The route links Alhama de Granada with Vélez-Málaga via Zafarraya and the Boquete de Zafarraya, the natural gap through the ranges that separate Granada province from the Axarquía in Málaga. It uses the A-402, A-356 and A-341. It is one of the classic links between inland Granada and the Málaga coast, and works just as well climbing as descending.
You start in the Alhama area, with its upland plains and farmland, and after the gap the road drops into the Axarquía through the municipalities of Zafarraya, Alcaucín, Viñuela, Arenas and Vélez-Málaga. Everything changes within a few kilometres: from the high plain you move onto greener slopes with views over the valley and the sea. The descent has linked bends and natural viewpoints.
It is about 53 km and close to an hour and a half without stops. Altitude goes from around 1,150 m down to barely 20 m near Vélez-Málaga, so you will feel the temperature change. The road carries local traffic and farm vehicles; keep your speed in check on the descent, where there may be gravel, and look out for cyclists.