This cycling tour also called 'Ruta de los Olivos' goes along paths and tranquil roads traversing a sea of olive trees and Mediterranean woods. This less-known area in the North of Malaga still preserves most of its enchanting white washed villages, scattered along the slopes of the Sierra Subbética slopes. Don´t miss the option of visiting the historical and wonderful citiy of Granada in the middle of the tour. The tour is not recommended for the summer months due to the high temperatures, but it is an ideal cycling tour to enjoy the lively Southern atmosphere in any other month of the year.
E-bikes are available in this tour!
Arrive in beautiful Andalucía and settle into your comfortable 4-star accommodation. After today's journey, you may wish to take a refreshing dip in the swimming pool and then enjoy an aperitif before dinner.
Challenge: Travel to Andalucía.
Choose among several options for cycling in the area (15km to 41km long). 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.
Challenge: 15-28-40 km / 9,3-17,3-24,8mill. 300/500/600 m ascent/descent.
Villages along the way: Priego de Córdoba
A day for strenuous ascents. From Priego, you ride up and straight through the Sierra Albayate. Then it's on to Montefrío, another lovely village of white-washed houses clustered round a Moorish castle. Your accommodation is a converted traditional olive oil mill and press, recalling the vital importance of liquid gold in this land.
Challenge: max.47km / 29,2mill, 880m ascent / 520m descent.
Villages along the way: Montefrio
A day to rest and relax or to enjoy an excursion by bus to Granada, a small city with an ancient past and a surprisingly cosmopolitan feel. In addition to the Alhambra, stunning display of Moorish architecture not to missed, the city has other jewels to offer: the enchanting labyrinth of narrow lanes in the Albaycín quarter, the steets lined with tea houses or the impressive Capilla Real (Royal Chapel). Remember to book your Alhambra tickets on-line in advance (optional).
Challenge: Visit Granada and the Alhambra.
Villages along the way: Granada
Once again the enchanting tapestry of beautiful grey-green orchards on gently rolling hills, waves in a sea of olive trees. Soothing landscapes to purify your soul. Today's route is composed of a short, practically flat section of 8km on tarmac, and an easier final on your way to Iznájar
Challenge: 48-52km / 29,8-32,3mill, 585/900m ascent, 1200/1115m descent
Villages along the way: Milanos, Algarinejo, El Higueral
After a long ascent from Iznájar back to El Higueral, you resume yesterday's route to Rute. Then you do a cycling route through lovely countryside, marvelling at the seemingly endless array of olive orchards. 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).
Note: don't panic! If you think today's route is too much, you can book (in advance) a taxi with bike carrier (see supplements in prices) and start the route either in El Higuera (11 km less, 415m in ascent less) or in Rute (54 km, 700 m ascent/ descent in total)
Challenge: 55 km / 34,1mill, 500m ascent/ descent.
Villages along the way: El Higueral, Rute, Cabra, Zuheros
A shorter ride today, through the beautiful area surrounding the Sierra Subbética Natural Park. Back at your 4-star accommodation in the country, a refreshing plunge in the pool. This evening, choose from among 3 restaurants for dinner.
Challenge: 23-25km / 14,2-15,5mill, 250m ascent, 360m descent.
Villages along the way: Zuheros, Luque
Your arrangement comes to an end today after breakfast.
Challenge: Travel from Priego de Córdoba
Typical Andalusian style hotels and one luxurious 4-star accommodation. Two of them have swimming pool. The hotels on this trip have been carefully selected for their location, atmosphere and/or unique services. All rooms are en-suite. Some of the hotels we work with appear here. If a certain hotel is unable to confirm due to lack of availability, we will request a similar one and inform you about the alternative booked.
Extra nights: Extra nights can be booked at any of the accommodations along the way.
With a very attentive and personalised service with their guests. Belonging to the Zerca Hotels chain. "In Zerca Hotels we want our clients to bother about relaxing ... we take care of all the rest"
A small rural accommodation of 5 rooms managed by Mandy and Marc. It is a quaint accommodation in an incomparable location.
Hotel overlooking the lake and all the services for a pleasant stay, such as swimming pool, a patio, sports facilities and restaurant.
With a very attentive and personalised service with their guests. Belonging to the Zerca Hotels chain. "In Zerca Hotels we want our clients to bother about relaxing... we take care of all the rest"
7 nigths accommodation
Typical Andalusian style hotels and one luxurious 4*-star accommodation
7 breakfasts
Digital detailed route notes and maps in English
Optional bike rental
24-hour telephone assistance
Luggage transport on days 2, 3, 5 and 7
Possibility of parking your car in firt hotel
Acces to the trip on our navigation app
The nearest airport is Malaga aiport (AGP)
Arrival in Priego de Córdoba
From Málaga airport (AGP), there is a regular bus service which 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 to Priego, and vice versa (they can be booked in advance through Spanish Bike Torus) You can also book a taxi transfer from Málaga airport directly to your first accommodation, and viceversa. Spanish Bike Tours can arrange this service.
Return from Priego de Córdoba
Make the trip to the airport in reverse
If you travel in your own car to the starting point of the trip, you can leave it parked during the trip in the parking of the first accommodation