ANDALUSIA AND THE SIERRA NEVADA
Conquer the Andalusian Ridges: The Ultimate Ronda-to-Antequera Road Bike Escape
Dates
25th September - 2nd October 2027
(Minimum numbers of 10)
Price
£1,995 pp
(Single supplement of £495)
Experience level
This tour contains considerable amounts of climbing - A good level of fitness is recommended
Get ready for the ultimate cycling adventure in southern Spain. On this 7 night tour you will be based firstly in Ronda, perched dramatically above the El Tajo gorge. Spend your first three days
exploring the stunning surrounding areas, and the evenings soaking up the rich heritage, vibrant tapas culture, and breathtaking cliffside views of this world-famous mountaintop hub.
Upon keaving Ronda, we will cut straight through the heart of the rugged Sierra de las Nieves —a UNESCO biosphere reserve famed for its thrilling switchbacks, pine-clad peaks, and quiet,
pristine tarmac built for pure cycling bliss.
Transitioning eastward, your wheels will track across rolling fertile plains and dramatic limestone formations before rolling into historic Antequera. Framed by Moorish architecture, prehistoric
dolmens, and the surreal stone labyrinths of El Torcal, Antequera serves as another perfect base from which to delve even deeper into this jaw dropping area.
From challenging climbs to sweeping descents, quiet roads and ever changing scenery, this truly is world class cycling. With two wonderful, vibrant bases to get back to unwind, this tour really
does have it all!
Day 1: Ronda loop via Olvera (103km, 1,800m)
We start our journey with a loop out to the North East of Ronda, passing through the picturesque towns of Arriate and Sentenil de las Bodegas on our way out to Olvera.
Olvera is a historical town in the province of Cadiz, dominated by the Castillo de Olvera which towers over the town. On leaving here we'll loop back round towards Ronda, hugging the western coastline of the Zahara-el Gastor reservoir and passing through the town of Zahara de la Sierra, a stunning hilltop town overlooking the valley.
Upon your return, there's plenty to explore in Ronda including the Puente Nuevo ("new bridge" over the Tajo de Ronda gorge), the Plaza de Toros (bullfighting ring) and the Banos Arabes (Moorish Baths).
Day 2: Juzcar - (87km, 1800m OR 47km, 1000m)
This route is challenging but offers plenty of reward in terms of stunning views and superb stretches of quiet roads. You’ll head South towards Juzcar, made famous when it was used to film the Smurfs movie! (You’ll know exactly where it is when you arrive!). When leaving here there's 12km of climbing before a magnificent 10km descent! Two more sustained climbs await as you join the final stretch up to Puerto de Montejaque. The road will continue to rise past the town before one more superb descent, and the inevitable climb back up to Ronda!
The shorter option takes an alternative route back from Juzcar, which some short sharp climbs through the villages of Farajan and Alpandeire as the prelude to the 7km tough climb to the high point of the day! A fantastic descent then awaits before the climb back up to Ronda.
Day 3: Ronda to Antequera (90km, 1,600m)
Today we head east into the National Park of Sierra de las Nieves, a 300 square km area encompassing Ronda. It's famous for its stunning mountainous landscape, fresh produce and wealth of wildlife, and provides us with some superb views on our journey to our next base. The day is full of jaw dropping scenery, but one of the highlights is Gobantes, where we'll enjoy stunning panoramic views of the lake.
Our day finishes in the historical town of Antequera, a picturesque whitewash town with ancient cobbled streets and a striking Moorish fortress.
Day 4: El Torcal (90km, 2000m OR 54km, 1300m)
A truly unforgettable ride today will see you first riding around the hills to the West of El Torcal (an imposing and spectacular limestone formation that dominates the landscape). Rugged and arid scenery follows as you navigate to the town of Almogia. Soon after you will start to head north along one of the most magnificent roads in the whole region. The serious climbing will start as you get towards the town of Villanueva de Conception, entering into the natural park of El Torcal. You’ll then have the option to climb all the way to the top of the limestone ridge – this is a challenging but insanely beautiful view.
The shorter route circumnavigates the natural park of El Torcal with an optional climb to the top of the ridge.
Day 5: Iznajar reservoir (101km, 1600m)
Leaving the historic heart of Antequera, with its whitewashed buildings and Moorish fortress perched above the city, the road gently climbs out of the town, offering sweeping views of the surrounding olive groves that blanket the Andalusian hills like a green sea.
Leaving the town of Villa Nueva de Algaidas, you’ll start to catch distant glimpses of Iznájar Lake—a shimmering turquoise reservoir that hints you're nearing your destination. The descent into Iznájar is especially striking -The village appears perched on a rocky outcrop, its white houses spilling down the hill, crowned by a medieval castle. To the right, the expansive Embalse de Iznájar (Reservoir) stretches out like an inland sea, reflecting the sky and surrounding hills.
Day 6: Sierra Yeguas and Lake Fuente De Piedra (114km, 1000m)
Our final day sees us heading into the Sierras, small Spanish towns and olive groves.
This is as close to a flat ride as we can muster for this part of the world (This does not make it a flat ride, just less mountainous!) - its a lovely adventure with fantastically quiet roads and stunning scenery to finish off the week.
Package includes:
- Transport to / from Malaga airport (based on group arrival / departure times)
- 7 nights hotel accommodation including breakfast
- Lunch and refreshments on each riding day
- Welcome briefing and daily route briefings
- GPX files for route guidance
- Support & guidance of a ride sweeper
- Support vehicle
- Luggage transfer
Not included:
- Dinners
- Extras in hotels
- Transport to and from the tour
- Travel insurance
- Tourist tax
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