Cycling from Granada to Ronda (Route of the Almoravids & Almohads)

Granada - arrival

Arrival to Granada by public bus from Málaga airport , it takes only about 2 hours. You can also ask for a private transfer. Warm welcome at a charming hotel (***) in the historical centre of Granada. And in the evening have some drinks in one of the many little bars, and you'll be invited to the tapas!  

Granada - Alhama de Granada (53-61 km)

Cycling along the fertile plain of Granada over smooth hillocks and through small villages to Alhama, once a very important town in the Nasrid Kingdom, now famous for its thermal baths. You can see the original cistern where its hot water, with medicinal properties, has been collected since times gone by. It is built on a Roman foundation and crowned by Moorish arches in the Caliphate style. You can have a bath yourself in “El baño de la Reina” (Queens’ bath) before climbing into the old village of Alhama.. You will stay in the nice renovated guesthouse of Paco and Lola, where you can have a fabulous dinner.

Alhama de Granada-Periana (35 km)

Having crossed over the small reservoir to be found facing the rural hotel, we continue along the Viñas path, and then head down along the bottom of Alhama mountains to the Alcaiceria farmstead, where we take the secondary road to Ventas de Zafarraya (completely flat). We pass the famous Boquete (gap) de Zafarraya (906 m), the only pass by which to cross the rugged Alhama and Tejeda mountains. Now following the route of the old mountain railway line that used to come up form Vélez Málaga, we have spectacular views of the whole region rolling down to the sea, as we come to the village of Periana, in the heart of the Axarquía. Continue to the charming hotel, once a big farmhouse, and have a simple but delicious home-made dinner here.

Periana - Antequera (47-57km)

Riding on country roads with practically no traffic, we cross the remainder of the mountainous Axarquía region between Rio Gordo and Villanueva de Cauche. From there we take an excellent short cut to get to the foothills of the Torcal mountain and descend to the old town of Antequera, entering through its Malaga Gate.

Antequera - El Chorro (34 km)

We go from the ancient city of Antequera, through the Abdalajis Valley, caught between mountains ranges and the Torcal Peak, towards the village of El Chorro, well known for its gorgeous reservoir and magical enclave for climbers. Also famous for the path Caminito del Rey, once known as world’s most dangerous walkway, nowadays a safe but still impressive path  that stretches between two gorges, canyons and a large valley. If you want to do this spectacular hike in the afternoon, remember to indicate this at the time of reservation.

El Chorro - Ronda (60 km)

Today the biking will be a bit more challenging, although you will ride only on tarmac road. You start with a beautiful ride through a strange, lunar landscape to the villages of Ardales and El Burgo. Then you have to climb to the Puerto de los Vientos (Mountain pass of the Winds, 1190m), crossing the beautiful Sierra de las Nieves Nature Reserve. A long descent will bring you finally to the lively town of Ronda, where you will stay in a charming hotel.  

Ronda, end of the journey

If you have not booked an extra night, your the journey will have come to an end and from here you return by bus (2 hours) to Málaga airport.

Accommodation with breakfast

Information on the trip

Luggage transport

Services not included

Caminito del Rey, entrance and bus

Supplement for single occupation

Bike rental with delivery & collection

E-Bike rental with delivery and collection

Extra night in Granada

Extra night (charming Hotel in Ronda)

Rental of back Pannier

Helmet rental