The magical white villages of Andalusia

In the South of Spain you will find Andalusia's pretties white villages. This route of the 'Pueblos Blancos' is known as one of the most beautiful road trips in Europe. The journey departs from Ronda, a spectacular town with an impressive gorge and historic bridge. It has an authentic vibe where you can feel the heartbeat of the Flamenco music. 

You cycle through natural parks with gorgeous views, past thousands of olive trees and through magnificent whitewashed villages where you discover the traces of the Islamic and Christian past.


Every day you cycle between 34 and 52 km, with many differences in altitude. Unless you are a well-trained cyclist, we recommend doing this route by e-bike.

You can book Andalusia between October and May. Possibility to combine with a beach vacation near Malaga of a city trip in the historic center of Malaga. 

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Day 1: TRANSFER TO VIBRANT RONDA

Upon arrival at Malaga airport, we will pick you up and take you to Ronda. This ride takes about an hour and a half.

The fairytale beautiful Ronda is built on a hill. Characteristic is the deep 'El Tajo' gorge with impressive bridge 'Puente Neuvo' from the 18th century. The bridge is known as one of the most beautiful in Spain.

Today Ronda is a lively town with a authentic atmosphere. You can visit the bullring, with its 235 years one of the oldest in the country. In the evening it is pleasant to stay in the picturesque street and squares with numerous typical bars and restaurants.

You stay in: (according to availability)

- an old and beautiful palace that has been transformed into a four-star hotel. A true boutique hotel in the middle of the Moorish city where every spot exudes charm and history. Many movie stars preceded you and stayed here. You will also stay here tomorrow.

- a Moorish hacienda next to the old walls, with swimming pool and great panoramic over the rolling hills

Today you do an optional walk of 5 km through the historic center. 

Day 2: GAZE AT GORGEOUS MOUNTAIN LANDSCAPES

Ronda → Ronda45 km of 52 km 1030 m 1030 m

Today you get a first introduction to the white villages. You do a return trip, but the landscape is so beautiful that it looks different in both directions.

After an initial flat section, you begin a steady climb over a pass and through a green valley. Along the way you will be amazed until you arrive at the viewpoint 'Puerto del Viento'. This is a nice stop to take a breather. You can walk to the top (very short walk) and see the beautiful, whitewashed village of El Burgo.

You have now cycled 21 kilometers. If you want to take it easy on the first day, you can turn around here and cycle back. If you would like to continue cycling, you can start the descent to El Burgo here. Please note, it is quite steep, so the climb later will be tough.

Optional activities in Ronda: 

- attend an authentic Flamenco shoz

- relax in the Arab baths, in a beautiful setting

Day 3: TO THE PICTURESQUE OLVERA WITH IT'S CASTLE ON THE TOP

Ronda → Olvera34 km of 50 km 550 m of 890 m 670 m of 1070 m

Today you get a first real insight into the beautiful variety of the Andalusian countryside. 

You leave Ronda behind and drive on a winding country road towards the white village of Arriate. You will pass through two small villages before arriving in Setenil. This village is known for its houses integrated into the rock walls. Extremely charming to walk around and drink a coffee on the terrace of a rock-hewn cafe.

After Setenil you have the choice between a shorter route or a longer one. If you choose the shorter version, you cycle through the village and along a river. You drive on an undulating road that becomes slightly steeper at a certain point. In front of you is the super beautiful Olvera with its castle on top. To your left you see the Santuario de Nuestra Senora de los Remedios with its beautiful courtyard. Peeking inside is definitely worth the effort and free.

If you choose the longer version, you will see the varied landscape, rolling hills, olive trees as far as the eye can see and an occasional shepherd. You also pass a small restaurant. After a longer, steady climb you get a surreal beautiful view of Olvera. From now on the road descends again before you start the last slope.

Olvera is a white village on a sharp hill. At the top is the castle of Olvera, well worth a visit. The 12th century Arab castle is beautifully preserved. For barely 2 euros you can visit a fascinating castle with breathtaking views of the region and the village. 

You sleep in a charming bed and breakfast in the lively center of Olvera.

