Spain: Granada to Málaga: Andalucía Bike Tour
Six nights; six days of cycling on hilly paved roads with very little traffic.
“The biking was every bit as spectacular as you had suggested, the weather was kind, the guides were terrific, and we are committed customers for life. Thanks again.” - August C.
WHY THIS TRIP?
- Fantastically quiet and stupendously beautiful rides through landscapes like no other.
- Historic towns and villages, such as Ronda and Arcos de la Frontera.
- Sierra de las Nieves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its natural beauty and diverse flora and fauna.
- Antequera, a distinguished Andalusian town with a rich architectural heritage.
- Sierra de Grazalema Nature Reserve, famed for its unspoiled wilderness, abundant wildlife, and ancient cork oak forests.
- Expansive views over the Guadalquivir Plains, offering a serene and unhurried perspective of Andalusia’s most beautiful terrain.
ROUTE EXPECTATIONS:
Click here to learn about our difficulty rating system.
Challenging terrain on quiet country roads. The route has been designed to avoid the steepest mountain climbs, but you must be prepared for challenging ascents and fun descents on a constantly hilly ride through the Sierra Nevada foothills for the Andalucía Bike Tour.
Daily Distance:
- 1: Meet in Málaga at noon, or Granada for dinner.
- 2: Granada to Periana ~80km (+1262m / -1589m).
- 3: Periana to Antequera ~77km (+1976m / -1708m).
- 4: Antequera to Ronda ~92km (+1893m / -1692m).
- 5: Hiking near Ronda; up to ~17km (+872m / -872m).
- 6: Ronda to Arcos de la Frontera; up to ~104km (+1665m / -2209m).
- 7: Arcos de la Frontera ~90km (+1027m / -1052m).
(Click image to enlarge)
Activity Levels
The easiest routes we offer, these are generally flat and cover relatively relaxed distances. You will be comfortable riding a hybrid bike, walking in sneakers, or paddling a light kayak, and will normally have time to take many photos and enjoy extended lunches.
This is primarily an easy route, but some days may fall into the moderate category. You can expect time to stop and smell the roses, but some of the rides may be on more hilly terrain.
Requiring moderate fitness levels, these cover terrain with hills and valleys, and tend to include distances of 50-80km (30-50mi.)/day cycling, or 3-6 hours of walking per day. Most Freewheeling Adventures fall into this category, and are suitable for most ability levels.
This is primarily a moderate route, suitable for most ability levels, but some days may be a little more challenging. You can expect some long distances, and/or some big climbs/descents.
The most challenging trips, these include longer distances, bigger hills, long hikes, exposed paddling, and full days of activity. We recommend a higher degree of fitness and training to make the most of the experience.
There is also a rare double black diamond, reserved for only the most difficult adventures.
Start: Granada, 18:00, day one. Complimentary transfers from Málaga leave Málaga airport 11:30 or Parador de Málaga Gibralfaro at noon.
Finish: Málaga airport or Parador de Málaga Gibralfaro, Málaga, 18:00, day seven. Transfers to Granada can be arranged.
Meal inclusions: Listed for guided trips only, please see dates & pricing section for accurate inclusions per support level.
Please contact us to arrange alternate meeting and departure plans, if necessary.
DAY 1:
Meet in Málaga at noon, or Granada for dinner.
Meet in Málaga for a transfer to Granada, nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Enjoy an independent afternoon at the Alhambra, followed by dinner. Often called the most sensual architecture on earth, the Alhambra was inspired by victory in battle and features water as a central theme. If you arrive early or have extra time, take a walk through the historic silk markets or explore the Moorish neighborhood of Albayzín.
Meal Inclusions: Dinner.
Alhambra Palace Hotel, or Hotel El Ladron de Agua, Granada.DAY 2:
Granada to Periana ~80km (+1262m / -1589m).
