Overview
Andalucía offers a rare mix of well-preserved wilderness, authentic villages and towns full of culture and architectural gems. This trip will let you experience the undulating hills and charming villages characterising the area. You will also have a rest day exploring Granada’s cultural riches or just relaxing and enjoying the peaceful countryside. Some sections of the route are challenging; still, you can rent an E-bike, which will allow you to enjoy the idyllic landscapes effortlessly. You will spend the evenings in typical Andalucían style hotels and one luxurious 4-star rural hotel, which will let you experience the authentic local atmosphere and hospitality in comfort.
- White villages scattered across an undulating green sea of olive groves
- Typical Andalucían style hotels and one luxurious 4-star accommodation
- Swimming pool available during four days of the trip
- Optional visits to Granada and Córdoba
Click to view map
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Priego de Córdoba
Arrive in beautiful Andalucía and settle into your comfortable 4-star rural hotel. After today’s journey, you may wish to take a refreshing dip in the swimming pool and then enjoy an aperitif before dinner.
- Accommodation: Hotel Huerta de las Palomas or similar
Day 2: Priego de Córdoba Circular Route | 15 to 41km
Choose among several options for cycling in the area (15km to 41km). All three routes include a visit to the village of Priego de Córdoba and of course the joy of riding along endless country lanes, winding through olive orchards with views of historic Moorish watchtowers.
- Accommodation: Hotel Huerta de las Palomas or similar
- Cycling for the day: 15km, 28km or 41km, ↑↓ between 300m and 600m
Day 3: Priego de Córdoba to Montefrio | 47km
A day of some strenuous ascents. From Priego, you ride up and straight through the Sierra Albayate. Then it’s on to Montefrío, another lovely village of whitewashed houses clustered around a Moorish castle. Your accommodation is a converted traditional olive oil mill and press, recalling the vital importance of liquid gold in this land.
- Accommodation: Las Navillas M & M or similar
- Cycling for the day: 47km, ↑880m ↓520m
Day 4: Rest Day or Visit Granada
It is a day to rest and relax or enjoy an excursion by bus to Granada (not included, payable locally), a town with an ancient past and a surprisingly cosmopolitan feel. In addition to the Alhambra, a stunning display of Moorish architecture not to miss, the city has other jewels to offer as well: the enchanting labyrinth of narrow lanes in the Albaycín quarter, the streets lined with tea houses or the impressive Capilla Real (Royal Chapel).
- Accommodation: Las Navillas M & M or similar
Day 5: Montefrio to Iznajar | 50km
Once again take in the enchanting tapestry of beautiful orchards and olive groves on gently rolling hills. Today’s route starts with a short, practically flat section of 8km on the tarmac, and a more difficult second part. You’ll have to save a bit of energy for a series of ascents toward the end. But the last 3km is a descent to Iznajar.
- Accommodation: Hotel Caserio de Iznájar or similar (This hotel is closed in November and December and we will find an alternative for this period)
- Cycling for the day: 50km, ↑770m ↓1,115m
Day 6: Iznajar to Zuheros | 84km
You cycle 28km uphill to get back on the main road to Rute. You can skip this section by taking a taxi on the spot or booking a transfer with us in advance. Then the route will take you through lovely countryside, marvelling at the endless array of olive groves. You then follow a section of the Via Verde, a converted railway bike path ideal for cycling. Your accommodation in the village of Zuheros makes an excellent base for visiting Córdoba and the Mezquita (for this option, book an extra night at Hotel Zuhayra).
- Accommodation: Hotel Zuhayra or similar
- Cycling for the day: 84 m, ↑1,000m ↓600m (56km, ↑600m ↓600m if you shorten the route at the beginning)
Day 7: From Zuheros back to Priego de Córdoba | 25km
A shorter ride today, through the beautiful area surrounding the Sierra Subbética Natural Park. Back at your 4-star rural hotel, you can take a refreshing plunge in the pool. For dinner, choose from the three great local restaurants.
- Accommodation: Hotel Huerta de las Palomas or similar
- Cycling for the day: 25km, ↑250m ↓360m
Day 8: Departure
Your trip comes to an end today after breakfast.
What to expect
Accommodation
Typical Andalucían-style rural hotels, some have a swimming pool. All the accommodations on this trip have been carefully selected for their location, atmosphere and/or unique services. All rooms are en-suite.
