From the mountains to the sea in Andalucía

This bike tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning, sun-soaked region of Andalucía in Spain.

Your tour begins in Granada, filled with ornate Moorish architecture, from the famous Alhambra Palace to the many churches, mosques, and other structures.

The cycling journey then leads through the lush countryside with panoramic views of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains - one of the most spectacular mountain ranges in Europe.

Cycling onward through rolling hills, olive groves, and quaint villages, you will have plenty of time to soak in the vibrant culture and history of the area with its unique Arab influence.

Your route also includes the White Villages of Loja and Ronda, two of the stunning White Villages of Andalucía. These picturesque villages are known for their bright-white facades, narrow cobblestone streets, and quaint atmosphere.

Finish on the stunning Costa del Sol in the port city of Marbella. Wander the charming meandering streets of its old town and enjoy the Mediterranean sun and sea.

From Marbella, you can transfer to Malaga, as cycling is not pleasurable along the busy roads along the coast. Malaga is one of the oldest cities in the world, offering a wealth of history and culture, with its Moorish old town being a particular highlight. You will not want to miss it!

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Highlights

• Granada
• Alhambra
• White villages of Loja and Ronda
• Gorge and walkway of Caminito del Rey
• Costa del Sol
• Marbella

Daily program

Day 1: Granada
This tour starts in the wonderful city of Granada. You will spend the night in the Parador next to the 13th-century Alhambra, an ancient Moorish palace and fortress complex, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site It is renowned for its complex Islamic-style architecture and decoration.

Be sure to taste the tapas!

Day 2: Granada - Loja (41 miles/67.5 km)
You will be met by our tour representative at 9:30 am in the hotel lobby for bike rental delivery and bike fitting. The first cycling day runs parallel to the Genil River until you reach Valdevaqueros, the hometown of Federico García Lorca.

You then cycle through beautiful landscapes and villages to Loja, a gorgeous white village. It is situated in the foothills of the Sierra de Loja, at an altitude of just over 1,000 meters. Loja has been declared a Site of Cultural Interest by the Spanish government. Once a Moorish stronghold, the remnants of walls and towers of the former citadel remain.

Elevation: + 512 m/-759 m

Day 3: Loja - Antequera (32 miles/53 km)
The route today leads to Antequera, in the heart of Andalucía, known for its historic buildings, monuments, and archaeological sites, including the impressive megalithic monuments of El Torcal and El Peñón de los Enamorados. Enjoy the vibrant culture and local gastronomy, featuring a variety of tapas and wines.

Elevation: + 806 m / - 825 m

Day 4: Antequera - Caminito del Rey (19 miles/32 km)
One of the highlights of this tour is your stay in El Chorro. You will overnight in a hotel located in one of the most impressive places in Malaga, the Gaitanes Gorge featuring the Caminito del Rey, a spectacular walkway carved into a narrow gorge by King Alfonso XIII. The entire walkway is surrounded by stunning limestone cliffs and offers incredible views of the El Chorro Gorge below. The route of El Caminito del Rey is spectacular, from its entry to the swamp of El Conde de Guadalhorce up to its exit via the El Chorro dam that runs across two gorges, canyons and a huge valley. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit the official website.

Elevation: +492 m / -784 m.

Day 5: Caminito del Rey - Ronda (37 miles/60 km)
Cycling from Caminito del Rey to Ronda is a spectacular route that takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in Andalucía. You ride along the riverside of the Guadalhorce valley, passing through small villages, rolling hills and spectacular landscapes. As you get closer to Ronda, the landscapes become more mountainous with dramatic views of the Serrania de Ronda and the Sierra de Grazalema. It is a challenging ride, but well worth the effort.

Today´s cycling itinerary ends up in the emblematic town of Ronda, one of the most famous in Andalucía located at the top of a deep gorge and whose old city center dates from the arab era.