Begin your ride just outside Granada on a quiet, level road featuring dedicated bike lanes. After a gentle warm-up, the terrain becomes hillier, guiding you through picturesque towns like Alhama de Granada. Here, you can explore or even bathe in ancient cisterns that have collected healing waters for centuries. Alhama, built in the Caliphate style on Roman foundations, offers a glimpse into its rich history. End your day at a lodging that boasts breathtaking views and a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Hotel La Viñuela, Viñuela.DAY 3:
Periana to Antequera ~77km (+1976m / -1708m).
Today’s rolling ride takes you through the heart of quintessential Andalusian landscapes, offering plenty of opportunities to savor the journey at your own pace. Consider a side trip to the charming market town of Archidona, renowned for its unique octagonal plaza. This evening, settle near medieval Antequera, a true architectural gem of Andalusia. For a deeper dive into its rich history, opt for a guided walking tour to explore the town's wealth of Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance monasteries and churches.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Parador de Antequera, or Hotel El Fuente del Sol, Antequera.DAY 4:
Antequera to Ronda ~92km (+1893m / -1692m).
As you leave Antequera, the landscape transforms dramatically. Ride along a remote road beneath the towering peaks of the Sierra de Torcal, where vultures and eagles soar overhead. Continue toward Ardales Natural Park, where vast lakeland views, pine forests, and exotic birdlife create the perfect backdrop for a lakeside picnic lunch and a refreshing swim. The journey takes you through remote countryside, with a stop at a scenic viewpoint overlooking the Sierra de las Nieves—a UNESCO-protected biosphere reserve whose peaks are often dusted with snow in winter. In the afternoon, cycle through the Serranía de Ronda, once a natural barrier between the Moors and Christians. From Puerto del Viento, enjoy an exhilarating descent into the panoramic town of Ronda, famed for its September bullfights, tales of bandits and smugglers, and its breathtaking gorge. Spend the evening wandering its atmospheric backstreets and marveling at the iconic bridge spanning the dramatic chasm. A highlight of the trip, Ronda promises spectacular views and unforgettable charm.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Parador Ronda, or Hotel Alavera de los Baños, Ronda.DAY 5:
Hiking near Ronda; up to ~17km (+872m / -872m).
Begin with a short transfer to the Sierra de las Nieves Biosphere Reserve, where you’ll hike along a renowned long-distance footpath. For those seeking a more leisurely experience, shorter routes are available for independent exploration starting from Ronda.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast.
Same lodging.DAY 6:
Ronda to Arcos de la Frontera; up to ~104km (+1665m / -2209m).
Today’s ride takes you deep into one of Spain's most pristine wilderness areas, the Sierra de Grazalema Nature Reserve. Renowned for its exceptional biodiversity and high conservation status, the region boasts an astonishing wealth of plant life and woodlands. Overhead, golden eagles, vultures, and buzzards soar, while deer occasionally bound across the roads. Cycle through vast cork oak forests, where the slow, steady descents offer pure joy. As you approach Arcos de la Frontera—the gateway between the sierras and the plains—you’ll be greeted by breathtaking views of the town perched dramatically above your path. Ride into its narrow, twisting streets, lined with Moorish-inspired architecture, and end your day with a refreshing drink on a terrace overlooking the expansive Guadalquivir Plains.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Parador Arcos de la Frontera, Arcos de la Frontera.DAY 7:
Arcos de la Frontera ~90km (+1027m / -1052m).
Today's ride takes you across the watershed of the Grazalema Sierras and through the northern edge of the Alcornocales Nature Reserve, one of Europe’s largest forests. Follow a twisting road by serene lakes, through valleys of eucalyptus and palms, and over cork oak-covered hills. The ride concludes in Las Algamitas, followed by a transfer to Málaga.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast.
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
SELECT A DATE BELOW TO RESERVE, OR START A NEW DATE
2025 DATES:
2026 DATES:
Please contact us for your preferred date
Don't see what you want?
