Coastal Andalusia

Spain Bike Tour

Ride  through Southern Spain’s finest countryside, integrating beautiful National Parks, remote white villages and rides along the beaches of the Costa del Luz (Coast of Light). From Bandit hideaways to Pirate coves and the site of the Battle of Trafalgar - this is an exciting part of the world still very undiscovered - offering one of the finest blends of cycling in all of Europe.

This tour takes you places others rarely see. Expect five days of completely diverse riding over some of Andalusia’s most historic and culturally varied routes including a rest day in the charming white-washed village of Vejer de la Frontera.

Highlights of the tour include exploring the White Villages, National Parks, vineyards, scenic coastal roads and classic routes of the Torro (bull) and Sherry. Charming hotels and tasty authentic food en route add to the experience. Riding is a combination of quiet back roads and stunning parkways. Andalusia is a hilly region yet we have done our best to guide you through the most beautiful areas without defeating you on the climbs! The seaside riding days and views to the African continent are especially rewarding….

This tour is more than just a cycling holiday. You will experience true glimpse of Spanish life. Every opportunity is provided  to sample the variations in local cuisine, taste the wines and Sherries, perhaps visit a Feria (Fiesta) and act spontaneously should an interesting event occur! It’s what a holiday should be, well rounded and diverse!

The riding program is from door-to-door – with no shuttles in between, and completes a very interesting and inspiring route. Road surfaces have all been upgraded in the past few years and this tour gets better with time! As a bonus, your trip leader offers a free nightly interpretive tour at each destination to ensure you get the most from your experience. The sense of accomplishment by riding one of the most scenic tours in Spain is one that will stay with you forever!

Where You’ll Stay

Quaint village hotels & guesthouses

What’s Included

• 7 nights accommodations
• Typical light Spanish breakfasts
• 4 dinners
• Transfers to/from Malaga airport at designated times
• Luggage transportation
• Support vehicle for periods should you not wish to cycle
• Guide that drives the support vehicle
• Map & route information
• 21 speed hybrid bike, helmet, gel seat covers, & toe clip options

What’s Not Included

• Remaining meals.

Tour Dates

• April 29, May 13, September 16, and October 7, 2012.

Skill Level

Moderate to Difficult. Daily cycling distances range from approximately 25 to 36 miles per day over hilly terrain.

Day-To-Day Itinerary

1. Arrival in Casares.
2. Casares - Jimena de la Frontera, 25 mi.
3. Jimena de la Frontera - Alcala, 32 mi.
4. Alcala - Conil, 39 mi.
5. Rest day, Conil
6. Conil - Zahara de Las Atunes, 25 mi.
7. Zahara de Las Atunes - Tarifa, 28 mi.
8. Departure from Tarifa.

DAY 1 Sunday (collection 1600 hours / Terminal II Arrival Zone / near Tourist Information window)
Pick up Malaga Airport / 1 ¼ hour shuttle to our first night in Casares - a beautiful Moorish village steeped in history and charm with fine views to the Mediterranean and Africa. Here your leader will walk you on a short tour through the village’s narrow lanes to the castle followed by an orientation chat and a welcome group dinner.

If you are arriving into Malaga 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 4:00pm and will return to the airport *around 10:00am when you are returning home. For your comfort and convenience please bear these times in mind when you are booking your flights.

Please note late arrivals will need to make their own way to Casares. This can be done by taxi direct from the airport (around €100). An airport bus option to Marbella from the airport is also available (€4), then you can taxi to Casares from here for about €50.

If you arrive early to the airport there is plenty to do. You can take either the shuttle bus (frequent), or train (every ½ hour) into Malaga city centre (15 min / 1-2 euros max). Here you can visit the Picasso Museum or enjoy a 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 lockers (reliable).

DAY 2 Monday: Casares - Jimena de la Frontera, 41 km/25 mi.
It is a gentle start to your week as you pass through orange and avocado groves of the Guadiaro River then along the winding, tree-lined lanes that border one of the Med’s most important National Parks. Easy country lanes in lush surroundings! Group dinner not provided tonight and many good options available.
Level: Easy to Moderate – Gravel section 5 km

DAY 3 Tuesday: Jimena – Alcala, 51 km/32 mi.
Cycle the charming Jimena to Alcala parkway through the stunning Alcornocales National Park and rolling countryside protected by cork forests, river valleys and glimpses of wildlife such as wild boar, deer and vultures. Quiet tarmac roads with plenty of scenery en route! Group dinner provided this evening.
Level: Moderate – Challenging with some extended climbs (this is the most difficult day!)

 DAY 4 Wednesday: Alcala - Conil, 62 km/39 mi.
Your journey today takes you through the pretty, open landscapes and traditional bullfighting countryside via the lovely Medina Sidonia pueblo. Passing Vejer de La Frontera we soon arrive to the lovely coastal town of Conil. Group dinner included and you can look forward to our tapas & sherry orientation tour this evening!
Level: Moderate with some hill passes.

DAY 5 Thursday: REST DAY – Conil (on the coast)
Your Rest Day offers a wide range of experiences. In Conil you can relax and do a little sight seeing, 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). Cadiz and Seville cities are now a short bus ride away if an urban escape is what you desire. Or, if you wish to ride more, we offer a lovely self-guided day trip to the beach (approx 16km each way). Dinner is not provided today and there is a wide selection available in Conil.

DAY 6 Friday: Conil - Zahara de Las Atunes, 40 km/25 mi.
This morning we set off 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! Many swim opportunities today! We arrive to the beach side resort of Zahara de las Atunes and enjoy an evening Atlantic sunset with views to the African continent.

DAY 7 Saturday: Zahara de las Atunes – Tarifa, 45 km/28 mi.
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 southern most 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 the 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. Dinner is not included tonight but your leader will organize a final celebratory meal together.
Level: Moderate – easy: rolling and undulating countryside with many flat areas to coast!

DAY 8 Departure based on group travel time
Return morning shuttle to Malaga Airport (depending on group needs) for your continuing travel or return home. Departure for the  airport is usually around 8:00 a.m. for the 2 hour shuttle. For those wishing to travel onto Seville or other destinations in Spain, Tarifa (and Algeciras) offer very good transport hubs.

Please note - Itinerary is subject to slight changes and/or direction of travel but quality will not be effected.

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Questions? Call us! 877-965-2064 or e-mail us