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This Andalusian cycling holiday leads you through some of the region’s most beautiful and unspoilt countryside. Enjoy exploring the wonderful Moorish city of Granada before beginning your ride through a rugged, romantic landscape, punctuated with charming whitewashed villages and perfect overnight stops.
From historic Granada you’ll head south west, riding through the Alhama mountains and into the Axarquia, a picturesque region of limestone rocks, traditional villages and sweeping views.
Looking back at Granada
Highlights include the thermal springs and Moorish baths in the town of Alhama, the stunning Zafarraya Pass and the impossibly romantic Ronda, perched above a dramatic gorge.
This is a tour with really varied terrain. There will be quite a few relatively flat sections – including some fantastic cycle paths along abandoned railway lines – but you’ll also be tackling some sections of rolling landscape which include a couple of challenging climbs. If you have a good level of fitness then you’ll love this exciting and scenic route.
On arrival make your way to your first hotel in the historic centre of Granada. After check-in you are free to relax or explore.
The Alhambra Palace really is a must-see during your time in Granada but it is very important to pre-book tickets in advance as it is extremely popular. You could also sample some delicious tapas and take a wander through the atmospheric old silk market. At some point our local representative will meet you at your hotel to pass over your bikes and route information (exact time to be advised with your travel documents).
Set out for your first day on the bikes, leaving Granada behind to traverse a gently rolling landscape to Alhama. This was an important city in Moorish Andalusia and is justly famous for its thermal baths, which were built on Roman foundations and finished with beautiful Moorish arches. You can still take a rejuvenating dip in “El baño de la Reina” the ‘Queen’s Bath’ if you wish. You’ll spend the night in this pleasant little town in a charming guesthouse.
Today you’ll ride up to and through the Zafarraya Gap, a chasm in the Alhama Mountains. The climb will get the blood pumping but the spectacular views provide more than adequate reward. You are now in the Axarquía Region in a lovely fertile valley with olive groves and orchards lining your route. Enjoy sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea as you freewheel downhill, following a disused railway line to the town of Periana. You then leave the town for a further climb up to your charming rural lodge set in the hills. We suggest you have dinner at the lodge (not included) as you are a few kilometres from town.
It’ll be an undulating route today as you continue through the Axarquia region. After an off-road climb you reach the limestone peaks of the El Torcal Nature Reserve. Stop and get your breath back whilst admiring the panoramic views south towards Malaga and the Mediterranean before enjoy the long freewheel down to the historic town of Antequera. On your way down to the pretty town of whitewashed houses and terracotta roofs, you can’t miss Peña de los Enamorados (Lovers Rock) which has a sad love story attached to it. You’ll spend the night in a small, charming hotel in the historical centre of the town.
Spend the morning exploring the historic buildings of Antequera before saddling up and heading west. You pedal through a pleasant, rolling landscape of olive groves and oak trees as you make your way along the Abdalajis Valley. It’s a fairly short cycle today and you’ll soon arrive at your overnight location – a wonderful lakeside spot surrounded by mountains. You’ll stay in a converted old flour factory complete with swimming pool and restaurant. If you wish to walk the 8km impressive ‘Caminito del Rey’ (not included) it costs approximately €15 per person and needs to be pre booked in advance, see www.caminodelrey.info for details. Important: you would need to arrive by 2.30pm to give yourself time to do this. It is closed on Mondays.
Today’s ride presents a a good challenge as it’s quite long with some climbs along it, but at least it’s all on smooth tarmac roads. First cycle through a craggy, almost lunar landscape to the traditional villages of El Burgo and Aradles, before climbing the ‘Puerto de los Vientos’ (Door of the Winds) mountain pass. At 1,190 metres it’s not to be sniffed at, but you’ll be rewarded by amazing views and the most superb, long descent down to the town of Ronda. You’ve made it, but the holiday isn’t over as this pretty hillside town is a delightful place to explore and spend your last night. Take a look at Spain’s oldest bullring, admire the bridges over the cavernous gorge as well as the Arab Baths and old town wall. Wander the ancient, narrow streets and find a cosy restaurant to celebrate your achievement. You’ll spend the night in a charming hotel.
After breakfast its time to check-out and head for home or your next adventure.
Regular bikes provided are comfortable 24-27 speed mountain bikes. The bikes come equipped with pannier, lock and a repair kit with pump.
Electric bikes are also available.
We suggest you bring your own helmet for safety and hygiene reasons. Alternatively, helmets are available for rent at the time of booking. Please note that it is compulsory to wear a helmet.
Below you will find examples of the accommodations typically used on this tour. Please note that the hotels we book for you may differ slightly from those described but they will certainly be of a similar standard.
Comfort: Comfortable hotels, inns and guesthouses.
Granada: Hotel Monjas del Carmen
Alhama: La Seguiriya
Periana: Casa Paz Y Mas
Antequera: Hotel Infante
El Chorro surrounding area: La Garganta
Ronda: Alavera de los Baños
Local taxes: Some hotels have started to charge a local/tourist tax. These taxes are not included in the sale price of the tour and must be paid directly by you at check-in or checkout at the hotels. The fee varies and is frequently changing but as a guide, you may be asked to pay between €1-€4 per person per night.
Fly to Granada then at the end of the trip take a train back to Granada.
Fly to Malaga and then take a bus to Granada. At the end of the trip take a train or bus to Malaga.
Easy
Leisurely
Moderate
Challenging
