking.

Good to know

• Helmets are compulsory in Spain – even on scooters.
• Watch out for cyclists – especially at weekends on the A-4050.
• Mountain roads can have snow and ice in winter. Do not drive across the Sierra Nevada without checking the weather.
• If your vehicle breaks down, from 2026 you must use the new V16 light – see Breakdowns.

Map of the route

Red star = Playa Tropical. Click on a point for the name and distance. Map data © OpenStreetMap.

Krone amounts are converted at 1 € ≈ 7.46 kr. and rounded.