Day 4: THE MAGICAL FAIRYTALE VILLAGE ZAHARA DE LA SIERRA

Olvera → Zahara de la Sierra36 km 600 m 670 m

You start your cycling day on the Via Verde, an old railway line that has been converted into a cycle path. The track has never been finished due to the financial crisis. Today it does serve as a separate cycle path where you cycle through 36 tunnels.

You ride straight through the impressive nature park where you can see vultures. You can stop for lunch in an old railway station that is a restaurant now. Today you sleep in fairy tale village Zahara de la Sierra with its turquoise reservoir in the foreground. This whitewashed village with its Moorish castle proudly standing guard on the hillside is perhaps the most beautiful white village in Andalusia. The most famous sight is the 13th century castle with its watchtower.

You sleep in a country house with a beautiful view of the surroundings and accompanying infinity pool. Or in a boutique Appartment in the center.

Day 5: CLIMB TO PICTURESQUE GRAZALEMA

Zahara de la Sierra → Grazalema34 km 740 m 420 m

After breakfast, you start with a descent to the lake of Zahara de la Sierra. From there you follow a winding road along the water. It remains very flat. You leave the lake behind and there the climb starts. You cycle past a hotel and trees with a stripped trunk, these are cork trees. 

After a few hours you will see your final destination of the day against the ridge, the beautiful Grazalema. This village has been voted one of the most beautiful villages in Spain, and rightly so. It consists of cobbled roads, small craft shops and narrow alleys with cozy cafes. Cheese lovers can buy papayo goat cheese, a delicacy. 

You will stay in a eco lodge in the middle of a nature park. A gorgeous place where you can relax in the infinity pool or at the fireplace. You stay here 2 nights. 

Day 6: OPTIONAL CYCLE DAY, HIKE OR HORSE RIDE

Grazalema → Grazalema38 km 300 m 310 m

Today you can choose to take a bike ride to Ubrique, go for a hike or enjoy a well-deserved rest day. 

Another great way to discover the natural park, is on the back of a horse. From your lodge you can do magnificent horse rides. Also for absolute beginners. 

Is paragliding on your bucket list? This area is the mekka for paraglides. Enjoy the views on a tandem flight. 

Day 7: THROUGH AN IMPRESSIVE CANYON WITH VULTURES

Grazalema - Ronda52 km 780 m 860 m

You leave Grazalema behind and cycle again towards Ronda today. You follow the winding road up and turn towards Montejaque. You follow a beautiful road through a deep canyon. Below you can see the remains of an old dam and vultures nest on the hilltops. You pass the beautiful, white villages of Montejaque and Benoajan.

You leave the nature reserve behind and cycle a little more into the civilized world. If you want, you can stop at the Cueva del Gato, on your left on the route. It is a heavenly place with a deep cave and a natural swimming pool in the river.

Then you will return to Ronda, where you can end your trip in one of the many cozy restaurants.

Day 8: TRANSFER MALAGA - POSSIBLE CITYTRIP OR BEACH HOLIDAY

We will take you back to Malaga, where you can either take the flight home or extend your vacation with a few days at the coast. Malaga has a beautiful historic city center. It is the ideal combo for a city trip in combination with sun and sea. You can also go to one of the many seaside resorts on the Costa del Sol.

Prices

The magical white villages of Andalusia


Price pp€1195
Surplus High Season (pp, per week)€0
Surplus Single Room (pp, per week)€350
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Included

 

    Optional

    Bikes

    • E-Bike (per person, per week) €250
    • Trekking Bike (per person, per week) €130
    • Race Bike (per person, per week) €180

    Extra´s

    • Surplus Single Room (pp, per week) €350

    ANDALUSIA

    Discover the fairytale beautiful white villages of Andalusia by bike. The route of the 'Pueblos Blancos' is known as one of the most beautiful road trips in Europe. The trip starts in Ronda, a unique town with an impressive gorge and historic bridge. The route leads you through phenomenal nature with beautiful views, past thousands of olive trees and through whitewashed villages with special architecture and castles that appeal to the imagination.

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