From Antequera to Ronda by Bike:
The White Villages Route of Andalusia
- From 959 € / pers.
- 8 days / 7 nights
- From mid-March to mid-June and from September to November
- Arrival : Sundays (bicycle tour start on Monday)
- Level : rather sporty
- Electric bike recommended
- Luggage transfer included
Highlights
- The beauty and the variety of the landscapes
- The small white villages typical of the region
- A very rich architectural heritage, mixing Islamic and Christian influences
- The communicative joie de vivre of the Andalusians
- Charming hotels all along the route
- Easy to combine with a citytrip to Seville / Granada, or a few days of idleness on the Costa del Sol.
Highlights
- The beauty and the variety of the landscapes
- The perched white villages, typical of the region
- A rich architectural heritage, mixing Islamic and Christian influences
- The communicative joie de vivre of the Andalusians
- Charming accommodations all along the route
- Easy to combine with a citytrip to Seville / Granada, or a few days of idleness on the Costa del Sol.
From 959 € / pers.
- 8 days / 7 nights
- From mid-March to mid-June and from September to November
- Arrival : Sundays (bicycle tour start on Monday)
- Level : rather sporty
- Electric bike recommended
- Luggage transfer included
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!
YOUR ITINERARY
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 !
💡 While these routes are ideal for cycling, the trail does have some elevation changes, so it might be wise to choose an electric bike to fully enjoy your trip, especially if you’re not used to cycling or regular physical activity. In the evening, you can happily count on all the comfort you need to get back in the saddle the next day!
DAY-BY-DAY PROGRAMME
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
38 km |
+510 m |
⏱︎ 2h23
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 km |
+720 m |
⏱︎ 2h29
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.
🚲 Sporty variant (42 km | H+ : 1050 m | ⏱︎ : 3h21)
The most motivated 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 - Setenil de las Bodegas
37 km |
+630 m | ⏱︎ 2h43
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!
This bodega immerses you in the history of one of Andalusia’s famous wines, with a tasting included.
This visit can be combined with the bull farm.
A short detour of a few hundred metres provides access to a bull-breeding farm. This immersion in rural Andalusia is particularly meaningful in this region, as Ronda is considered the birthplace of bullfighting. The visit offers the opportunity to discover a fighting bull breeding operation, as well as the stables where a renowned matador trains, and the special relationship humans maintain with the king of the dehesa.
This visit can be combined with the one of the winery
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!
🚲 Sporty variant (42 km | H+ : 640 m | ⏱︎ : 3h04)
This variant, which adds 5 km to the route, takes you into Setenil via a more bushy, off-the-beaten-path trail… you wouldn’t be surprised to encounter an old Saracen who escaped the troops of the Reconquista! As the variant only begins near the end of the route, you can decide in the course of the afternoon whether or not to take it.
Day 5 : Setenil - Zahara de la Sierra
50 km |
+830 m | ⏱︎ 3h37
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.
🚲 Sporty variant (62 km | H+ : 1020 m | ⏱︎ : 4h26)
This variant adds a full 12 km to the route. It will take you along the beautiful Vía Verde de la Sierra for a longer stretch, but since this trail is slightly downhill, you’ll have to climb back up afterwards via a small winding road!
Day 6 : Zahara de la Sierra - Ubrique
47 km |
+1060 m | ⏱︎ 3h32
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 - Ronda
54 km |
+1200 m | ⏱︎ 4h07
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!
☕ Relax variant (31 km | H+ : 540 m | ⏱︎ : 2h10) :
Since this final stage is a bit longer, it can be shortened by taking the train from Jimera de Líbar.
In the evening, it is with the frenzied rhythm of the flamenco in the background that you will have your dinner…
Jour 8 : End of the bike tour
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.
ACCOMMODATION
Whatever level of comfort you choose, we prioritise authentic, human-scale accommodations that inspire comfort, friendliness, and well-being. We also strive to ensure they are well-located: easily accessible by bike and, as much as possible, close to amenities and points of interest.
AVAILABLE COMFORT LEVELS
2–3 ★ Charming Hotels
Authentic and welcoming accommodations, chosen for their hospitality and location.
2, 3, or 4 ★ Charming Hotels
Characterful accommodations, sometimes with very nice views.
Photos provided as examples to illustrate the type of accommodation in each category.
