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Spain

White Villages to the Ocean

Self-Guided Leisure Cycling Holiday

Grade

1
2
3
4
5

Duration

7 days

Prices from

£1,040 P.P.
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This self-guided Spanish cycling holiday will take you through the astonishing mountain landscapes of western Andalucia, before reaching the glorious, white beaches of the Costa de la Luz. During the tour you’ll cycle along quiet country roads that will lead you past the limestone peaks and cork oak sierras that link the traditional Pueblos Blancos and you'll meander through the rolling hills of La Janda to reach the gorgeous Cape Trafalgar, on the coast.
This leisurely-paced cycling holiday is the perfect way to explore the exquisite countryside, allowing plenty of time to take in your surroundings. Combining Moorish history and fantastic food with lashings of Andaluz character, this lesser-visited corner of Andalucia is worlds apart from the busy Costas of the Mediterranean. You’ll meet fiercely-proud locals, with plenty of opportunity to taste a delicious array of cuisine, that varies dramatically as you head from the mountains to the coast. Look out for campesinos working to produce local cheeses, cured meats, succulent fruit, olives and grapes.
Your cycling journey begins in the characterful city of Ronda, perched on the edge of the magnificent Tajo Gorge. You’ll head into the dramatic Grazalema Natural Park, before descending into the lowlands as you reach the town of Arcos de la Frontera. You’ll then cycle to the stunning, white village of Vejer, continuing through the pines to finally reach the Costa de la Luz. You’ll end your cycling journey in the charming, tuna-fishing town of Conil de la Frontera.
A journey from the mountains to the coast, this is a (predominantly!) sweeping downhill ride, making it a great way to take in the Andalucian views. With undulating routes, and some modest daily climbs along the way, though, you’ll definitely feel you’ve earned that post pedallin’ tinto! 
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Holiday Highlights

  • Exploring the historical town of Ronda, surrounded by the stunning Sierras
  • Discovering beautiful Grazalema, nestled below atmospheric, limestone mountains
  • Descending from the Puerto Boyar out of the awe-inspiring Grazalema Natural Park
  • Sipping local sherries in the rustic bodegas of Arcos
  • Cycling alongside the white, sandy beaches of the Costa de la Luz; the Coast of Light
  • Hopping between tapas bars in the fun-filled town of Conil

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We had a wonderful time – thanks for all your help and support, and for letting us see such a lovely part of the world.

Mark, Surrey, UK

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival into Jerez or Gibraltar Airport - Transfer to Ronda

Following your arrival flight, you will be met by a Skedaddle representative who will transfer you to the historical town of Ronda. Surrounded by impressive mountain ranges, Ronda is dramatically perched on the side of the El Tajo gorge, a truly stunning setting for the start of your tour! At your accommodation, you’ll have your welcome meeting and your local representative will help to fit your bikes, as well as talk through how to use the Skedaddle App.

Flight times permitting, you may have time to explore Ronda. The old town across the Puente Nuevo is a beautiful example of Moorish architecture. Cobbled streets wind like a labyrinth between the imposing white walls of palaces and grand residences, clinging to sandstone cliffs. You can visit the museum of the infamous bandoleros, follow the history of bullfighting at Ronda’s bullring, or simply relax on one of Ronda’s café terraces and watch the world go by in true Andaluz style. Ronda has a wealth of great eateries and so whether you want gourmet or to lean on a bar in a traditional bodega trying tasty tapas, there is something for everyone!

Day 2
Ronda to Grazalema
27 Miles / 44 Kms Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 1090 Metres Approx.

Your cycling journey will begin with a descent out of Ronda, into the deep Guadiaro Valley. Following the Guadiaro River downstream, you’ll drop deeper down to the Cueva del Gato (Cat’s Cave) where you can stop for a coffee, or a swim in the cooling pools that are fed from the cave. You’ll then make your first climb of the week, to the stunningly-situated white village of Montejaque.

You’ll cycle on past the Hundidero cave entrance, in an impressive fault in the limestone, before beginning an undulating climb into the heart of the awesome Grazalema mountain range. Rising over 1600 metres, with bright jagged limestone peaks and oak and Spanish fir forests, it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful parts of the week! A twisting road, that threads through an enchanting cork oak forest, will take you the village of Grazalema itself; a terrific sight of tiled roofs and white-washed buildings nestled beneath the Penon Grande and San Cristobal peaks. The village is famous for its hand-woven, woollen blankets, goats cheese and thistle heart omelette, and its restaurants dish up tasty mountain fare.

Day 3
Grazalema to Arcos de la Frontera
37 Miles / 60 Kms Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 1290 Metres Approx.

