Overview
The Camino Mozárabe is a pilgrimage route for Christians heading to Santiago de Compostela from southern Spain. The pilgrimage was undertaken by the Mozarabs who were living in the Muslim territory of Al-Andalus. This section is a superb way to explore the region by cycling Granada to Córdoba, covering 145km over seven days, and taking in not only these two iconic Spanish cities, but also the Alhambra de Granada, Mosque of Córdoba and La Mota fortress in Alcalá. Stay in charming local hotels, with luggage transfers. There is also an option to do this tour on an e-bike.
This trip is available all year round, although Easter week and December dates are available on request only.
- Granada
- Alhambra
- Fortaleza de la Mota
- Roman bridge of Córdoba, UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Córdoba and its Mosque–Cathedral
- Vía Verde del Aceite
Click to view map
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Granada
From the airport in Málaga or Granada, take the local bus to Granada, before heading to the hotel in the historical centre. Stroll around the cathedral and the old silk market or enjoy a few drinks with some tapas.
- Accommodation: Hotel Monjas del Carmen or similar
Day 2: Alhambra to Tózar
Explore Alhambra and its old neighbourhoods which have a multitude of tapas bars, restaurants and wine bars. Later in the afternoon, take a private transfer to Tózar (approximately 45mins).
- Accommodation: Hostal Rincón de Marcelo or similar
Day 3: Tózar to Alcalá la Real | 28km
Cycle to the neighbouring village of Limones, before continuing on unpaved roads towards Las Casillas de Gumiel. Merge back onto tarmac roads as the landscape changes and the route begins to wind between farmlands and fields full of and poppies. Arrive in Alcalá la Real and take time to visit Fortaleza de la Mota.
- Cycling for the day: 28km, ↑577m, ↓584m
- Accommodation: Mirador Tierra Fronter or similar
Day 4: Alcalá la Real to Zuheros | 30-59km
Today’s route can be shortened to 30km, by travelling with your luggage to Alcaudete. From here, the route mostly follows the Vía Verde del Aceite. If opting for the longer route, head towards Castillo Locubín before following the Río de San Juan to Alcaudete, a great place to stop for lunch. From here, head along the Vía Verde toward Laguna del Salobral, where flamingos can often be spotted. After passing Luque station, cycle along an almost flat trail towards the hotel in Zuheros where traditional bath and massage treatments can be booked in advance (not included).
- Cycling for the day: 59km, ↑855m, ↓1,150m (full route) or 30km, ↑400m, ↓450m (shortened route)
- Accommodation: Hacienda Minerva or similar
Day 5: Zuheros to Castro del Río/Espejo | 38-47km
Return to the Vía Verde and cycle towards Luque station and across to Baena, where there is an olive oil museum and a bike shop. Continue along an old road to Castro del Río, known for its olive oil and olive wood furniture. Depending on availability, accommodation is in a rural lodge in the centre of Castro del Río, or in Espejo, which is approximately 9km further.
- Cycling for the day: 38km, ↑250m ↓450m or 47km, ↑545m ↓560m
- Accommodation: Casa Rural la Villa (Castro del Río) or similar
Day 6: Castro del Río to Córdoba | 43-47km
Take a private transfer, or cycle to the Roman bridge of Córdoba, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From here, the route follows a country road with minimal traffic towards Córdoba. Visit the city’s famous Mosque–Cathedral and enjoy a walk through the narrow, winding streets of the Jewish Quarter. Spend the evening watching a traditional flamenco show (tickets available to purchase upon request).
- Walking for the day: 43km, ↑530m ↓590m (shortened route) or 47km, ↑553m ↓590m (Full route)
- Accommodation: Hotel Córdoba or similar
Day 7: Departure
Depart from Córdoba after breakfast.
What to expect
Accommodation
Accommodation on this tour includes a mix of small, locally-owned hotels, B&Bs and traditional guesthouses. They have been carefully selected based on a variety of criteria including their location, warm hospitality, fine local food or commitment to responsible tourism. All rooms have en-suite or private bathrooms.
Click to view default hotels
- Hotel Monjas del Carmen (Granada)
- Hostal Rincón de Marcelo (Tózar)
- Mirador Tierra Frontera (Alcalá la Real)
- Hacienda Minerva (Zuheros)
- Casa Rural la Villa (Castro del Río)
- Hotel Córdoba Carpe Diem (Córdoba)
Hotels are subject to availability. In the event of a particular hotel being fully booked for your chosen dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.
Meals
Breakfast is included on all days. When no restaurant location is available en route, lunches and snacks should be bought from local shops. Restaurants available near the hotels for dinners.
Difficulty and terrain
This cycling holiday is graded as easy to moderate. Cycling days can be made easier by choosing to take the optional transfers.(read more about difficulty grades). We will provide detailed route notes and maps, and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime. More detailed information on route navigation will be included in your pre-departure information pack.
When to go
This trip can start any day between Tuesday and Saturday, from the beginning of January until the end of November. This tour is also available in December upon request although bookings may not be possible over the Christmas period. Some exceptions may apply during Spanish national holidays, prices are available on request in such instances.
The flexibility of self-guided cycling holidays means that there are no fixed dates. However, please note that it isn’t possible to start the tour on a Sunday or Monday, unless adding additional nights in Granada before your tour. Bookings that start on a Saturday will have an additional supplement.
Getting there
Click to view travel options
- Arrival in Granada: From Málaga or Granada, you can take a bus to your hotel in Granada. Private transfers are available on request.
- Departure from Córdoba: From Córdoba, you can get to Granada, Málaga, Seville or Madrid by bus or train.
- If you are able to travel to Spain without flying, this holiday is reachable by rail internationally, with train stations in both Málaga and Córdoba. For more details, see the national rail operator, Renfe.
Inclusions
Included
- 6 nights in private, en-suite rooms
- 6 breakfasts
- Documentation including route descriptions and detailed maps
- Private transfer from Granada to the start of the route in Tózar on day two
- Private transfer Castro del Río/Espejo to Córdoba on day six
- Luggage transfers on all cycling days
- Welcome briefing from our local representative
- Phone assistance by our local office/representative
Excluded
- Airfare and connecting land transfers
- Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Personal expenses
- Local tourist taxes and entry fees (payable on the spot)
- Any items not explicitly listed as included
Options, extras and supplements
- Extra nights
- Hotel upgrades in Córdoba and Granada
- If you’re travelling in a group, a supplement applies to group members who would like to have a room of their own
- We regret that this tour is not open to solo travellers
- Flamenco show tickets (includes one drink)
- Transfer from Malaga Airport to Granada
Bike rental
It is possible to rent both a standard, hybrid bike or an e-bike on this tour. Both bike models come equipped with a handlebar bag, baggage rack, water bottle, lock, repair kit and an extra inner tube. Helmets and waterproof panniers can also be rented at additional cost.
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