Click to view default hotels
Hotels are subject to availability. In case a particular hotel is fully booked for your desired dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal or higher value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.
Meals
All breakfasts are included in the programme. When no restaurant location is available en route lunches and snacks can be bought from local shops or you can pre-order a packed lunch at your hotel. Dinner is available either from the restaurant in your accommodation or from the restaurants in the town where you stay overnight.
Difficulty and terrain
This trip is suitable for intermediate cyclists as some of the days include short but challenging climbs. Daily distances range between 25 and 55km (read more about difficulty grades). We will provide you with detailed road notes and maps (in digital format), and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime. More detailed info on route navigation will be included in your holiday information pack.
When to go
This tour is available from the end of February until mid-December. Blackout dates in 2023 are 19 March – 13 April. The flexibility of self-guided holidays means that there are no fixed dates, and you can start your trip on any date during the season.
Getting there
Click to view travel options
By plane
Our recommended airports for this tour are Malaga Airport
By train or bus
Arrival in Priego de Córdoba
- There is a regular bus service from Málaga airport (AGP) that runs throughout the day to the central bus station in Málaga city centre.
- There are regular bus services between Málaga central bus station and Lucena (about 30km from Priego de Córdoba). Further info on www.alsa.es.
- There are also regular daily buses from Lucena to Priego de Córdoba. Further info on www.autocarescarrera.es.
- Taxi transfers are available from Lucena bus station to Priego and vice versa. You can also book a private transfer with us.
Inclusions
Included
- 7 overnights in nice hotels as detailed in the itinerary, private ensuite rooms
- 7 breakfasts
- Luggage transport when changing hotels on days 3, 5, 6 and 7 (1 piece per person up to 20kg)
- Detailed digital holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps. Please note that the info pack is emailed to you prior to departure, and no printed documents are mailed or provided on-site.
- 24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative
Excluded
- Flights and airport transfers
- Lunches and dinners, drinks and snacks
- Additional transfers
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Local tourist taxes and entry fees (payable on-site)
- Personal expenses
- Any items not specifically mentioned as ‘included’ in the programme
Options, extras and supplements
- A supplement applies to members of a group who require a single room
- This holiday is available for solo travellers; a supplement will be charged as accommodation and luggage transfer costs are not shared (we never mix and match – solo travellers will be accommodated in single rooms)
- Bike or e-bike rental
- Extra nights
- Optional private airport transfers
- The hotel in Iznajar is closed in November and December and we will offer an alternative. This may also change the price.
Bike Rental
We offer the rental of hybrid bicycles with 21 gears, repair kit, lock, pump, and front and back cycle bags with map carrier. E-bike is possible to rent as well.
Hybrid bikes
- Bike model (men): MEGAMO Adventure
- Gears: 21 gears
- Gears model: SHIMANO TX800
- Brakes: V-BRAKE ALLOY
- Frame: Aluminum
- Fork: SUNTOUR NEX ADJUSTABLE PRELOAD 80m/m
- Tires: 700X38c TREKKING
- Suspension: Frontal
- Sizes: M, L
Hybrid bikes
- Bike model (women): MEGAMO Tacama
- Gears: 21 gears
- Gears model: SHIMANO TX35
- Brakes: V-BRAKE ALLOY 919
- Frame: Aluminum
- Fork: TREKKING SUSPENSION 80mm
- Tires: TREKKING 1.75
- Suspension: Frontal
- Sizes: S, M
E-bikes – Bergamont E-Ville N330
- Frame: AL-6061 Super Lite Rohrsatz
- Accu WH: Bosch 36 V Li Ion, 500 Wh, Rahmenmontage
- Motor/Drive: Bosch Drive Unit Performance Line, 250W, 36V, max. 25 km/h
- Battery: Bosch 36 V Li-Ion, 500 Wh, frame-type
- Range: 500Wh: 40-215km, depending on assistance mode and riding conditions
- Assistance Modes: Eco (+50%), Tour (+120%), Sport (+190%), Turbo (+275%), Walk Assist (-5km/h)
- Fork: Rock Shox Paragon Gold 28″, 1 1/8″, 63 mm, air, lockout
- Wheel size: 28″
- Brakes: Shimano BR-M315, hydraulische Scheibenbremse, SM-RT30 Rotor: 180/160 mm
- Tires: Schwalbe Energizer Plus, reflective stripe, 47-622
- Weight: 26,80 kg
Gallery