Your second day in the saddle begins with a steady climb up to the Boyar Pass. At over 1000m high, the views are terrific down into the Tavizna valley. The only way to go from here is down and what a descent it is! You’ll drop over a thousand metres, passing the small village of Benamahoma, through the Albarracin range, to the small town of El Bosque. El Bosque is a great choice for a lunch stop, as its river is full of succulent trout (quite a rarity so far south).

After resting from the exhilarating descent, you’ll cycle over rolling farmland, heading to the Guadalcacin Reservoir where you’ll reach the pretty village of Algar. The remainder of the day’s journey now heads north west through beautiful, rolling countryside, winding past the waters’ edge until reaching your destination of Arcos de la Frontera, balanced precariously on top of a limestone cliff. You’ll have one more climb to your accommodation, where you’ll be rewarded with dramatic views across the Bornos lake and a celebratory cerveza!

Arcos’ maze-like, ancient Moorish medina is a delight to wander around, with monuments, idyllic squares and many a cave-like bar to sip sherry and listen to flamenco!

Day 4
Arcos to Benalup
41 Miles / 66 Kms Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 1055 Metres Approx.

Today starts with a descent away from Arcos, through undulating, country lanes, as you pass proud, flowering agave plants and palms to reach the dam of the vast Guadalcacin reservoir, teeming with birdlife. Your route skirts the edge of the Alcornocales Natural Park, comprising the largest cork oak forest in Europe and abundant wildlife.

Gentle, rolling hills then take you to the white-washed town of Alcala de los Gazules. The road climbs giving great views of the Picacho and Aljibe peaks and down towards Jerez. Alcala, spills down the hillside and is impressively topped by the church of San Jorge, built on the sight of a mosque.

Alcala has numerous inviting cafes and restaurants serving traditional cuisine, such as game from the surrounding forests, and is ideally placed for a relaxing lunch. A fast descent will take you into the rolling farmlands of La Janda, passing the huge Barbate reservoir and numerous farms. You’ll soon arrive at your destination, a beautifully restored ‘Cortijo andaluz’ serving fabulous local dishes.

Day 5
Benalup to Vejer de la Frontera
24 Miles / 38 Kms Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 630 Metres Approx.

After breakfast you’ll set out on a shorter, more gentle ride, as you descend out of the La Janda farmlands. The route meanders past tiny villages, including the beautifully named Cantarranas (Singing Frogs), along olive-lined lanes.

Vejer, your destination for the day, comes into view way before you arrive, perched high on the now ubiquitous hill, the whitest and most beautifully-restored of the ‘Pueblos Blancos’. Before arriving, the route winds its way through low hills passing the organic Etu winery and the famed il Forno pizzeria before taking a winding descent to the valley floor.

Now, for the last climb up to Vejer, along the Corredera with fantastic views back to the Alcornocales and down to the coast before arriving in the beautiful, palm-filled Plaza Espana, where you will stay. Vejer is a joy to take an evening stroll around, topped by a 10th-century castle, with plentiful tapas bars and boutique shops.

Day 6
Vejer de la Frontera to Conil
23 Miles / 37 Kms Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 375 Metres Approx.

Your final day of riding takes you on a long descent down to the coast at the tuna fishing town of Barbate. Several towns along the coast fish prize Bluefin tuna using the sustainable Almadraba method, which was originally developed by the ancient Phoenicians using fixed nets.

The route then climbs into Las Brenas pine forest, where pine nuts are harvested, arriving at el Palomar de Brena, a curious building that claims to house the largest dove cot in the world. It’s now a hotel and an ideal place to stop for a refreshment.

You’ll then take a fabulous descent out of the pines with incredible views out over the Atlantic and onto Cape Trafalgar where Nelson defeated the combined forces of the French and Spanish in 1805. Passing the Cape, you’ll ride alongside the famed, surfing beach of El Palmar, lined with cool cafés, before arriving into Conil, illuminated on the hillside above a pristine sweep of fine, white sand, in time for celebratory sundowners.

Day 7
Departure from Conil - Transfer to Jerez or Gibraltar airport
  • Meals: Breakfast

Unfortunately, it’s time to leave this beautiful region and fly home. Depending on flight times, you may have time to spend the morning exploring the narrow alleyways of Conil or even a last chance for a dip in the ocean before we transfer you back to the airport for your flight home.

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The Cycling

Terrain

This place to place trip is 100% on tarmac, taking you through beautiful Andalucia on mountain roads and back-lanes with almost no traffic. You’ll start the trip up high in the mountains, finishing on the shores of the wild Atlantic. The roads tend to be well surfaced with smooth tarmac. There is some climbing along the way, but there is plenty of time to enjoy the scenery on the way up. Day 2 will prove the most challenging, with a climb to Grazalema. We recommend hybrid or road bikes for this tour.