Always included:
- Breakfast
- Private bathroom
- Air conditioning
- Bike storage
- Restaurant on site or within walking distance
- Convenient location
💡 At some stages, the village has only one hotel. Travelers who have chosen the comfort level benefit from superior rooms.
CHOICE OF BIKE
Whether you opt for a rental bike or bring your own, it is essential to have a bike suited both to the route’s demands and your personal needs.
RENTAL BIKES
We offer high-quality trekking bikes and/or electric bikes, equipped with all the essential accessories. Equipment for children is also available. However, we do not recommend this trip for children under 12, as some stages exceed 50 km.
Trekking Bikes
Versatile Monty Corsa bikes with 10 to 24 speeds (depending on the number of chainrings on the model), making them ideal for climbing hills with minimal effort.
Electric Bikes (E-Bikes)
Orbea bikes, equipped with a 250Wh battery. A spare battery is also provided just in case.
Photos for informational purposes. Bikes subject to availability.
Included accessories:
- Smartphone holder (1 per bike)
- Waterproof rear bag (1 per bike)
- Small handlebar bag (1 per bike)
- Lock
- Repair kit
- Water bottle
- Bottle cage
- Helmet(s) on request
- Spare battery (1 per bike) if you opted for an e-bike
IF YOU BRING YOUR OWN BIKE
Before departure, carefully check the condition of your bike: brakes, tires, gears, derailleur, chain...
You may be far from help in case of a mechanical issue!
Which bikes are suitable?
- VTC (trekking bike)
- MTB
- Gravel
- E-bike with good range
- Road bike
- City bike
💡 As the route includes some compact gravel sections, avoid tires that are too narrow or too smooth. MTB tires are not necessary.
LEVEL
Our trips prioritize discovery and relaxation over exertion.
We therefore strive to adjust the length of each stage according to the terrain, the type of paths, and points of interest, so that each day remains balanced, enjoyable, and open to the unexpected.
On some days, there is also a variant. These variants allow you to adjust the duration of the ride according to your preferences or the weather. Whatever variants you choose, you won’t miss any of the “must-see” highlights of the trip.
STAGE LENGTH:
STANDARD ℹ️
➡️ Average overall 40 to 60 km/day
➡️ About 3 to 4 hours of cycling per day – max. 5.
➡️ A pace suitable for most riders: allows combining the pleasure of cycling with sightseeing along the way.
TERRAIN:
HILLY ℹ️
➡️ Average positive elevation gain: over 600 m/day.
➡️ Fairly pronounced elevation overall, with climbs that can be long and/or quite steep depending on the destination. Requires good endurance if you do not choose an electric bike.
Andalusia is quite hilly, even mountainous in places, but the effort is always well rewarded by the magnificent landscapes from the heights.
⚡ Unless you are very fit and trained, an electric bike is recommended on this route to fully enjoy the trip, as some stages accumulate more than 1000 m of positive elevation gain.
TYPE OF PATHS:
The route is mainly on quiet country lanes. On day 5, the route partially follows a greenway. You never ride on major roads. More than 90% of the route is paved. A few short sections are on well-maintained compact gravel tracks. On the first stage, a more “gravel” variant is also possible.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
⏱️ DURATION
8 days and 7 nights, including arrival and departure days. 6 days of cycling.
📅 POSSIBLE DEPARTURE DAYS
Sundays (arrival day)
For logistical reasons, the first day of cycling takes place on Mondays. It is therefore necessary to arrive in Antequera on Sunday. Of course, you may also arrive on Saturday if you wish to explore Antequera at your leisure (or even Granada, located 45 minutes away by train!).
🗺️ TYPE OF ROUTE
Linear.
📍 START AND END POINTS
Start of the trip: Antequera
End of the trip: Ronda
🌦️ WHEN TO GO?
The weather is generally pleasant from mid-March to mid-June and from September to November.
Andalusia enjoys 300 days of sunshine per year, and outside of winter, rainy periods are fairly rare. In summer, the main challenge is the heat, making this period more suitable for a seaside stay than for a cycling trip.
During the shoulder seasons, temperatures are generally very comfortable. In spring, the landscapes are also very green, and in the early period (March–early April) many fruit trees are in bloom.
Hotel pools are usually open from May to early October.
🍽️ MEALS
Breakfasts are included.
Lunches and dinners are at your own discretion.
During the day, you can eat at local restaurants (you will find suggestions in our roadbook) or prepare a picnic with supplies from local shops.
