Cordoba to Granada - Moorish Spain Cycling

This bicycle tour of Andalusia in Spain, is a journey through time, cycling across unique landscapes and natural reserves. Ride through tranquil hills of olive groves, holm-oak woods, vegetables gardens and vineyards, rushing streams, imposing watchtowers, proud castles and humble farmsteads, all contributing to an unforgettable visit. Enjoy the villages of Cabra, Zuheros, Alcaudete, Castillo de Locubin, Alcala la Real, Tozar and Moclin, that now give their name to some of the world's finest olive oils.

Day 1 | Arrival Day in Cordoba

Arrive in good time so as to visit the famous "Mezquita" (Grand Mosque). Later, a walk through the old Jewish quarter to see its beautiful patios and have tapas in its inns. Finally we suggest you to experience an authentic flamenco show to get you ready for a journey, which has only just begun.  To get to Cordoba, you can take a high-speed train from either Madrid (2hrs), Seville (45min) or Málaga.

Day 2 | Transfer to Lucena, ride to Zuheros (27km)

We will pick you up at your hotel at 10am and then transfer you to the start point of the route in the small town Lucena (about 1 hour transfer). There, you will have your orientation and bike set up with our local guide, and then, you set out on the "Vía Verde" (old reconditioned railway line) to the splendid town of Cabra. A picturesque route along the foot of the mountains takes us to the compact but attractive village of Zuheros. The village itself is at a higher level than the old railway line, but the climb is rewarded by the chance to take a stroll around the streets of Zuheros, especially in spring when the flowers are in bloom. From the town square there is an excellent view down to our Greenway, the only flat ground in a mountainous terrain. Don't miss the Zuheros bridge: a famed architectural metal structure sweeping the Arroyo Bailon River in a majestic curve. Just 2 km before Zuheros you will sleep in a charming 4 star hotel, a beautiful renovated land house.

Day 3 | Ride to Luque and Alcaudete (30km)

Today you will enter in the countryside of Jaén, riding comfortably flat along the "Vía Verde" (old railway line). After passing the station of Luque where you can have lunch in an old wooden train wagon, you continue along the salt lake to the old station of Alcaudete, where you leave the cycle path to continue uphill towards the historical center of Alcaudete. Here you will sleep just in front of the old castle in a familiar small hotel. Cumulative height difference: about 400-450 meters.

Day 4 | Ride to Castillo de Locubin and Alcala la Real (28km)

Today there is some good climbing and also you will leave the asphalt and continue on unpaved roads. In the afternoon you can visit the majestic "La Mota" fortress with its thick castle walls, imposing towers and the old cathedral built by the reconquering Christians within its confines defending the town of Alcalá. You will sleep in a comfortable 3 star hotel. Cumulative height difference: about 700 meters.

Day 5 | Ride to Tozar (26km)

You head out of Alcalá la Real over its fertile plain, (and adjacent villages of Fuente del Rey and Santa Ana), riding between fields of cereal crops which are full of poppies in springtime. Once passed Casillas de Mures, the landscape changes and you head towards Tózar, just before the final bastion of the Nasrid kingdom, Moclín. This village awaits you in the distance beneath the watchful eye of its imposing castle. Cumulative height difference: 515 meters.

Day 6 | Ride to Granada (43 or 60km)

After climbing to Moclín you will enjoy the great views of the Sierra Nevada during the large descent to Olivares. Soon the beautiful plain comes into sight, its arrival announced by the last watchtower you will see, opposite the "tres Juanes" hermitage. Sierra Nevada forms an impressive backdrop. You now approach Granada, and have the option of entering the city from the North, taking a longer route through the foothills of the Alfaguara Mountains. Cumulative height difference is 700m. For short route cumulative height difference is only 200 meters.

Day 7 | Explore the amazing Alhambra or short loop tour (22km)

Today is a non-riding day to give you time to visit Granada and the famous Alhambra. This Palace/Fortress and residence of the Nasrid Sultans will awake your affection for the city. Delightful little corners, palaces and gardens abound in its old neighbourhoods, along with a multitude of tapas bars, restaurants and wine houses... All this will bring you to love a city that is as full of life as it is of history and poetry. The visit to the Alhambra is divided into 3 sections: General-Life (Summer gardens and palaces), Nasrid palaces and Alcazaba (military fortress). If you plan on visiting the Alhambra, we strongly recommend making reservations ahead of time since tickets are limited. For help, please contact us.

If you would rather go for a ride today to Pinos de Genil along the river Genil, we can provide an itinerary for a short loop tour (22km)

Day 8 | Departure on your own after breakfast

After breakfast in the hotel your trip will be over and you can get by bus to Málaga or to Madrid, Cordoba, Seville (by bus and train).

What's Included

- 7 nights accommodations in 2, 3 and 4 star hotels
- Breakfast daily
- Luggage transfers
- Local emergency support
- Orientation and bike set up
- Transfer to start of ride in Lucena on Day 2
- Road books with riding route maps and cue sheets, suggestions for visitation and dining. Additional services and stays can be arranged separately.

Lodging

Accommodation: 7 nights in 2, 3 and 4 star hotels. Upgrades are possible in some places, please inquire. All lodging offer a private bathroom and a variety of other amenities. Hotels include:

- Hotel Posada de Vallina***, Córdoba
- Hotel Hacienda Minerva****, Zuheros
- Hotel Hospederia Castillo***, Alcaudete
- Hotel Torre Palma**, Alcala la Real
- Hotel Rincon de Marcelo**, Tozar
- Hotel Isabel La Real*** (2 nights), Granada