Welcome to Granada!

Granada is almost unrivalled for its beauty, architecture and the setting isn’t bad either! Set at the foot of the imposing Sierra Nevada, with the Alhambra towering above it, it is a truly unforgettable city. In this legendary city, renowned for its amazing Moorish architecture, you can take a tour of the World Heritage-listed Alhambra and Generalife Gardens, one of Andalucia’s special highlights. In the mosaic-tiled and landscaped gardens of the Alhambra, discover the culture and history of Spain’s Moorish rulers and admire their exotic architectural legacy.

As evening arrives you could watch a Zambra flamenco show in Granada’s Roma quarter, Sacramonte. We’d also recommend a traditional, evening tapas tour of Granada, probably one of the best ways to see the city and the people who live there.

A visit to the Alhambra is not included in the trip and to fully appreciate this magnificent building and the city we recommend that you arrive into Granada a day or two early (and book as far in advance as you can!).

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 795 Metres Approx.

On your first riding day, we ask that you head to a local bike shop in Granada (approx. 10 mins walk from your hotel), where you’ll receive your rental bikes (if renting) and have your welcome meeting. Following this, we’ll whisk you back to your hotel to pick up your luggage, and then out of the city centre to the peace of the Andalucian countryside to start your ride.

Once on the bike, you will begin a 6 km climb as you make your way out of Loja. The back lanes then thread a trail past impressive rock formations towards the Sierra Subbetica. Today’s riding is a heady mix of classic Andalucian culture; from parched craggy sierras and olive and almond groves to white-washed villages.

After lunch your route takes you deeper into this stunning sierra, whose dramatic peaks are home to southern Spain’s largest breeding colony of the majestic griffon vulture, as well as Bonnelli’s and Booted eagles. Priego soon comes into view, perched on an escarpment that overlooks the rolling mountainsides. Much of the city’s grandeur is due to the booming silk production in the 18th century.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 500 Metres Approx.

Today the route will take you around to the northern edge of the Sierras Subbetica. The trail leads you through the rustic town of Luque, notable for its medieval castle, Albenzaide, as well as its parochial church at the Plaza de España. Here marks the ideal spot to stop for a coffee.

You’ll soon arrive at the pretty village of Zuheros with its 9th-century, Moorish castle perched on a limestone crag, proudly guarding the fertile lands below. The village is engulfed by magnificent limestone cliffs which seemingly contort themselves into wonderful shapes. Zuheros will be your home for the night. Today’s relatively short ride should leave you with plenty of time to spend the afternoon visiting the picturesque town of Zuheros. Be sure to visit the historic castle, where you can explore its ancient walls and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 535 Metres Approx.

From Zuheros you’ll pick up the Via Verde del Aceite, a cycle way which drops through olive groves to Baena. The intoxicating scent of olive pressing fills the air, and if you‘re lucky you may see some olive pressing in action! Baena is at the centre of the olive oil industry and you’ll likely see some hand pickers labouring over ancient trees, as well as modern pneumatic shakers harvesting the fruit with ease.

Leaving Baena behind, it’ll become ever clearer that you‘re in northern Andalucia, with olive groves lining the roads and horizons – it’s an incredible sight. No wonder Spain is the undisputed leader in olive oil production as they have 2.4 million hectares dedicated to it, producing over 1 million tonnes of oil annually!

Before heading out today, please stock up with supplies and particularly water, as there may not always be an opportunity to buy water en-route.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 375 Metres Approx.

Today you’ll cycle on back lanes, before you reach the mighty Guadalquivir River; its name means great valley in Arabic and it is the main artery for Andalucia. Once again it’s a good idea to stock up with water before setting off!

You’ll soon enter the city of Cordoba over the impressive Roman Bridge; this short, gentle day in the saddle means you will have plenty of time to explore one of the true wonders of Andalucia, Cordoba’s Mezquita (we recommend that you book online a week ahead to avoid disappointment). Discover the city’s mix of Jewish and Arab culture and admire Cordoba’s medieval architecture, with its white-washed courtyards, winding alleys and leafy squares.

After a late afternoon siesta you can head out for an early evening dinner in one of the famous ‘Patios de Cordoba’ and why not top off the evening with the delights of a traditional Flamenco show? If you’d like some more time in the saddle, we can arrange a longer ride today.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 480 Metres Approx.

Today you’ll set off on another of Andalucia’s Vias Verdes, the cycle way of La Campina, which takes you on a leisurely ride through crops and rolling hills, filled with spring flowers early in the year. The area was once known as the ‘bread basket’ of the whole Roman Empire and wheat is still grown here today. You’ll be riding today over varying terrain with some bumpy / loose sections.

You will roll on to Ecija, nicknamed the frying pan of Spain due to being one of the hottest places in Spain in the summer. It’s a town famously known for its eleven towers and fifteen bell towers. It’s a relaxing place to stay the night, with plenty of good restaurants serving delicious, Andalucian delicacies.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 515 Metres Approx.

This is the longest day on paper but one with few hills, as you will weave your way down the vast Guadalquivir valley. The dark hills of the Sierra Morena offer great vistas to the north, while your pedals keep turning for the last full day in the saddle.

The route is punctuated by various settlements, the most notable being Fuentes de Andalucia, which has an ethnographic museum celebrating remains of humans found over 200,000 years ago.

Deserted lanes and fields full of swaying wheat will lead you on to the enchanting, small town of Carmona, once a Roman strong hold in Iberia. The Moors put their stamp on it by making it almost impregnable with vast walls. The town holds many monuments waiting to be discovered.

Carmona has a proud culinary tradition and is infamous for salmorejo, partridge, cured ham and snails. Enjoy!

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 90 Metres Approx.

After breakfast you’ll have a short cycle through open countryside to Brenes, where you will catch your train into the great city of Seville, the seductive capital of the south. Train ticket costs approx. 4 euros per person, and is not included in trip cost.

Your afternoon can be spent exploring the city by bike. You can ride through the most interesting places of Triana, the old historic center, the Maria Luisa Park, Plaza de Espana, the classic and the modern Seville.

You can take a stroll around the old quarter of Seville taking in the UNESCO World Heritage sights of the Cathedral and the towering Giralda, or the breathtaking Alcazaba palace and its gardens. We recommend that you book online in advance so that you don’t miss out! In the evening, you’ll have chance to wander with the locals along the riverside, visit one of the city’s legendary bars or experience the drama and passion of flamenco at a Seville flamenco show (cost not included). The lively Barrio de Santa Cruz is a great place to head for a fun evening sampling the best tapas in Seville’s electric, evening atmosphere.

Seville is a captivating city which you would never do justice in half a day, so to discover it at your own pace we’d recommend an extension at the end of your trip. Please get in touch if we can help you with any extra nights.

• Meals: Breakfast

You’ll be free to depart following one final breakfast, or of course, do let us know if you’d like us organise some extra nights in this lovely city.