For dinner, there will always be several restaurants within walking distance from your hotel… even if most often your hotel already has one!
🧳 LUGGAGE TRANSPORT
Your luggage is transported from one accommodation to another by one of our service providers. You only carry your daily essentials during cycling stages. A bag is provided with the rental bike.
If you prefer to carry your luggage in panniers, you benefit from a discount.
🚩 ARRIVING ON SITE
BY TRAIN
Depending on your departure location, it is possible to reach Antequera station with 1 to 3 connections.
Once in Madrid, a direct Alvia train to Almería departs daily at 16:40 and arrives at Antequera at 19:26.
To get to Madrid:
- From southern France: a high-speed AVE train connects Marseille and Madrid daily, passing through all Mediterranean cities along the way.
Departure from Marseille is usually at 8:04 and arrival in Madrid around 15:55. - From northern cities and Belgium: the simplest is to reach Paris to board the night train (Intercité de nuit) around 20:00, arriving in Perpignan at 8:30. From there, take the high-speed AVE train to Madrid, which passes through Perpignan around 11:15. Arrival in Madrid around 15:55.
In theory, the trip can also be done in a single day from Paris by taking the TGV to Barcelona at 7:42, but this would mean arriving in Antequera around 21:30 and involves 3 sometimes short connections. Not ideal for a relaxed departure.
💡 To return home from Ronda, first take a train to Antequera and then apply the reverse logic. You may need to take the train from Ronda at 7:26 to catch the night train to Paris via Perpignan on time.
BY CAR
Our roadbook provides information on paid and free parking options where you can leave your car during the trip.
BY PLANE
The nearest airport is Malaga.
To reach Antequera, a 9-minute train ride (every 20 minutes) connects you to Malaga main station (Malaga Zambrano), from where 3 daily Avant trains go to Antequera in 26 minutes. Alternatively, buses depart roughly every hour from Antequera bus station, next to Malaga-Zambrano. Approx. 1h by bus.
To return to Malaga airport from Ronda, the easiest is to take a private transfer (approx. 1h15), otherwise by bus allow 2h30. You can book the return transfer via our reservation form.
🔁 RETURN TO THE STARTING POINT
The easiest way is by train. 3 direct regional trains connect Ronda and Antequera daily. Travel time approx. 1h40.
💡 Be careful not to confuse Antequera A.V. (main Antequera station) with Antequera Santa Ana station, which is 17 km from the city!
📑 TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
To fully enjoy your adventure, we will provide you with various practical and easy-to-use resources:
A roadbook (A5 booklet) prepared by us, including:
- Practical information
- A description of the route
- All necessary tourist information
- Restaurant suggestions
- Places to get supplies
- Swimming spots
- Cultural information and anecdotes
- A list of bike repair shops near the route
A map of the route
Our navigation app (with your GPS tracks)
- Easy-to-use app (a short tutorial will be sent if needed)
- Satellite navigation (works in airplane mode)
- Custom tracks between each accommodation
- Voice guidance
📞 INDEPENDENCE AND ASSISTANCE
You travel independently (unaccompanied), with 7-day-a-week phone assistance in case of issues.
🛡️ INSURANCES
To ensure reimbursement in case of trip cancellation or problems on site, you can take out a cancellation insurance (CAP Explorer Annulation) or assistance insurance (CAP Explorer Assistance). Learn more about the insurances
🎒 EQUIPMENT TO BRING
A helmet, lock, repair kit, phone holder, and waterproof rear bag are the basic equipment. If you rented a bike, these are included (helmet only on request).
For more comfort, we also recommend bringing the following specific accessories:
Rain overpants
Lightweight, waterproof, windproof, and easy to put on, they protect against rain, splashes, and mud. Some models include gaiters that also cover the shoes.
External battery (power bank)
Useful for charging your phone during lunch breaks: navigation consumes a lot of power, even in airplane mode. Recommended unless your battery is very strong.
Cost approx. 10–20 €.
Padded cycling shorts or gel saddle cover
Padded shorts improve comfort by absorbing shocks and reducing friction on long rides. Alternatively, use a padded saddle cover (also called a seat cover).
Buff / neck warmer / hat
In early spring and from late October, mornings can be cool, and you will be glad to have brought them!
