Hotel Al Lago, Zahara
This charming hotel is family-run by chef Stefan Crites and his wife Mona, originally a textile designer from New York. The rooms are wonderfully decorated and the restaurant is renowned in the region.
Between Seville and Granada lies a region filled with pueblos blancos (white villages) including Zahara de la Sierra, Setenil de las Bodegas, Ronda and others. It’s a hilly, yet scenic region and in spring and fall, has ideal temperatures and a festive atmosphere. You’ll dine at fabulous restaurants, tour and taste at bodegas, enjoy Flamenco and get to know some locals that will offer a warm welcome. Bienvenido a Andalucia.
Straight Talk:
This region of Andalucia is moderately hilly and does not have as many secondary roads as in other countries we operate trips in; as in every trip we offer, we design our trips to minimize traffic and have you riding the most scenic roads with interesting villages along the way, staying in what we feel are the most atmospheric, welcoming hotels, in interesting cities and villages. Other than getting to the trip start, there is no shuttling necessary on this trip – we ride ‘door to door’ which always makes for a better trip!
Andalucia Biking 8 Days – Seville to Granada
Zahara de la Sierra
Zahara de la Sierra, Spain
Day 1
Ronda
Ronda, Spain
Day 2+3
El Chorro
El Chorro, Spain
Day 4+5
Antequera or Loija
Antequera, Spain
Day 6+7
Trip Inclusions
What’s Included
- 7 nights hotels
- All breakfasts and 1 dinner
- Luggage transfers
- Comprehensive Tour Details with detailed pre-trip information
- GPS routes & maps
- Orientation with our Area Manager
- Area manager available on call throughout the tour
- Access to Loyalty Program and other exclusive benefits
Particulars
Departure Dates
| Start any dates between February to November |
|---|
Total Days
8 days / 7 nights with up to 6 days of biking
Arrive/Depart
Zahara de la Sierra / Antequera
Activity Level
Moderate 20-40+ miles daily
You spend two nights in two locations, so you can take time off from cycling on some days
Terrain
Varied with some hills
Cost
Classic Accommodation: US $2,970
Single Supplement: US $750
Luxe Accommodation: US $3,490
Single Supplement: US $880
Bike Rentals
Hybrid Bikes: US $380
Racing Bikes: US $480
E-Bikes: US $560
E-bikes are generally available but are on an ‘on request basis ‘ and will be confirmed on receipt of your booking registration. E-bikes provided are the best rentals available in the region. Our regular fleet of hybrid and race bikes are fun to ride and light and fast, but if having an e-bike will make your trip, we’ll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable.
Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. All prices quoted are U.S. dollars but we gladly accept payment in Canadian dollars also. If you have any questions before making your reservation, please contact us.
Additional information
| Destination | Spain |
|---|---|
| Level | Moderate |
Getting there
You will want to stay in Seville at least one night before your trip begins and Granada at the trip finish. You can reach Zahara de la Sierra from Seville by bus (1h42, 3 times daily) to Puerto Serrano and then taxi to your first hotel. Plan to arrive by 2pm if you wish a warm-up ride on Day 1.
1
Day 1
Zahara de la Sierra
Arrive to Zahara de la Sierra, a beautiful town overlooking the El Gastor reservoir. If you have arrived early afternoon, take a warm-up ride around the valley before dinner at your hotel. Stay at the delightful Hotel Al Lago.
Ride Distance: 20km; 400m
2
Day 2
Zahara de la Sierra to Ronda
Our ride boasts views of the Sierra de Grazalema mountain range (the longer option visits charming Grazalema) and an invigorating climb reaches Ronda via the El Tajo Gorge. Stroll through the atmospheric town of Ronda before dinner at a favourite restaurant in the historic center.
Ride Distance: 34km; 780m or 50km; 1520m
3
Day 3
Ronda loop
Today you’ll discover more of the white villages that dot the countryside around Ronda. Setenil de las Bodegas is perhaps the most charming of the pueblos blancos, built into the cliffs above the rio Trejo. There is also an option to ride south to the village of Juzcar, uniquely painted blue. For wine aficionados, tour (and taste) at the bodega of Descalzos Viejos, a wine estate started in the 1500’s.
