Andalusia White Villages Cycling Tour

Pick up from arrival point and transfer to hotel in Ronda. After arriving at our first hotel we will have the chance to explore this beautiful town split into two by the most incredible ravine: whitewashed houses, where the labyrinth of streets betrays Ronda’s Arab past; and the elegant bullring and the fine town walls.

Optional round ride to Setenil de las Bodegas where the houses are built into the cliff face. Beautiful views of the mountains of Ronda. Visit the Roman archaeological site of Acinipo. A landscape of olive groves where the characteristic black pigs are allowed to graze in the open. Spend some more time exploring the fascinating town of Ronda.

Today’s trip takes us through the Parque Natural Sierra de Grazalema and provides spectacular and beautiful mountain scenery combined with the picturesque white villages dotting the landscape. As we approach Grazalema, we turn off to follow the shores of the reservoir of Zahara – El Gastor. Zahara de la Sierra is another fine village in a wonderful setting.

Leaving Zahara, we head towards Grazalema. Here we can take the opportunity to wander around the enchanting streets and enjoy the marvellous surroundings of the village. After ascending to the Puerto de las Palomas (transfer available), we have a tremendous long descent towards Arcos de la Frontera, one of the most famous of the white villages, perched high on a hill and dominated by its castle.

After leaving Arcos de la Frontera, we head southwards towards the Parque Natural de los Alcornocales, one of the largest cork forests in Europe. On reaching the park, we turn southwards towards the Atlantic coast. Tonight’s stop is in the village of Medina Sidonia, an old Arab fortress town overlooking the Bay of Cádiz.

Leaving Medina Sidonia, we head down towards the coast. After crossing the flatlands of La Janda, where it is often possible to see fighting bulls grazing, we finally reach the hilltop village of Vejer de la Frontera. We should spend time exploring this enchanting village. The chaotic street plan of Vejer, and indeed of most of the villages that we see en route, is evidence of the Arab past of Spain.

After leaving Vejer, we descend towards the coast and follow the beach round to Cape Trafalgar, site of the famous sea battle. We pass the fishing villages of Barbate and Zahara de los Atunes, famous for the almadraba – their own peculiar method of fishing for tuna fish. As we cycle southwards, the mountains of Morocco slowly become visible as we approach Tarifa and the Strait of Gibraltar, where Europe greets Africa and the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic. Our shorter stage finishes at the Roman ruins of Baelo Claudia in Bolonia. Final night in Tarifa.

After breakfast, we transfer by vehicle to Málaga. We depart from Tarifa at 9.30 and arrive at Málaga Airport at 12.00, continuing to Málaga centre.