Murcia to Malaga

A 30-minute transfer to Sierra Espuna Natural Park, our first stop

Bike set up and welcome briefing

Evening free to relax, and get to know your fellow riders

The day’s ride takes in two of the most interesting highlights of the Murcia region. Starting in the stunning Sierra Espuna Park, we’ll start our pilgrimage with a steady climb up to the Mirador de Collado de Bermejo.

From the viewpoint you’ll be able to look West and marvel at the terrain we will be covering in the coming days.  We’ll then descend to, and take our next rest stop, in the town of Aledo.

The second part of the day’s ride heads North West over easy terrain towards the holy city of Caravaca de La Cruz.

Today’s ride heads west into truly rural Spain crossing from Murcia into Andalusia. We’ll pass through quaint villages on smooth and quiet roads.

The Sierra de Cabra and Sierra de Castril Natural Parks provide an excellent backdrop to the day’s riding.

Today provides the longest day on the bike with one or two challenges along the way. The route travels into the Jaen province which contains four Natural Parks. We start the day with a descent into the town of Castril then continue South West following the Southern edge of the Parque Natural Sierra de Castril.

The ride concludes with a rewarding climb in the most picturesque Sierra Magina Natural Park followed by a chance to enjoy the hotel pool (looking out over the valley). The Jaen province enjoys the accolade of being the largest producer of olive oil in the world and as such the days ride passes plenty of olive groves.

The morning ride starts with a gentle loop around the Park Sierra de Magina, towards Guadahortuna our planned lunchtime stop. The town is full of history and located on the banks of river Guadahortuna.

After the lunch stop, we head south towards Guadix our destination for today. As we approach Guadix, we step back in time to encounter the unique cave-dwellings which provide our accommodation for this evening.

We undertake a relatively short morning ride heading east towards Granada our destination for today. We follow undulating roads, passing the village of La Peza, an old Roman campsite which was an important Muslim fortress, of which there are only remains. The impressive Sierra Nevada National Park comes into view as we approach Granada. The scheduled arrival on the outskirts of Granada, arriving in time for lunch, provides a few afternoon options:

• A rest afternoon to explore Granada (the old town and/or the Alhambra Palace)
• To climb the famed Sierra Nevada mountain (Out and back:  65km (+2000m / -2000m)
• Enjoy the facilities of this larger hotel

Another easier day on the bike takes us out of Granada towards the Embalse de la Vinuela (reservoir), a natural environment which attracts a variety of bird species. A lunchtime village stop at Arenas del Rey, located near the reservoir is followed by an afternoon’s riding towards our destination for the day, Alhama de Granada.

The last cycling day heads towards the Natural Park, Montes de Malaga. This park occupies the eastern slopes of the Guadalmedia River basin which has in the past contributed to the flooding of Malaga. The park thrills with a sweeping descent into the outskirts of Malaga, our final destination.

Included transfer to Mercia airport

A fond farewell, and hopefully see you next year.