Coastal Andalusia

Day 1: Arrival in Casares
Day 2: Casares - Jimena de la Frontera, 25 mi. (41 km)
Day 3: Jimena de la Frontera - Alcalá de los Gazules, 32 mi. (51 km)
Day 4: Alcalá de los Gazules - Conil de la Frontera, 36 mi. (58 km)
Day 5: Rest day, Conil de la Frontera
Day 6: Conil de la Frontera - Zahara de los Atunes, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 7: Zahara de los Atunes - Tarifa, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 8: Departure from Tarifa

All distances are approximate. Due to circumstances beyond control, weather conditions, or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the way you may find temporary deviations/detours caused by roadwork, In this case, please follow the directions posted on site.

Day 1: Arrival in Casares
You will be met at the Malaga Airport at 4 pm in the Terminal 3 arrival zone (near the tourist information window). You will spend your first night in Casares,  a beautiful Moorish village steeped in history and charm with fine views of the Mediterranean and Africa. Here, your tour representative will take you on a short city walk through the village’s narrow lanes to the castle followed by a tour briefing and a welcome group dinner.

If you are arriving in Malaga city center by bus or train it is easy to hop on the 20-minute shuttle train to the airport to meet the group and minibus. Please remember that the minibus leaves the airport for Casares at 4:00 pm and your return to the airport at the end of the tour will be around 10:00 am. Please keep these times in mind when arranging your flights.

Please note late arrivals will need to make their own way to Casares. This can be done by taxi or UBER direct from the airport (around €125 one way). A limited airport bus option goes to Estepona from the airport (€7-8 approx), then you can taxi to Casares for about €35 or take the bus for much less – pending scheduling.

If you arrive early at the airport there is plenty to do. You can take either the shuttle bus (frequent) or train (every ½ hour) into Malaga city center (15 min / 1-2 euros max). Here you can visit the Picasso Museum or enjoy tapas around the Cathedral, rest on the beach, or wander up to the Moorish Alcazar Castle for fine views. Alternatively, you can train or bus 20 minutes to the seaside resort of Torremolinos for a beach day, lunch, or shopping in this bustling coastal town. Please note – there are NO baggage storage areas at Malaga airport. Bags can be left at either Malaga or Torremolinos bus stations in self-paid, reliable lockers. (D)

Accommodation: Hotel Rural Casares

Day 2: Casares - Jimena de la Frontera, 25 mi. (41 km)
It is an easy start to your week as today's route is along easy country lanes in lush surroundings! You pass through the orange and avocado groves of the Guadiaro River then along the winding, tree-lined lanes that border one of the Mediterranean's most important National Parks. In the afternoon you will have the opportunity for a free interpretive walk to the Moorish Castle or you can relax around the village square or the charming Posada Casa Grande. (B)

Easy to moderate riding with a 5 km gravel section
Accommodation: Posada La Casa Grande

Day 3: Jimena - Alcalá de los Gazules, 32 mi. (51 km)
Cycle the charming Jimena to Alcalá de los Gazules parkway, through the stunning Alcornocales National Park and rolling countryside protected by cork forests and river valleys. Perhaps you'll even catch glimpses of wildlife such as wild boar, deer, and vultures. The route leads on quiet tarmac roads with plenty of scenery en route! (B, D)

Moderate to challenging riding with some extended climbs
Accommodation: Hotel San Jorge

Day 4: Alcalá de los Gazules - Conil de la Frontera, 36 mi. (58 km)
Today's journey rolls through the pretty, open landscapes, vineyards, and traditional bullfighting tierra across open valleys and meadows adorned with wildflowers, natural herbs, cork, almonds and olives, and a wide array of birds. Nearing the Atlantic coast, you encounter the enchanting medieval center of Vejer de la Frontera, the former Moorish Kingdom set in a stunning clifftop setting with a splendid historic quarter. Soon after, arrive in Conil de la Frontera (beachside), for two nights in a 4-star hotel. (B)

Moderate riding with some hill passes, including an optional climb (or transfer) to Vejer village for a cultural visit, tapas, and craft shopping.
Accommodation: Hotel Conil Park (or similar)

Day 5: Conil de la Frontera (on the coast)
Your rest day offers a wide range of experiences. In Conil, you can relax and do a little sightseeing, beach strolling, and sample the local tapas and vino. Alternatively, you could visit a sherry bodega, the nearby white village of Vejer or see the famous equestrian show in Jerez (home of Flamenco). The cities of Cadiz and Seville are only a short bus ride away if an urban escape is what you desire. Or, if you wish to ride more, there is a lovely self-guided day trip to the beach (approx 16 km each way). (B)

Accommodation: Hotel Conil Park (or similar) 

IMPORTANT - If you are interested in the famous Jerez Equestrian show it is imperative to book in advance for tickets http://www.realescuela.org/ing/home.htm. Alternatively, you can do this by calling: Real Escuela Andaluz del Arte Ecuestre (34) 956 31 80 08 (English spoken) 

Also, for a Bodega (sherry) tour of Jerez, please let your tour leader know in advance to secure a booking. Osbourne / Gonzalez Byass / Harveys / Sandemans / Domecq and many more.

