From Antequera to Ronda by Bike:
The White Villages Route of Andalusia

Andalusia… this land of contrasts, where desert landscapes and lush valleys, snow-capped mountains and agricultural plains yellowed by the summer heat, monumental churches and sumptuous Arab buildings, seafronts plagued by mass tourism and hinterlands where time seems to have stood still, lively Christian traditions and frenzied gypsy flamencos, does not leave its passing visitors indifferent. But Andalusia is above all a country within its host country, where despite its recurring economic problems, a really relaxed attitude prevails, which makes it a good place to live. In such a state of mind, everything is an excuse for a fiesta, and there are countless local festivities. There is no doubt that the good humour of the Andalusians will be contagious!

This cycling odyssey is therefore a concentrate of all the best that Andalusia has to offer, taking you in turn to discover its most grandiose landscapes, its exceptional architectural heritage, the diversity of its traditions or its renowned culinary know-how.

Far from its coasts disfigured by concrete, an enchanting Andalusia will thus open up, where through small backroads you will discover its bucolic countryside dotted with olive groves and cereal fields, its wind-swept ridges, its typical karst cliffs, its crystal-clear lakes, its dense forests, its green pastures and its countless small villages of cute white-dressed houses, which are the hallmark of the entire region. If there were to be one constant on this trip, it would be these perched villages with whitewashed houses and winding streets, whose charm can apparently drive you crazy. In these often remote countryside, where the race for modernity seems doomed to failure, you will take a real leap in time, and it is thus not uncommon to come across one or the other shepherd with his flock in the detour of a bend.

If the countryside is ideal for progressing by bike, the route is sometimes also quite rugged, and it may therefore be wise to opt for an electric bike in order to enjoy your trip, especially if you aren't used to cycling or doing other physical activity on a regular basis. In the evening, you will fortunately always find all the comfort you need to get back in the saddle the next day!

Buen viaje !

Day 1 : Arrival in Antequera

Your Andalusian odyssey begins with the magnificent, centuries-old city of Antequera, renowned for its rich architectural heritage. With its small cobbled streets, its whitewashed houses with latticed windows and its monumental churches, the town has a typical Andalusian character. Be sure to climb the impressive Alcazaba (fortress) dating from the caliphate, from where you will also enjoy a panoramic view of the city and its 37 bell towers! History buffs will not miss its famous dolmens dating back to the Bronze Age - now listed as UNESCO. Installation at the hotel for 1 night.

Day 2 : Antequera - El Torcal - El Chorro (36 km/22 mi - D+ : 500 m/1641 ft)

The day begins with a transfer by vehicle to the El Torcal Natural Park, located at an altitude over 1200 m (4000 ft), or some 700 meters (2300 ft) higher! Before riding your mounts, the site of El Torcal, renowned for its jungle of impressive towers of limestone rocks, deserves a little exploration. Two marked trails, respectively 1.5 (0,9) and 3 km (1,9 mi) long, zigzag through this labyrinth of rocks, and allow you to soak up the magic of the places of this UNESCO-listed site. Access to the trails is free. Then comes the time to get on your bikes for a first day that will take you to El Chorro, almost 1000 m (3281 ft) below! The route, crossing pretty agricultural landscapes, is very panoramic throughout, offering views often extending up to several tens of kilometres.

Day 3 : El Chorro - Caminito del Rey - Guadalhorce gorges - El Burgo (32/42 km (20/26 mi) - D+ : 720/1020 m (2362/3346 ft))

In the morning, you swap your bikes again for your walking shoes to take the famous path known as the “Caminito del Rey” (literally the “King’s Little Path”) which will propel you through a network of narrow - but perfectly secure - footbridges on the side of the cliff, through a vertiginous canyon, all in the exceptional landscape that constitutes the Desfile de los Gaitanes.

In the afternoon, you get on your bikes again to ride in an equally bewitching landscape, at the bottom of the lush gorges of the Guadalhorce River, after leaving the crystal clear waters of the El Chorro reservoir. The more athletic can make a short detour to the ruins of the rock-hewn church of Bobastro, built by the Mozarabic (Christians living in the emirate). The landscape then becomes progressively more arid, but no less devoid of beauty. You will pass through the photogenic village of Ardales on the way, before continuing along a pretty little winding road to the small town of El Burgo.

