Alhama & the Alhambra

This 7 night 50km per day self guided cycle tour starts in Alhama de Granada an ancient Moorish settlement situated half way between Granada and Malaga in the Poniente Granadino region of Granada. Surrounded by picturesque mountains and lakes, and built on the edge of a huge gorge, Alhama has many traditional bars and restaurants and is the perfect base for your cycling holiday.

Day 1 : Arrive at either Granada or Malaga airport, where you will be picked up and transported to the historic town of Alhama de Granada. Your accommodation here is ‘La Seguiriya’, a traditional 17th century Spanish Casa Rural. It is beautifully maintained and professionally run, whilst still having that feel of a friendly family run hotel. *Storage for bikes here*

Day 2 : ‘Lakeland loop’

Our first ride takes us on a circuit of ‘Pantano de Los Bermejales’, a man made reservoir surrounded by five old villages. The route is 45km long, undulating with steady climbs and descents. The road surface is extremely good tar macadam and has stunning scenery. B&B La Seguiriya.

Day 3 : Montefrio & Washington Irving.’

Leaving Alhama town centre travelling towards Santa Cruz del Comercio.. A steady climbs takes us above Alhama on a well-surfaced road with great views of the Sierra Tejeda Mountains. Then a long steady descent to the village of Santa Cruz. Through the village heading towards the neighbouring villages of Valenzuela and Buena Vista on the way to Moraleda de Zafayona. This is part of the original Washington Irving trail. Bars and cafes here for refreshments. Continuing towards Montefrio via Tocon and Bracan, culminating with a climb which peaks 2km before Montefrio. A 50km ride in total with two climbs and long rolling descents. Accommodation here in the hotel La Enrea. Montefrio is the stunning last frontier of the Moorish Empire.

Day 4 : Montefrio to Granada.

Climbing out of the town following the signs for Illora. A short, steep climb (2km) followed by amazing rolling descent through Puerto Lope and Pinos Puente to Granada. A 48km ride mostly downhill on good road surfaces. Staying in the heart of this ancient city close to all the monuments and shops

Day 5 : Granada & La Alhambra.

A day to relax and see the sights of Granada and the not to be missed ‘La Alhambra’ the city and palaces of the great Moorish kings. Enjoy the city and take the opportunity to eat in one of it’s many traditional restaurants. B&B at Hotel Dauro in the heart of the city.

Day 6 : Granada to Alhama.

Leaving the Granada area, we travel back to Alhama via Huerta del Sello, Cullar Vega, Las Gabias, La Malaha, Ventas de Huelma, Agron and finally Pantano de Los Bermejales on the way back to Alhama de Granada. Lots of towns on the way for stops, stunning views of three mountain ranges and Lake Bermejales from the highest point of the week at 1130m. A 49km ride on good surfaces. B&B at La Seguiriya.

Day 7 : La Alcaiceria & Parque Natural or Not!

A circular route from Alhama, passing through Ventas de Zafarraya via the Parque Natural back to Alhama. The route has many features such as; mountain views, a private bull ring and a final ride through the Parque Natural de Alhama finishing at the end of the gorge. A good tarmac surface to start, finishing on good country tracks. Bars in Ventas, and a hotel at the entrance to the Natural Park for refreshments and stops. A 36km ride on good road surfaces. Or have your last day relaxing in thermal waters of Alhama at the Balneario. B&B at La Seguiriya.

Day 8 : Travel home via chosen airport.