Spain

Spain - Andalucia - White Villages to the Ocean

Guided Leisure Cycling Tour

Grade

1
2
3
4
5

Duration

7 days

Prices from

$2,520 P.P.

OPTIONAL E-BIKE DEPARTURES

We offer this holiday with an e-bike only departure as well as regular trips where you can choose a regular bike or a pedal assist e-bike hire. Our e-bike only departures allow you to experience more on two wheels whilst riding with like-minded Skedaddlers. Confident cyclists will enjoy the boost from a battery for those cheeky climbs and longer distances. With less effort required on the bike, you’ll have more energy at the end of the day for off-the-bike activities. Remember to select your e-bike hire when you book your holiday with us. You may choose to hire an e-bike on a regular trip but bear in mind that the pace will be set to riders without an e-bike.

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This guided Spanish cycling holiday will lead us through the staggering mountain landscapes of western Andalucia, before reaching the glorious, white beaches of the Costa de la Luz. We'll be riding along quiet country roads leading us past limestone peaks and cork oak sierras that link the traditional Pueblos Blancos and we'll meander through the rolling hills of La Janda towards the lovely Conil on the coast.
Cycling through the region is a great way to explore the beautiful countryside, allowing lots of time to take in the surroundings. Combining Moorish history and delicious food with lashings of Andaluz character, this lesser-visited corner of Andalucia is worlds apart from the busy Costas of the Mediterranean.
We’ll meet fiercely-proud locals, with plenty of opportunity to taste a fantastic array of local cuisine, which varies dramatically as we head from the mountains to the coast. We'll spot campesinos working to produce local cheeses, cured meats, succulent fruit, olives and grapes along the way. 
Our cycling journey begins in the hill-top city of Ronda, perched on the edge of the magnificent Tajo Gorge. From here we'll head into the dramatic Grazalema Natural Park, before descending into the lowlands as we reach the town of Arcos de la Frontera. We’ll then cycle to the stunning, white village of Vejer, continuing through the pines to finally reach the Costa de la Luz. We’ll end our cycling journey in the charming, tuna-fishing town of Conil de la Frontera.
As a journey from the mountains to the coast, we'll enjoy some sweeping downhill but, as we are cycling through the Spanish hills, there will be plenty of uphill sections to give us the stunning Andalucian views we're searching for. With undulating routes, and some modest daily climbs along the way, we’ll definitely feel we’ve earned that post pedallin’ vino tinto. For those looking for a boost up the hills, we'd recommend considering an electric bike or even booking onto our e-bike only departure on the 26 October 2025, where you can enjoy the journey with a group of like-minded e-bikers.
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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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Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival into Malaga Airport - Transfer to Ronda

Following your arrival flight, you will be met and transferred 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!

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.

This evening we’ll have a chance to meet your guides & fellow cyclists and have a welcome briefing and bike fitting before heading out to one of Ronda’s great eateries.

Day 2
Ronda to Grazalema
25 Miles / 41 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 800 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • Ascent: 800 Metres Approx.

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

Cycling past the Hundidero cave entrance, in an impressive fault in the limestone, we begin 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 us 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 and goats cheese and its restaurants dish up tasty mountain fare.

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Day 3
Grazalema to Arcos de la Frontera
38 Miles / 61 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 985 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • Ascent: 985 Metres Approx.

Our 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! We’ll drop over a thousand metres, passing the small village of Benamahoma, through the Albarracin range, to the small town of El Bosque.

After resting from the exhilarating descent, we’ll cycle over rolling farmland, heading to the Guadalcacin Reservoir where we’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 our destination of Arcos de la Frontera, balanced precariously on top of a limestone cliff. We’ll have one more climb to our accommodation, where we’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!

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Day 4
Arcos to Benalup
42 Miles / 67 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 840 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • Ascent: 840 Metres Approx.

Today starts with a descent away from Arcos, through undulating, country lanes, as we pass proud, flowering agave plants and palms to reach the dam of the vast Guadalcacin Reservoir, teeming with birdlife. Our 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 us to the white-washed town of Alcala de los Gazules and as the road climbs it gives 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 sweeping descent will take us into the rolling farmlands of La Janda, passing the huge Barbate reservoir and numerous farms. Soon we arrive at our destination, a beautifully restored ‘Cortijo andaluz’ serving fabulous local dishes.

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Day 5
Benalup to Vejer de la Frontera
23 Miles / 37 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 530 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • Ascent: 530 Metres Approx.

After breakfast we’ll set out on a shorter, more gentle ride, as we 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, our destination for the day, comes into view way before we 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 we 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.

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Day 6
Vejer de la Frontera to Conil
23 Miles / 37 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 300 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • Ascent: 300 Metres Approx.