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Leisure Cycling Grade

1
2
3
4
5
Grade 3 : Moderate

Distances generally between 20-45 miles / 32-72 kms per day

For the leisure cyclist with a good level of physical fitness

May include some steeper, cheeky climbs and possibly sections of varying terrain (eg. forest tracks, gravel paths etc)

Our grading guidelines have been carefully created based on our many years of cycling experience, as well as customer feedback from our trips. Of course, if you're still struggling to figure out where you fit on the scale, do feel free to give us a quick call and we'll be more than happy to help!

For more information about our grading system click here.

Is this suitable for you?

Although you may not cycle everyday, you do keep yourself relatively fit and maybe enjoy an afternoon out on your bike at the weekend. Your preference is perhaps for flatter terrain but you don’t mind tackling some hills, and the occasional steep climb if you can take it at your own pace. For those happy to tackle some ups and downs, and possibly some sections of varying terrain (eg. forest tracks, gravel paths etc) we’d recommend our grade 3 trips. We’d generally expect those on a Grade 3 holiday to have a decent level of physical fitness and be comfortable with some longer days in the saddle.

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Dates & Prices

Daily departures available. The season prices below are per person and are applicable for all start dates between and inclusive of the stated dates.

2023 01 Mar – 31 Dec (excluding dates from 01 Jul to 17 Sep)

Season 1 – £1320 01 Mar – 25 Mar, 11 – 22 Apr, 03 May – 30 Jun and 18 Sep – 31 Dec

Season 2 – £1495 26 Mar – 10 Apr and 23 Apr – 02 May

Alternatively for a great value holiday choose one of our scheduled departures below.

Start Date
End Date
Duration
Price p.p.
Start Date
24/09/2023
Return Date
30/09/2023
Duration
7 days
Price
£1,040.00
Start Date
08/10/2023
Return Date
14/10/2023
Duration
7 days
Price
£1,040.00
Choose your date
Start Date
End Date
Duration
Price p.p.
Start Date
Return Date
--/--/----
Duration
7 days
Price
£1,320.00

Whats Included Tick

A) Accommodation (shared twin / double en suite rooms) in 2* and 3* hotels and local inns

B) Meals as per the itinerary (B-Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)

C) English-speaking local representative (with welcome meeting)

D) Access to the Skedaddle App for holiday information and navigation

E) Luggage transfers

F) Airport transfers on scheduled arrival and departure days from Jerez airport (XRY), Gibraltar airport (GIB)

What's not Included Cross

A) Bike hire (available if required)

B) Flights and charges for travelling with your bike (if applicable)

C) Meals not stated in the itinerary

D) Single room (available if required)

E) Travel insurance

F) Personal clothing and equipment

G) Personal expenditure (souvenirs, bar bills, hotel facilities etc)

H) Entrance fees to museums and other attractions en route

I) Airport transfers on days other than the scheduled arrival / departure days

J) Airport transfer from and back to Malaga airport (available if required)

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The Essentials

Travel Options

This tour starts in Ronda and finshes in Conil.

Airport transfers are included in the cost of your holiday. You can fly into and back from either Jerez (XRY) or Gibraltar (GIB) airport. Please aim to arrive between 09.00 and 16.00 and depart between 11.00 and 20.00.

If flying from the UK the main direct option into Jerez is from London Stansted (STN) with Ryanair. Alternatively you can fly into Gibraltar with British Airways or easyJet, from London Heathrow (LHR) and London Gatwick (LGW), and from Bristol (BRS), and Manchester (MAN) with easyJet.

There are also numerous direct flight options to Malaga (APG) from London and regional airports. If you would like to request a return transfer to Malaga airport this can be organised, and costs an extra £65 per person.

If you are joining one of our scheduled dates we ask that you fly into and back from Gibraltar. We will provide arrival and departure times, along with suitable flight options, as and when more flight schedules are released.

Please check with Skedaddle before making any travel arrangements.

Please note If you make travel arrangements that fall outside of the above time windows there may be an additional charge for your transfers

Accommodation

Accommodation (shared twin or double rooms) will usually be en suite in 2/3 star hotels or local inns. Family run, personable, charming, comfortable and homely are boxes we tick when looking for places to stay. A million miles away from chain style hotels all with unique touches. We are able to offer some upgrades on this trip, to include some 4* hotels; please contact our sales team if you’d like a price for this.

Bike Hire

If you don’t own a suitable bike or would prefer to avoid bringing your own we have bikes available to rent.

These bikes are typically Scott Sportster or Ghost hybrid bikes. We also have electric bikes available, if required, on request. Both hybrid and electric bikes will come equipped with a pannier rack, two panniers bags, a phone mount, water bottle and water bottle holder, a puncture repair kit and spare inner tubes. Please note, some e-bikes are tubeless, and so in this case spare inner tubes won’t be provided.

If you do decide to hire we can also include a helmet for the trip. Please let us know as soon as possible if you’d like a helmet to be provided locally.

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News, Reviews & Stories

Reviews

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