Rev up for a cycling fiesta through the land of flamenco, white-washed villages, and breathtaking Mediterranean wilderness. Andalucia’s vibrant traditions, millennia-spanning heritage, and labyrinthine back lanes call out both wanderlust explorers and fervent roadies alike. Discovering the remnants of Moorish and Roman civilizations blends seamlessly with traversing scenic country roads or winding through craggy sierras and ancient olive groves. Savoring jamon ibérico with a glass of sherry comes naturally after conquering challenging mountain passes and exploring charming pueblos blancos. This self-guided cycling experience comes with meticulously planned routes, extensive trip notes, and expert advice, ensuring your journey unfolds smoothly while allowing you to explore at your own pace. So gear up, set your sights on adventure, and let the enchantment of Andalucia unfold beneath your wheels!
Embark on a self-guided road cycling holiday in Andalucia. This week-long tour explores the captivating pueblos blancos areas, where you'll pedal through rugged Mediterranean landscapes tamed by rich culture and heritage of the region. Highlights include Ronda, Grazalema, and Los Alcornocales Natural Park, riding through olive groves, enjoying traditional cuisine, and exploring charming white towns and villages. Character-filled accommodation, luggage transfers, information and navigation app, and most meals are included, providing an unforgettable experience for cycling enthusiasts looking to embrace the Spanish joy of life.
You’ll be met by a local representative at the Malaga Airport and transferred to your first night’s accommodation in the white village of Jimena de la Frontera. After bike fitting or un-packing, should you have brought your own bike, time will be taken to talk you through the week, chat through how to use the info and navigation app, as well as to answer any queries that you may have. Anyone renting will be fitted to their rental bike. You’ll have time to unpack and unwind before heading to town for dinner.
Set off on your Andalucian adventure after breakfast, heading into Los Alcornocales Natural Park, the largest cork oak forest in Europe. Spot wild boar, deer, griffon vultures, and eagles soaring overhead. Climbing past Picacho and Aljibe peaks, enjoy stunning views towards Jerez. Discover traditional Andalucian roadside eateries called ventas offering delicious local dishes from menu del dia at great prices. Continue on an undulating ridge road through stone pines and cork oaks, catching glimpses of limestone peaks. Rest for the evening in the charming village of Cortes de la Frontera.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Cycling: 59 miles / 95 km
Ascent: 5,577 ft / 1,700 m
Fuel up with a lovingly prepared breakfast, then tackle the climb to Gaucin, a medieval village with a 13th-century castle, offering breathtaking views of the sierras. The road from Gaucin winds through the Serrania de Ronda mountains, passing charming Moorish villages. After Atajate’s renowned olive oil, enjoy lunch with a view. The afternoon route showcases stunning mountain scenery and beautiful white villages. Accommodations at Juzcar, a preserved village inn, offer a unique experience—the Smurfs’ hometown in a 2011 film set. Explore the mid-18th century tin factory if you have the energy before dinner.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Cycling: 35 miles / 57 km
Ascent: 4,757 ft / 1,450 m
Today you’ll pedal past Los Riscos, marvel at weather-sculpted rock formations, and climb out of the Genal valley. White villages, chestnut trees, and autumn colors surround us. The road winds through shattered limestone mountains and cliffs. Pujerra offers a pretty square for our picnic lunch. Your group will traverse, climb a limestone gorge, and pass wheat fields, pine forests, and craggy mountain sides. Descend through vineyards to beautiful Ronda, a delightful town with medieval lanes, museums, and terraces. Enjoy Moorish architecture, breathtaking views of the Tajo gorge, and Andaluz charm.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Cycling: 39 miles / 63 km
Ascent: 3,610 ft / 1,100 m
You’ll head into the heart of Grazalema, one of the most attractive parts of the tour, for an amazing day on the bike. Descend into the Guadiaro river valley, passing the Cueva del Gato cave mouth, then climb up a narrow valley past olive and almond groves. Enjoy a beautiful descent to the Zahara-Gastor reservoir and ride along the waters’ edge to the beautiful hillside village of Zahara de la Sierra. The climb to come is probably the climb of the week, with stunning views of the Green Canyon along the way. After a well-deserved rest at Puerto de las Palomas, you’ll be able to spot Grazalema below Penon Grande and San Cristobal peaks.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Cycling: 39 miles / 62 km
Ascent: 5,740 ft / 1,750 m
The final day begins with a climb to Boyar Pass, offering terrific views of the valley and Salto del Cabrero. The descent to El Bosque is exhilarating, passing Benamahoma and the pine-covered Albarracin range. Resting in El Bosque, you’ll continue through rolling farmland to Guadalcacin Reservoir and the pretty village of Algar. Heading northwest, your group will wind along the waters’ edge to Arcos de la Frontera, a dramatic white village perched atop a limestone ridge. The old town, declared a national monument, features cobbled streets leading to Castillo de los Arcos, providing breathtaking views over the town and plain below. Finally, climb to admire the dramatic views of Bornos lake before celebrating with a cerveza!