Day 6: Conil de la Frontera - Zahara de Los Atunes, 25 mi. (40 km)
This morning you begin on a charming coastal route following a network of beach roads, pine forests, and lovely parkland through some historic landscapes. Passing Canos de Mecca where Lord Nelson’s navy fleet defeated the French and Spanish in the Battle of Trafalgar and then onto the Pirate backwaters of Barbate where Franco himself regularly vacationed away from the madness of rule in Madrid! Enjoy many opportunities to swim today! Tonight's stay is near the beachside of Zahara de las Atunes. Enjoy an evening Atlantic sunset with views of the African continent. (B)

Moderate to easy riding on rolling terrain with some climbs, followed by flat coastal road to the finish.
Accommodations: El Cortijo de Zahara (or similar)

Day 7: Zahara de los Atunes - Tarifa, 28 mi. (45 km)
From Zahara, you ride the colorful beach paths and coastal routes to Bolonia where we visit a magnificent Roman site before carrying on through the inspiring landscapes, dunes, and forests leading to Tarifa – the southernmost point of Europe and the gateway to Africa. Tarifa is like nowhere else in Europe. It blends Moorish African culture with a thriving adventure tourism industry centered on surf and wind sports. It is also the main corridor for migratory birds between Africa and Europe and offers insight into flora and fauna that is unique to the entire continent! The vibe here is tremendous and it leaves a very fond impression of Spain – especially in light of the overdeveloped Mediterranean side. (B, D)

Moderate, rolling, and undulating countryside with many flat areas to the coast and an optional valley ride of 1.5 hours to extend your experience before arriving in Tarifa.
Accommodation: Hotel Alameda

Day 8: Departure based on group travel time
Breakfast is included today before your departure transfer. Departure for the airport is usually around 8:00 a.m., travel time is 2 hours.  For those wishing to travel onto Seville or other destinations in Spain, Tarifa (and Algeciras) offer very good transport hubs.

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On each day’s details, you will find the name of the preferred hotel. Your accommodations range from boutique to 3 and 4-star establishments. For example, on the evening of Day 2 you will stay in Posada La Casa Grande, an old inn famous for its architectural and historical value as a protected building. Located in the heart of Jimena Village, it is one of the most popular boutique inns of Andalucia. Please note that final hotel list is based on availability. If one or more hotels are not available, you will be informed accordingly and offered an alternative of equal standing.

Bicycles

Standard Bike

Silvertip Lite Spanish BH

The Silvertip Lite from Spanish brand BH Bikes is a versatile machine that is ready to take on road or dirt paths. The bike features a light, tough aluminum frame for smooth performance. The Suntour fork soaks up bumps and vibrations. Reliable Shimano components take care of shifting and braking, and parts from KMC, Emotion, and Rubena handle the rest.

• Lightweight aluminum frame in men and women's styles (unless specified all women will receive a drop crossbar/step-through bike frame)
• Shimano components
• Front and back disc brakes
• Emotion Cross saddle
• 28-inch wheels
• Rubena 700*40 tires
• Anti-slip platform pedals

Accessories

• Rear rack (no panniers)
• Front waterproof carry bag
• Mounted water bottle cage and water bottles
• Helmet, toe clips (strap and strapless), & gel seat pad are available free of charge with advanced reservation.

Electric Bike

• Brands: Devron, Amigo, Monty or similar
• 24v and 36v battery bikes, standard style
• Up to 100 km of autonomy
• Speed up to 25 km/h
• Distance: 60 km per day on economic power use
• Power up to 350W
• Effective V-brake or hydraulic disc brakes
• Shimano 18-speed derailleur
• Chambers with anti-puncture gel
• Various pedal assist modes

Accessories

• Rear rack (no panniers)
• Front waterproof carry bag
• Mounted water bottle cage and water bottles
• Helmet, toe clips (strap and strapless), & gel seat pad are available free of charge with advanced reservation.