(Inclusions & pricing are listed below)
PRICING
Guided: C 4995 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, 5 picnic lunches, 5 dinners, luggage handling, guide and van support, maps and route notes, hybrid bicycle rental, taxes.
Small groups or private tours, fully supported with drivers/guides and vehicles, all lodging and most meals included. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Self-Guided: C 4495 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, luggage transfers, maps and route notes, hybrid bicycle rental, taxes.
Semi-supported, independent tours including welcome briefing, lodging, luggage transfers and necessary vehicle transfers. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Single Occupancy: C 1165
Bike Rentals:
Hybrid-Fitness: Included
Upgrade to Road: C 250
Upgrade to E-bike: C 250
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
Please see above for accurate pricing and inclusions, unless we have proposed a customized trip for you and those details are provided in your custom proposal.
1. Choose an advertised date to join a small group, or see our Join a Group page to see where groups are already forming.
2. Pick your own dates. We will confirm quickly, and are happy to talk with you as you make your choice. If you would like a private guided date, this usually comes at a surcharge depending on the details, please get in touch for more information. If you prefer self-guided, we usually only require two participants to initiate a new date at the advertised price, and can sometimes reduce prices for you if you have four or more.
BEST TIMES
The best time to enjoy this tour is before mid-June and after mid-September.
The Granada weather involves hot, dry summers and cold, fairly dry winters. In summer it can be very hot during the day but it does tend to cool down in the evenings and you may even need a light jacket at night. There is very little rain from June to September. In winter the temperatures can fall as low as 0ºC and if there is a wind coming off the Sierra Nevada mountains it can feel colder. There can be snow occasionally but it does not last too long. If you are keen to see snow, take a trip into the Sierra Nevada Mountains where you can even ski if you want to. Many of the winter days are sunny and clear with rain seldom lasting more than a couple of days.
GET TO THE START
One of Spain’s busiest airports is a mere 8km from the heart of Málaga and airlines are the most convenient way to reach this area. The Málaga Airport has regular flights connecting to all the major European cities. From the airport there is a train-link to downtown Málaga, which runs every half-hour. The train station is accessed by an elevated walkway just outside the Terminal 2 departures area. There is also a handy bus service from the airport to Málaga leaving T1 and T2 every half-hour and taxis are always available outside the arrivals hall.
If you prefer to travel by rail in Spain there are regular services feeding Granada from Madrid but the route is not on a high speed line. The Granada train station information number is +34 958 271
272 and the station is fairly central in Avenida de Andaluces. Trains are run by RENFE www.renfe.es and the Talgo takes ~5½ hrs from Madrid. Local bus information can also be found
online at www.alsa.es. The following websites provide information on train schedules, fares and bookings:
US Residents booking train travel within Europe before departure: www.raileurope.com or
by phone 1-888-382-RAIL(7245)
Canadian Residents booking train travel within Europe before departure:
www.raileurope.ca or by phone 1-800-361-RAIL(7245)
AFTER THE FINISH
Your adventure finishes in Málaga at the Parador de Málaga Gibralfaro. If you have not already taken advantage of this spectacular city now is your chance. Málaga offers excellent public transportation for getting around town. Some of the must visit places in Málaga are Gibralfaro, Roman Theatre, The Cathedral, La Alcazaba, Santiago Church, Picasso Museum, Palace de Aduana and Palace Episcopal.