The deep and dramatic El Tajo gorge in Ronda divides the old and new parts of the city. It is spanned by three ancient stone bridges. The Puente Nuevo is the largest and most iconic, built between 1751 and 1793.

The city has a variety of other historical sites, including the Arab baths, the Church of Santa María la Mayor and the Palacio de Mondragón.

Elevation: +1575 m / - 1085 m

Day 6: Ronda - Marbella (36 miles/59 km)
Today will start with a transfer from Ronda to the small village of Jubrique. From here you cycle on a quiet road to Estepona then onward on the coastal route to Marbella. The ride is a mix of flat terrain and rolling hills and climbs. Despite being a touristic city, Marbella shelters an old historic center with narrow streets and a busy life.

Elevation: + 828 m / - 1547 m

Day 7: Marbella (option to transfer to Málaga)
The bike route ends in Marbella because it is difficult to get to Málaga by bike. An optional transfer can to Málaga is available. If you like golf, there is a nice Parador in which you can practice and if you prefer to stay in the city center, there is another Parador in Gibralfaro Castle. Let us know your preferred option and we will give you a quote.

Surface and terrain

You will cycle a total of 183 mi. (293 km) mostly on rural secondary roads. 10% of your route leads along country paths. It is an undulating and at times demanding route, especially from Caminito del Rey to Ronda.

Hotels

These are sample hotels and may vary by availability.

Your accommodations will be a mix of 4-star hotels and paradors. Paradors are typically located in historic buildings such as castles, monasteries, and stately homes, offering a unique and authentic experience

Granada: Hotel NH Collection Granada Victoria (optional upgrade to Parador de Granada)

Loja: Hotel el Mirador

Antequera: Parador de Antequera

Caminito del Rey: Hotel La Garganta

Ronda: Parador de Ronda

Marbella: Hotel Baviera

If extra night is booked:
Málaga: Parador de Málaga or Parador Málaga Golf

Remember that you can request extra overnights before, after and during your tour!

How to get there

Tour start:

Nearest airport: Granada, Federico García Lorca Granada-Jaén Airport (GRX)

From GRX: The Granada-Aeropuerto bus line connects with the city center, located 17 kilometers away, with strategic stops in places like Avenida de Andalucía, the bus station, Gran Vía de Colón and Paseo del Violón, next to the Palacio de Congresos. The full journey takes approximately 45 minutes.

Another option: Malaga Airport (AGP)

There are direct buses to Granada from the airport.

Arrival transfer from Malaga to Granada is available for a supplement.

Tour end:

Nearest airport: Malaga, Malaga Airport (AGP)

From the city center, you can take a train. Bus and taxi are good options, too.

Dates

Prices

Included services

• 6 x nights accommodations
• Breakfasts
• Luggage transfer between hotels
• Transfer from Ronda to Jubrique on Day 6
• Roadbooks and maps
• GPS Tracks
• 24/7 emergency phone assistance

Bike rentals

Bikes available to be rented (in advance at the time of booking) include:

• Standard trekking bikes will be one of the following or a similar model
  • Kross Trans Alp, 24-speed, with front suspension 
  • Giant Argento, 24-speed with front suspension (men or women's frame)
• Ortler Bozen Performace Electric Bike with front suspension or a similar model

Specifications
Please note specs are dependent on which bike is available, but will be similar to what is listed below.

• Standard trekking bike 
  • Aluminum alloy frame
  • V-brakes
  • Platform pedals
  • Durable Schwalbe Silento Tires
• Electric bike
  • Aluminum alloy frame
  • Hydraulic disc brakes
  • 250-watt Bosch motor
  • 500-watt Bosch battery
  • Bosch electric drive train
  • Four support levels
  • Selle Royal Nuvola saddle

All above bike rentals will be equipped with the following at no additional charge:

• Helmet (though it is advise to bring your own)
• Rear pannier
• Map holder
• Pump
• Repair kit (one per booking of two): multi-tool, spare tubes, tire levers and patches

Tour Company