Ride Distance: 45km; 950m Add-on loop: 46km; 1150m
4
Day 4
Ronda to El Chorro
Depart Ronda east along a road through the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park. Swoop downhill to the village of El Burgo and then to the renowned town of El Chorro, a climbing and hiking mecca. You’ll stay tonight at the atmospheric hotel La Garganta, with swimming pool and excellent restaurant.
Ride Distance: 60km; 965m
5
Day 5
El Chorro
With an extra day in El Chorro, you’ll have time to do a full-day walk along the Caminito del Rey, an aerial trail built into the walls of the Gaitanes Gorge (soon to be recognized by UNESCO). This site boasts Aleppo pine, holm oak, and eucalyptus forests. Notable among the fauna here are the mountain birds, such as the Egyptian vulture, griffon vulture, golden eagle, and honey buzzard to name a few. This is a one-way walk with a shuttle back to El Chorro. We book and include your entrance fee and shuttle bus back to El Chorro this day*. Enjoy a second night at La Garganta.
*Entry is limited and subject to availability.
6
Day 6
El Chorro to Antequera
Ride east from El Chorro with an invigorating climb to start the day. Stop for a morning coffee in Valle de Abdaljis, a mecca for paragliding, climbing, and boasting rich archeological finds. This region is known for olive oil production and you’ll ride on quiet roads through wonderful scenery. Arrive to Antequera and its fascinating dolmen, vast nature preserve of Torcal de Antequera and the centuries-old Alcazaba Moorish fortress. It’s a hidden jewel of Andalucia with pretty plazas and atmospheric streets (the open air market is on Tuesdays) and over 100 restaurants to choose from!
Ride Distance (Classic): 32 km; 750 m gain or 43 km; 950 m gain
7
Day 7
Antequera loop
You’ll have two options today: The easier loop reaches pretty village of Archidona, at the foot of Pico del Conjuro mountain. You can ride up to the castle above town that has a fascinating history and then enjoy lunch in the main plaza at an atmospheric restaurant. For those that want to climb some, another option takes you to the ‘pueblo blanco‘ village of Villanueva de la Concepcion. Either way, you’ll want to spend some time back in Antequera at the fortress and seeing the many sights of the city in the afternoon and then enjoy some pool time at the hotel before another exquisite dinner.
Ride Distance: 50km; 615m or 47km; 1120m
8
Day 8
Depart Antequera by train and reach Granada in 49 minutes.
Classic
Alavera de Los Banos, Ronda
“Stunning views, intimate interiors, and a calm ambience just below Ronda old town. Vibrant decor and rustic character in true Spanish style. Small library, lovely garden, and pool with wonderful views. Indulgent breakfasts. Ideal for completely unwinding. ” (THG)
La Garganta, El Chorro
Formerly a flour factory, this charming hotel boasts views over the Gaitanes Gorge and is steps from the famous Caminito del Rey. Enjoy the swimming pool after your arrival and then delight in the restaurant with stunning views.
Hotel Antequera Hills, Antequera
This 4-star hotel is a 10-minute walk into the historical part of town. There is a buffet restaurant, cafe and seasonal outdoor swimming pool.
Luxe
Hotel Al Lago, Zahara
This charming gem of a hotel is family-run by chef Stefan Crites and his wife Mona, originally a textile designer from New York. The rooms are wonderfully decorated and the restaurant is renowned in the region.
Parador de Ronda, Ronda
Nestled in the heart of Ronda, the Parador de Ronda offers stunning views of the Tajo Gorge and a blend of historic charm and modern comfort, perfect for an unforgettable stay.
La Garganta, El Chorro
Formerly a flour factory, this charming hotel boasts views over the Gaitanes Gorge and is steps from the famous Caminito del Rey. Enjoy the swimming pool after your arrival and then delight in the restaurant with stunning views.
Parador Antequera
This contemporary 4-star hotel has large guest rooms, a large outdoor pool and elegant restaurant and lush gardens in a peaceful setting. It is close to the 14th century Alcazaba de Antequera and walking distance to historic Antequera.
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