BEFORE AND AFTER
Hotel Recommendations in Málaga
MORE READING
Andalucía, Spain’s enchanting southern province, holds a lot to attract the serious cyclist. As long as one avoids the coast, there are fantastically quiet and stupendously beautiful rides through landscapes like no other. The roads frequently follow the landscape without alteration, providing an endlessly varied undulation of hills, descents and curves, all through mind-blowing scenery and between uniquely pretty “pueblos blancos” – Andalucía‘s white towns that contrast so beautifully with their natural surroundings. You can glide through vast nature reserves with golden eagles and buzzards overhead, shady cork oak forests, and across wide open plateaux, stopping to visit labyrinthine caves decorated with 25,000-year-old art, or to sip espressos and eat tapas on village terraces. Don Quixote tilted his windmills here, and travelling on horseback in 1750, Etienne de Silhouette described it as “the best part of all Spain, the most fertile, the richest; in short, the one in which all of Nature’s gifts have been distributed”. Landscapes apart, Andalucía is also one of the great melting-pots of the Mediterranean. It is the westernmost meeting-place of the pre-historic migrants from the Greek islands and later the Phoenicians, Carthaginians and Romans. Later came great waves of invading Moors, Berbers, and Syrians. Their kingdom,“Al-Andalus”, lasted over 700 years, leaving distinctive traditions and architecture still evident in many villages, jasmine-scented courtyards and castellated fortresses. The charm of this rural region is enhanced by abundant greetings from the impossibly polite and often outstandingly beautiful descendants of such a cosmopolitan past. We hope you can come and meet some of them with us.
We recommend arriving a day early, to acclimatize and enjoy Málaga or Granada. There are some good climbs and descents on this ride, and it’s best to feel fresh and ready at the start!
Suggested Reading for Visitors to Spain:
The Alhambra • Robert Irwin • Mary Beard
In this brief, indispensable guide, Irwin introduces the stunning Moorish palace and fortress complex, revealing its mysteries, myths and significance with wit and insight. He opens with a romantic description of the fairytale structure, which he then deliciously demolishes. Includes a detailed floor plan, sketches and aerial photographs. A volume in the Harvard University Press series, Wonders of the World. Irwin is a British novelist and Islamic scholar.
Driving over Lemons, An Optimist in Andalucía • Chris Stewart
Earthier than "A Year in Provence," Chris Stewart's memoir about moving with his wife to a farm in Alpujarras is charming and insightful. Unlike many expatriates, Stewart manages to ground himself far enough into the community to make lasting friends--as well as a home for his young daughter.
Spain, The Root and the Flower • John A. Crow
Take this book with you to Spain: it's an absorbing, well-written account of Spanish cultural history from prehistory to the Romans, Jews, Moors, Golden Age and on to Franco and his legacy in modern Spain.
Travelers' Tales Spain • Lucy McCauly
A collection of mostly contemporary writing on Spain by such diverse luminaries as Calvin Trillin, Robert Hughes, Jan Morris and Garcia Lorca. It's a delightful portrait of the country.
Off the Road, A Modern-Day Walk Down the Pilgrim's Route Into Spain • Jack Hitt
An American Abroad, popular NPR contributor Hitt unleashes his wit and wonder in this account of his trek, 500-miles across Spain to Santiago de Compostela. Naturally, he falls in with an odd assortment of fellow pilgrims and adventures ensue.
The Story of the Moors in Spain • Stanley Lane-Poole
First published in 1886, this book has held its place as the classic work on the Moors in Spain: a scholarly, wonderfully readable and sweeping tale of splendor and tragedy.
The New Spaniards • John Hooper
Hooper, writing with the immediacy of a news bulletin, surveys the enormous cultural, political and economic changes in Spain since the death of Franco. Authoritative and compelling, the book focuses on the daily life of the average Spaniard.
Modern Classics South from Granada • Chris Stewart (Introduction) Gerald Brenan (Author)
Between 1920 and 1934, Gerald Brenan lived in the remote Spanish village of Yegen and South of Granada depicts his time there, vividly evoking the essence of his rural surroundings and the Spanish way of life before the Civil War. Here he portrays the landscapes, festivals and folk-lore of the Sierra Nevada, the rivalries, romances and courtship rituals, village customs, superstitions and characters. Fascinating details emerge, from cheap brothels to archaeological remains, along with visits from Brenan’s friends from the Bloomsbury group – Lytton Strachey and Virginia Woolf among them. Knowledgeable, elegant and sympathetic, this is a rich account of Spain’s vanished past.