Our final day of riding takes us 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 hotel in an interesting building that claims to house the largest dove cot in the world.

We’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, we’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.

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Day 7
Departure from Conil - Transfer to Malaga 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.

Understanding Profiles

Use these profiles to see:

  • Distance in Km (horizontal axis)
  • Ascent / Descent in metres (vertical axis)

Click 'see gradient' to see:

  • Distance in Km (horizontal axis)
  • % Gradient (vertical axis)

Please check the scales on both graphs, and both axes as they both may differ from day to day.

White vertical lines indicate unpaved sections or slightly rougher terrain. Using both graphs, alongside the grading and terrain information provided, will give you a full picture of how flat, bumpy or steep the climbing on your particular tour is going to be. Please keep in mind this is an indicative guide and GPS units and software produce different statistical information.

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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 high up in the mountains, finishing on the shores of the wild Atlantic. The roads tend to be well-surfaced with smooth tarmac.

Day 2 will prove the most challenging, with the climb to Grazalema, however the route is generally hilly throughout. For those looking for a bit of a boost up the hills, we recommend opting for e-bike hire on this tour (or joining us on our e-bike only departure) which will help take the sting out of the climbs (particularly up to the white, hill-top villages). For more information about riding an electric bike on our holidays please click here

Otherwise, the route is suitable for either a hybrid or a road bike.

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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

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 trip to have a decent level of physical fitness and be comfortable with some longer days in the saddle.

For more information about the grading of this holiday in particular, please check out the terrain section which will give you some specifics of what to expect on this tour.

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Dates & Prices

Secure Your Holiday With A Deposit

Book now with a $375 deposit and nothing more to pay until 60 days before departure. Choose a date to start your booking and see all prices, including bike hire and single room supplements.

Select a date to view prices and book
Start Date
End Date
Duration
Price p.p.
Start Date
* 16/03/2025
Return Date
22/03/2025
Duration
7 days
Price
$2,520.00
Start Date
26/10/2025 E-Bike Departure
Return Date
01/11/2025
Duration
7 days
Price
$2,520.00
*

Late Availability

We want you to know which tours are coming up soon, so you don’t miss out! If a trip has this symbol beside it, it means you don’t have long to snap up your place.

Whats Included Tick

A) Accommodation (shared twin / double en suite rooms) in a mixture of 2 and 3 hotels and inns

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

C) Full tour service, including English-speaking Skedaddle guides

D) Unless stated, at least one leader qualified in first aid

E) Support vehicle, for tired bikers and luggage transfers

F) GPX files available on request

G) Airport transfers on scheduled arrival and departure days from Malaga Airport (AGP)

H) Financial Protection through ABTOT

What's not Included Cross

A) Bike rental (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

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Private Departures

Private Departures

Are you keen to only travel with your family or friends? Struggling to find the right date? Well, we can organise a private departure for this tour and tailor aspects to suit your group's specific needs. Contact our friendly team and we'll help you turn your dream into reality.

The Essentials

Travel Options

Your tour starts in Ronda and finishes in Conil.

Group airport transfers are included in the cost of your holiday both the arrival and return transfers from / back to Malaga airport (AGP) will be co-ordinated with the group flight schedule.

We will provide you with details of suitable flight/arrival/departure schedules as flight timetables become available.

Please check with us before making any travel arrangements to ensure we have reached the minimum number required to guarantee your holiday and to make sure your arrangements fit with our scheduled transfers.

Please note If you make travel arrangements that fall outside of the scheduled transfer windows, there may be an additional charge for individual 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.

Bike Hire

If you would like to rent a bike, we have both hybrid and electric bikes available.

The hybrid bikes are generally Giant Roams (male frame) or Liv Roves (female frame), or equivalent, with a wide gear range suitable for the route and terrain, semi-slick tyres, hydraulic disc brakes and a relaxed riding position.

Our electric bikes are generally Daily Tour E+2 (or equivalent) pedal assist bikes with hydraulic disc brakes and batteries suitable for the daily distances on this holiday. E-bikes come with step through frames as standard.

If booking onto one of our e-bike departures, only e-bikes will be available.

Please note If opting for an e-bike on a standard departure, the pace of riding will be set by the hybrid riders.

A rack and two panniers, and one bottle cage are provided with all our rental bikes, along with an emergency repair kit in a seat-post bag containing a puncture repair kit, a multi-tool, a spare innertube and a bike pump.

We are also able to provide helmets, if you’d like one to be provided, please request this at the time of booking.

You are welcome to bring along your own saddles, or own pedals if renting a hybrid bike, but please let us know if advance if you plan to do so.

If you are planning to bring your own e-bike, please let us know the make and model of your bike and we can check its suitability.

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