Day 4 : El Burgo - PN Sierra de las Nieves - Puerta del Viento - Setenil de las Bodegas (37/42 km (23/26 mi) - D+ : 630/640 m (2067/2100 ft))

A winding road awaits you today, taking you through the Sierra de las Nieves (the snow mountain!) - also a UNESCO World Heritage Site - through a superbly wild landscape. You then descend to a more hospitable plain, where vines have been cultivated since the era of the Phoenicians, that is to say more than 2500 years ago! On request, it is possible to visit one of the many bodegas along the way (booking required - tours in English/Spanish only), immersing yourself in the history of one of Andalusia's famous wines.
On the way you will also pass in front of a bull farm, which you can also visit (booking required, contact us): an exciting immersion in deep Andalusia (Ronda, 10 km away, is considered the cradle of bullfighting ) which takes you to see a breeding of fighting bulls as well as the stables where the famous bullfighter trains. Whether we endorse this practice or not, this visit will allow you to discover this universe as well as the very special relationship some Andalusians have with the king of the dehesa.
The route then continues through agricultural fields and olive groves until you reach the unusual troglodyte city of Setenil de las Bodegas, where the rock sometimes even covers all of the alleys!

Day 5 : Setenil - Olvera - Via Verde de la Sierra - Zahara de la Sierra (50/62 km (31/39 mi) - D+ : 830/1020 m (2723/3346 ft))

You leave the village by the canyon of the Rio Trejo which will gradually lead you to the charming white town of Olvera, built on the top of a promontory dominating the whole region ! The top of the hill is flanked by a grandiose yellow ocher neoclassical church, as well as an Arab keep, giving a unique character to the city. The view there is sublime. You then join the via verde de la Sierra, an old railway rehabilitated into a cycle path, where the many tunnels will allow you to cross the hills without the slightest effort.
Small roads crossing bucolic landscapes will then take you to Zahara de la Sierra, probably the most picturesque of the pueblos blancos. Built at the top of a rocky promontory and crowned by a Nasrid castle, it overlooks a reservoir with turquoise waters… with the mountains in the background, the enchantment of the place is complete.

Day 6 : Zahara de la Sierra - Puerto de las Palomas - Grazalema - Ubrique (47 km/29 mi - D+ : 1060 m/3478 ft)

Your day begins with an ascent to the Puerto de las Palomas pass, culminating at 1357 m (4452 ft), and gateway to the Sierra de Grazalema massif (also classified Unesco… definitely!). On the other side of the mountain, there is a radical change of scenery: the landscape, watered by abundant winter rains (even making it the wettest region in Spain!), is green here, far from Andalusian clichés. It is therefore on a plateau made of high pastures and vast forests that you will now ride. Along the way, you will also cross white villages, each more charming than the next: Grazalema, Villaluenga del Rosario, Benaocaz… before reaching your evening stop: the no less white town of Ubrique.

Day 7 : Ubrique - Jimera de Libar - Benaojan - Ronda (31/54 km (19/34 mi) - D+ : 540/1200 m (1772/3937 ft))

It is through beautiful cork oak forests, so typical of the region, that you will evolve for part of the day, along small quiet roads. You then cross the peaceful villages of Cortes de la frontera and Jimera de Libar, where it is possible to swim in the river. A little further on the left, the Cuevas de la Pileta are prehistoric caves which contain animal frescoes dating back almost 20,000 years, which can be visited on a guided tour (in Spanish only, even if the guide speaks a little English too; booking recommended: on request, we can book it).
You then cross the village of Benaojan again before starting the last section which will take you to one of the most beautiful pearls of Andalusia: the town of Ronda. Built on a huge rocky promontory and beautifully preserved, the city is a little architectural gem. But what gives it its grace above all is its Puente Nuevo, a gigantic bridge dating from the 18th century, which connects the two parts of the city! In the evening, it is with the frenzied rhythm of the flamenco in the background that you will have your dinner… This last stage being a little longer, it is possible to shorten it by taking the train from Jimera de Libar or Benaojan (reducing the stage to 31 and 41 km respectively).

Day 8 : end of the trip

End of stay. Give yourself at least one morning to explore Ronda: the city is full of hidden treasures. In addition to its unmissable religious monuments, the city is home to the ruins of the Arab baths, the oldest bullring in the country (Ronda is considered the cradle of bullfighting) and many interesting museums. Possibility of spending a second night there or otherwise continuing to Granada, Seville, Malaga or Cordoba, or via a seaside extension on the Costa del Sol. These cities are well connected by bus or train. It is also possible to organize a private transfer to Malaga: contact us.