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Cycling: 37 miles / 60 km
Ascent: 3,280 ft / 1,000 m
Today you’ll have an early departure from the hotel, but hopefully there’ll be time to enjoy a last café con leche before your journey back to Malaga. Say goodbye to Spain—or continue touring on your own!
Meals: Breakfast
Please note that accommodations are subject to availability and it may not be possible to book the exact accommodations listed day-by-day in the itinerary (in case there is a detailed list).
Also note that your chosen dates for the tour are not guaranteed until confirmed by the guide. If the guide is unable to secure your preferred dates/accommodation, you’ll get a full refund!
The service, both in the UK and Spain, was fantastic. Even when our original hotel was overbooked in Ronda we were found great alternative in the same street. The printed guides were perfect for poor naigators like myself, the routes were great and the airport transfers punctual and friendly.
Included:
Add-ons:
Not included:
*Please note that accommodations are subject to availability and it may not be possible to book the exact accommodations listed day-by-day in the itinerary (in case there is a detailed list).
For this Andalucia self-guided cycling trip, reasonable fitness is essential. Ideal for cyclists who regularly ride on weekends and can comfortably pedal for several hours at a time. You should be at ease with occasional challenging climbs, possessing good bike control and confidence in ascending and descending safely. That said, it should be stipulated that this tour is of moderate difficulty, best suited for those who embrace the social aspect of cycling and love experiencing the culture and cuisine just as much as the actual cycling itself.
Your cycling experience should enable you to cover between 40 and 60 miles (70-90 km) for five consecutive days, conquering daily elevation gains of up to 5,700 ft (1,700 m). The terrain consists of mountain roads and back-lanes with minimal traffic. The roads are generally excellently surfaced with smooth blacktop, except for a slightly rougher section on day two heading into El Colmenar.
If you’re looking for something suitable for beginners, check out this cycling and sailing tour in coastal Croatia.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for something more challenging, check out this mountain biking and sailing tour in coastal Croatia.
Here’s what you’ll need:
You’ll get a chance to discuss the clothing and personal equipment with the adventure service prior to your Andalucia guided cycling adventure. Even though this adventure doesn’t take place in the summer, day temperatures in Andalucia are usually mild throughout the year and there’s usually very little rainfall. However, you will have to be prepared for various weather conditions.
Straying away from impersonable chain hotels, the accommodation you can expect during this self-guided cycling adventure in Andalucia always comes with a unique touch (and traditional Spanish breakfasts!) You’ll stay at handpicked family-run hotels and guesthouses overflowing with charm and homey atmosphere, usually in small white towns and villages—worlds away from crowded coastal resorts. Lodging is based on double occupancy in en suite rooms, but you can opt for single rooms for an additional fee.
If you don’t own a suitable bike or would prefer to avoid bringing your own, your guides have bikes available to rent. Rental bikes will typically be a Giant Defy Advanced 2 or Giant Liv Avail Advanced 2 (for those preferring a women’s specific geometry), or equivalent, with a carbon frame and hydraulic disc brakes. You can add bike rentals to your booking upon checkout.
All bikes have good quality components, and come equipped with two bottle cages and water bottle, a seat post bag containing: puncture repair kit, multitool, inner tube and pump. Please note that your bike will come with flat pedals as standard, so bring your own if you use clip-in pedals.
Helmets can be provided locally on request. If you would like us to organise this please request a helmet at the time of booking.
Group sizes and prices:
Cycling in Andalucia can be arranged for bigger groups. Contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
If your group has riders under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to Malaga, the starting point of the trip, most people fly into Malaga Airport. From there, you will get transferred to your first night’s accommodation in the village of Jimena de la Frontera.
Medical and travel protection are mandatory on this adventure. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
A $230 deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 2 months (60 days) prior to departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.
We had a lovely holiday. It was everything we hoped it would be. The weather was fantastic, cycling wonderful and scenery spectacular, changing every day, and gorgeous villages. It all went very smoothly, from booking to pick up and drop off at the airport (many thanks). What a lovely part of the world. Every day had something different, the route was well thought out, challenging at times although always achievable. Scenery fantastic. My favourite day was from Ronda to Grazalema. Great cycling, lots to see on the way, El Lago great place for lunch and then the climb to the Puerto de las Palomas, wonderful scenery and what a sense oachievement to reach the top. But it didn’t end there, the descent to Grazelema was brilliant and the village itself was lovely.