PRICES 2026
The price is based on a stay for two in a double/twin room. All rates are per person and subject to availability of the desired room type.
| Base price | Standard Category | Comfort Category | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low season | High season | Low season | High season | |||
| Double/Twin room | 959 € | 1009 € | 1089 € | 1149 € | ||
| Single room supplement | + 340 € | + 350 € | + 340 € | + 350 € | ||
| Child discount (in the same room as 2 full-paying adults) |
12-17 years: -30% | |||||
| Group discount | 6 - 11 people: -10% | 12+ people: -15% | |||||
| Extra nights (optional) |
Standard Category | Comfort Category | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low season | High season | Low season | High season | ||
| Antequera | Double/Twin room | 65 € | 70 € | 90 € | 100 € |
| Single room | 120 € | 135 € | 150 € | 165 € | |
| Ronda | Double/Twin room | 60 € | 70 € | 85 € | 100 € |
| Single room | 110 € | 135 € | 140 € | 165 € | |
💡 SEASONS
- Low season: 15/3 - 31/5 & 16/9 - 30/11
- High season: 1/6 - 15/6 & 1/9 - 15/9
| BIKE RENTAL - equipment, delivery and return included - | |
|---|---|
| Electric bike | 365 € |
| Trekking bike | 255 € |
THE BASE PRICE INCLUDES
- Hotel nights in the chosen comfort category
- Breakfasts at each accommodation
- Luggage transport between accommodations
- Transfer from Antequera to your bike starting point (Day 2)
- Entrance ticket for Caminito del Rey (Day 3)
- Shuttle bus to the entrance of Caminito del Rey
- Flamenco show during your evening in Ronda
- Detailed roadbook (A5 booklet + PDF) prepared during our scouting trip
- GPS tracks of the route via our navigation app
- GPS tracks of hikes in El Torcal park (via app)
- A map of the route
- Luggage tags
- 7-day-a-week telephone assistance
- Tourist taxes
- Booking fees
OPTIONS
- Bike rental(s)
- Single room supplement
- Guided wine cellar visit with tasting (in English) - 30 €/p
- Guided traditional bull farm visit (French/English depending on availability) - 29 €/p
- Extra night(s) in Antequera and/or Ronda
- Private transfer from Ronda to Malaga airport
- Optional insurance: cancellation and/or assistance
NOT INCLUDED
- Travel to Antequera and return from Ronda
- Lunches and dinners
- Train fare if you choose the relax variant on Day 6 (approx. 4.5 €/pers including bike)
- Entry fees for tourist sites (unless stated otherwise) and other personal expenses
- Anything not listed in “THE BASE PRICE INCLUDES”
SPECIAL CASES
- If you carry your own luggage, a discount is applied (see booking form). An extra bag is provided if you rent a bike.
- Solo travelers: a logistical supplement applies in addition to the single room supplement (unless you join a date with another booking).
REVIEWS
Catherine & Roland, 60 & 62 years old
"Excellent stay in Andalusia with Cyclodyssees. Great services and top-notch organization. The route is very enjoyable and the hotels perfect. Highly recommended!" May 20, 2025
Nathalie & Xavier, 56 & 55 years old
"We just finished our tour of the white villages of Andalusia 🚴🏻🚴🏼♀️ Thank you Cyclodyssees for this amazing route: small roads, scenic paths, picturesque villages, hills, and visit ideas along the way: incredible! Also thanks for the perfect organization: GPS tracks, roadbook, booked hotels, and availability before and during the trip. We will do it again 🤩" March 31, 2025
Nadine & Alec, 70 & 72 years old
"Discovering Andalusia by bike for a week—what better birthday gift? Thanks to Cyclodyssees for the excellent organization, the detailed and precise roadbook, the availability, and the choice of accommodations and bikes 😉 Highly recommended." November 8, 2023
Justine & Brieuc, 33 & 34 years old
"Amazing experience! 0% hassle, 200% fun! Everything is well organized, just follow the instructions and enjoy the route, stages, and activities. From trip preparation to daily support if needed, Cyclodyssees ensures we fully enjoy the white villages of Andalusia. Clear and interesting roadbook (+ GPS track), lots of culinary, practical, and cultural recommendations… something for everyone. We highly recommend this attentive agency!" April 12, 2023
Amaury & Alexandra, 60 & 62 years old
"Despite the not-so-great weather, the landscapes more than made up for it. The organization was meticulous. Keep in mind it is quite hilly, better to have an electric bike (at least for older riders like us!)" December 4, 2022
See all reviews or leave us a review.