1. Duration:
   8 days and 7 nights, including the day of arrival and departure. 6 days of cycling.


2. Minimum age: 14 years old


3. Seasonality: from mid-March to mid-June and from September to November.
   
   Andalusia enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. However, the summer heat can be extremely strong with temperatures regularly exceeding 35 or even 40°C. This is why we do not offer summer departures, this period being more favorable for a seaside stay than for a bike trip.
   
   During the shoulder seasons, the temperatures are generally very pleasant. Although the risk of precipitation is a little higher than in summer, it rarely lasts long, and the sun is never far away either. In spring, the landscapes are also very green and, at the beginning of the period (March-early April), the many fruit trees in the region are in bloom.
   
   In winter, even if the sun is still largely present, the sometimes cooler and humid weather can make cycling more uncertain, and a snowfall cannot be ruled out in the Sierra de las Nieves (literally The Snow Mountains…). Many accommodations also have their annual closure at this time.
   
   Note: the weather is subject to strong variations from one year to another. The information described above are only averages.


4. Days of arrival on site: Sunday
   
   For logistical reasons, departures by bike take place on Mondays. It is therefore necessary to arrive in Antequera on Sunday at the latest. You can of course also arrive on Saturday if you want to discover Antequera at your ease (or even Granada, located at 45 min by train!)
   
   Attention: For departures on Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday, accommodations are often fully booked months in advance due to Holy Week and the Easter weekend.
   


5. Arrival and return:
   
   
   • Start of stay: Antequera
   
   
   • End of stay: Ronda
   
   Train
   • Go (from Paris: 2 connections - 24 hours):
     
     A sleeper train runs daily from Paris Austerlitz to Portbou (in Spain, just after the border). From Portbou, take a regional train to Barcelona (Barcelona Sants station), before taking the high-speed train (AVE) which will take you directly to Antequera (depending on the schedule, you could have to change of train in Madrid). Know that the Spaniards, and especially the Andalusians, live on Spanish time, so it will not be at all too late for dinner even if you arrive at destination around 10 pm!
   
   
   
   • Return (to Paris: 3 connections - 23 hours):
     
     Take the regional train from Ronda to Antequera Santa Ana (train leaves around 8 am). From there, you continue with a high-speed train till Barcelona (possible connection in Madrid) before catching a regional train which will drop you off in Cerbère. From there, a night train leaves in the evening to arrive in Paris Austerlitz in the ealry morning of the next day.
   
   
   
   • Plan schedules ahead !
   
   
   
   • Round trip price (from Paris):
   
   Count 240-500 €/person, depending on the time of year, day of the week, booking date and comfort class.
   From London, Amsterdam, Brussels, ... going through Paris is generally the best option.
   
   
   • Reservation required (except for regional trains)!
   
   
   
   • More information:
     
     France: www.sncf.com
     Spain: www.renfe.com/es/en
   
   
   
   
   
   Car

   Andalusia is at the other end of Spain! Once you cross the Spanish border, you still have about 9 to 10 hours to drive. Motorways in Spain are good and now almost all free again.

   Airplane

   Go:
   
   The closest airport is Malaga.
   
   Direct flights to Malaga from many major European cities.
   
   To then reach Antequera from Malaga, the new high-speed train (AVE) connects the two cities in 27 min ! Book ahead.
   And to get to Malaga train station from the airport, a train takes you there in 9 minutes (every 20 min).
   
   Return:
   
   To return to Malaga airport from Ronda, the easiest way is to opt for a private transfer (approx. 1h15 journey, 184 €/car), otherwise by public bus count approximately 2 hours 30 minutes (with a connection in Marbella).
   You can book the return transfer via our booking form.
   
   



6. Parking :
   
   Our roadbook will inform you about paid and free car parks where you can leave your car during your bike trip. If you have your own bikes, you can leave the car free of charge at the entrance of El Torcal National Park.


7. Getting back to the departure point :
   
   If you need to get back to Antequera, allow between 1h30 and 2 hours by train from Ronda, depending on the connection time at Antequera Santa Ana.
   If your car is parked in El Torcal, a taxi between Antequera and El Torcal costs around 25-30 €.
   
   You can also opt for a private transfer to Antequera or El Torcal. Journey lasts about 1h15-1h30.


8. Rendezvous:
   
   The cycling trip starts on Monday (Day 2). For the transfer to the place of departure by bike, a member of our local team will pick you up during the morning at your accommodation or at another agreed location.


9. Type of route:
   
   Itinerant (linear).


10. Guidance:
    
    Self-guided. To navigate, you will have a detailed roadbook, as well as GPS tracks of the route via an easy-to-use navigation app. As the navigation is satellite-based, no internet connection is required.


11. Level: rather sporty (unless with e-bikes)
    
    On some days, there is an alternative route to the normal route. Thus, you can tailor your ride's duration to suit your mood or the day's weather conditions. No matter which route you opt for, you won't miss out on any of the biggest touristic highlights of the tour.
    
    
    • Elevation changes: Andalusia is quite hilly, even mountainous in places, but the effort is fortunately always largely rewarded by the grandiose landscapes of the heights. Unless you are sporty and trained, an electric bike is however recommended on this route in order to take full advantage of the stay, one of the stages accumulating a elevation gain of about 1000 m (ca. 3300 ft).
    
    
    • Length of the stages: around 40-50 km (25-31 mi), giving you plenty of time to make lots of stops along the way.
    
    
    • Terrain: over 85% paved roads. Some compact gravel tracks, not requiring suspensions or MTB tires.
    
    All details are summarized in the table below.
    
    
    

    Table 1: Distances & height differences

    ANDALUSIA
    Stage	Option	Kilometers	Elevation gain (m)	Drop (m)	Estimated time
    Day 1	Arrival in Antequera
    Day 2 (stage 1) El Torcal - El Chorro	Normal	36	500	1390	2h23
    Day 3 (stage 2) El Chorro - El Burgo	Normal	32	720	420	2h29
    	Sporty	42	1020	720	3h21
    Day 4 (stage 3) El Burgo - Setenil	Normal	37	630	640	2h43
    	Sporty	42	640	650	3h04
    Day 5 (stage 4) Setenil - Zahara	Normal	50	830	900	3h37
    	Sporty	62	1020	1090	4h26
    Day 6 (stage 5) Zahara - Ubrique	Normal	47	1060	1210	3h32
    Day 7 (stage 6) Ubrique - Ronda	Relax	31	540	500	2h10
    	Normal	54	1200	840	4h07
    Day 8	End of the tour

    
    


12. Accommodation:
    
    charming 2-3* hotels or guest rooms with equivalent comfort. Many of them have a swimming pool. Travellers who opt for the comfort+ range, benefit from 4*-hotels in Antequera and Ronda.


13. Meals:
    
    Breakfasts are included. Lunch and dinner are not included. During the day, you can eat in the local restaurants (you will find daily suggestions in our roadbook) or have a picnic by refueling in the supermarkets.
    Half board is not available on this trip but you will still have a few restaurants within walking distance from your accommodation.


14. Luggage transport:
    
    You only carry your day's belongings during the cycling stages. Your luggage is transported from one accommodation to another by us, you find them at the end of the day at your accommodation. It is also possible to carry your belongings with you in side panniers, as long-distance cyclists do. In this case, you get a discount.


15. Travel Documents:
    
    A detailed roadbook (Dutch or English), a topographical map of the route and GPS tracks (via our navigation app) will be sent to you before your departure.
    
    The roadbook, which you'll also receive in hard copy, contains not only a description of the route, but also a wealth of tourist and cultural information, restaurant suggestions and places to buy food along the way.


16. Bicycles:
    
    We offer quality bikes for hire, fully equipped and adapted to the type of terrain.
    
    Equipment includes a smartphone holder, a waterproof pannier, a lock, a repair set and (on request) a helmet.
    
    An electric bike can be hired for this trip. Given the relatively high elevation gain on some days, it is better to opt for an electric bike unless you are well trained.
    
    If you wish to bring your own bike, remember to check all the parts of the bike beforehand (wear and tear of brakes, tyres, sprockets, chain, etc.) to ensure that it is in technical order for a ride of 300 km (ca. 190 miles). The bikes suitable for this trip are trekking bikes (hybrid bikes), mountain bikes, gravel bikes and e-bikes. Road bikes (tyres too thin for the gravel sections) and city bikes (insufficient number of gears) are not suitable.
    
    It is also worth noting that in Spain cyclists are obliged to wear a helmet outside agglomerations.


17. Cancellation and assistance insurances:
    
    In order to guarantee reimbursement of costs in the event of cancellation of your stay or in the event of problems (e.g. health, accident, theft, lost luggage, ...) during the trip, you can opt for a cancellation (CAP Explorer - premium cancellation) and/or assistance insurance (CAP Exporer - premium assistance). To learn more about our proposed insurances, click more info or ask us.

The price of the tour and the bike rentals is given in below table:



The base price includes:

• A detailed roadbook in English or Dutch, produced by us during our scouting trip.
• GPS tracks of the route via our navigation app
• GPS tracks for the hikes in El Torcal Park on Day 2 (via our app)
• A topographic map of the tour
• 7 nights in charming 2-3* hotels or equivalent guest houses (3-4* if you opt of the comfort+ category)
• 7 breakfasts
• The transport of your luggage between the accommodations
• The transfer from Antequera to El Torcal (Day 2) (only for rental bikes - if you have your own bikes, you can drive up there by car and leave it there afterwards)
• Entrance ticket to the Caminito del Rey path
• The bus ticket leading to the entrance of the Caminito del Rey
• An evening flamenco show in Ronda (Day 7)
• Luggage tags
• Access to our hotline (7/7, 9am-6pm) and assistance and guidance in the event of a problem (except simple repairs such as punctures/derailments)
• Tourist taxes
• Registration fees

Possible options:

• Bike rentals (trekking bikes or e-bikes)
• The visit of a winery, followed by a wine tasting (Day 4)
• The visit of a bull farm (Day 4) - this activity can be combined with the previous one
• The single room supplement
• The comfort+ accomodation category supplement
• Additional nights in Antequera and/or Ronda
• A private transfer from Ronda to Antequera/El Torcal (174 €/car) or Malaga airport (190 €/car) - note that you can do these journeys by public means of transports too
• Insurances: cancellation and/or assistance

The price does not include:

• The trip from your home to the meeting point, as well as the return.
• Lunch and evening meals
• The train journey if you opt for the relax variant on Day 7 (count approx. 6 €/pers bike included)
• Your personal expenses
• Visits other than those included in the program.
• Anything not listed in “the price includes”

Other:

• If you wish to transport your luggage yourself from one accommodation to another, you benefit in this case from a discount (see reservation form). An additional bag will then be provided to you. Be careful though, on the hill, you may struggle a little if you don't have electric bikes!
• The price of the transfer to El Torcal, at the beginning of the tour, is included in the price of the rental bikes. If you come by car with your own bikes, you have two options: park at Antequera or directly at El Torcal. If you park at Antequera, you can bike to El Torcal, but there is a 700 m (2300 ft) elevation gain. Alternatively, you can be transferred to El Torcal with a van (at an extra cost). At the end of the tour, there is an optional transfer to bring you back at Antequera or El Torcal.
  
• A discount for children is provided (see table above). This discount applies if there are at least two adults and the family agrees to stay in family rooms when available. A discount is also applied for groups.
• A 'solo traveller' supplement of 300 € is counted for individuals doing this tour alone.

    Amaury and Alexandra, 60 and 62 years old

"The weather was not so great that week unlickily, but the landscapes more than made up for it. Nothing to say about the organisation, which was meticulous. Be careful, it's quite hilly, better to have an electric bike (at least for old people like us!)"  December 2022

    Justine and Brieuc, 33 and 34 years old

"Awesome experience! 0% hassle, 200% pleasure! Everything is well organized, just follow the indications and enjoy the route, stages, activities, … From the preparation of the trip to the day-to-day follow-up in case of need during the stay, Cyclodyssées ensured that we made the most of the road through the white villages of Andalusia. A clear and interesting roadbook (+ a GPS trace), full of gastronomic recommendations, practical, cultural, etc. there is something for everyone. We highly recommend this agency that listens to and is always available for its customers!"  April 2023

    Nadine and Alec, 70 and 72 years old

"Exploring Andalusia by bike for a week – what could be a more perfect birthday gift? Huge thanks to Cyclodyssées for their outstanding organization, invaluable and precise roadbook, their responsiveness, and the excellent choice of accommodations and bikes ;-). We wholeheartedly recommend without any hesitation.  November 2023