Southern Spain
Introduction
Our Southern Spain cycle tour explores the Axarquia region of Andalusia, stretching from the eastern side of Malaga to the beautiful town of Nerja. You’ll get the opportunity to take in the scenery of Lake Vinuela and the mountains over the Zafaraya Pass too.
You’ll experience the best climate in Europe, along with clear roads and fabulous coastal and mountain routes.
Cycling
You arrive in Malaga on Sunday and transfer to our accommodation near Nerja, (our 7 day base). Nerja has a welcoming seafront promenade with views of the Mediterranean and surrounding mountains. Below, you’ll find sandy beaches and cliffside coves. The town has plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants with an abundance of shops. You can also explore Cueva de Nerja, a nearby cavern with unusual stalactites and stalagmites.
The tour runs from Sunday to Sunday with 6 days cycling, including both coastal and mountain routes. You’ll be provided with plenty of coffee and water to maintain good energy levels.
This tour is aimed at cyclists who like a challenge but is such that the mileages aren’t too long to ensure that the climbs are achievable for most regular cyclists. However some hill training beforehand is essential. Our cycling guide will be on hand to offer guidance and encouragement, and our support van will wait at convenient points along each route to provide assistance.
Highlights
- Ride through picturesque towns of Andalucia
- Fabulous coastal and mountain routes
- Best climate for cycling in Europe
- Good quality, traffic free roads of Spain, ideal for cyclists
Arrival / Departure Transfers
We are offering transfers to and from Malaga airport, which provides flight options from several UK airports. Our transfer bus will leave no later than 3.30pm for the 1 hour journey to Nerja, so your flight will need to arrive at least 1 hour before then.
For anyone travelling with their bike, depending on the numbers, there may be an extra charge if we need a vehicle with a trailer.
Accommodation
Your accommodation will be on a bed and breakfast basis in a locally based private villa with pool, just minutes away from the beach. The trip is costed on a twin share basis, although single rooms may be available on payment of a single supplement of £250.
Meals
Breakfast will be included at the villa and a pack-up lunch will be provided.
You will need to purchase your own evening meals, which are usually eaten communally although of course you are free to opt out if you wish.
We will carry emergency energy gels and bars in the support van but you are advised to bring along your own preferred sports nutrition to fuel your ride.
In the Tour Plan, (B, L, D) refers to meals included in the trip cost i.e. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Bike Transfers
We will happily transport your bike to Nerja and back at no extra charge. If you drop your bike off at our Sheffield office up to four days before departure we will carefully pack it in the support van, drive it to the start and then return it to Sheffield ready for you to collect. If that isn’t convenient then depending where you live we may be able to collect your bike on our journey from Sheffield to Dover. Please get in touch with us to discuss arrangements.
Alternatively for those not wanting to take their own bike there are several bike hire shops available in Malaga & Nerja. Contact us for details.
Tour Plan
The route of this tour is flexible and should be seen as a guide only. Local conditions, weather or fitness could lead to changes in our daily plans. All times and distances are approximate.
- Destination
- Depart fromNerja, Spain (via Malaga Airport)
- Return fromMalaga, Spain
- Road surfacesFlat coastal roads, hills and mountains with some technical descents. Tarmac (conditions can vary).
- Bike TypeRoad bike
- IncludedSouthern SpainAccommodationLunchCycling guideGPX filesVehicle supportBaggage transferAirport transfers
- Not IncludedEvening meals (unless specified)Bike hireTravel to start & from finishInternational flightsTravel insuranceVisas
FROM OUR GALLERY
Arrival Day
Competa
60 km - Elevation gain 1200m
We start the week off with a climb to the whitewashed village of Competa, located seven hundred metres above sea level with stunning views of the surrounding mountains, countryside and Mediterranean, Competa has a labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets that date back to Moorish times with its main centre, the Plaza Almijara, dominated by a magnificent sixteenth century church. This bustling square is one of the best places for us to enjoy a break before we descend back down to the coast. For those whose legs are still feeling fresh there is the option to climb to the picturesque village of Frigliana. Just seven kilometres north of Nerja and voted the 'prettiest village in Andalucía' by the Spanish tourism authority, Frigliana sits high on a mountain ridge overlooking the sea with spectacular panoramic views.Malaga
101 km - Elevation gain 547m
Today we take the coastal road all the way into the city of Malaga. Malaga is an overlooked gem with its profusion of museums, delightful pedestrianised centre, a contemporary leisure complex in the port as well as fascinating monuments, from Moorish and Roman times through to modern day. The ride provides an opportunity to briefly explore what Malaga has to offer, should you decide to return later in the week or at the end of your trip. We think you will be pleasantly surprised by this intriguing city. (B,L)Zafarraya Pass & Alhama De Granada
135 km - Elevation gain 2,030m
This is our toughest and longest day in the saddle as we tackle the spectacular U-shaped Zafarraya Pass (El Boquete de Zafarraya), which marks the boundary between the provinces of Málaga and Granada and can be seen for miles around. Standing impressively over 900 metres above sea level, the Pass has been used for centuries as a key route through the sierras, linking lands south-west of Granada, with the towns and villages along the coast, east of Málaga. We will have time to recuperate at the top in the village of Ventas de Zafarraya before pushing on to our lunch stop at the pretty, ancient spa town of Alhama de Granada. (B,L)Lentegi
90 km - Elevation gain 1,521m
This route will give us an opportunity to explore east of Nerja along the Costa Tropical in the Granada province. The route traces the rugged coastline from Nerja to the town of Almuncar before heading up in to the mountains to the village of Lentegi. (B,L)Lake Vinuela
88 km - Elevation gain 1,403m
Today we head inland to ride to Lake Viñuela. This idyllic spot attracts writers, artists, photographers and those who just take pleasure in the countryside in one of the best year-round climates. Lake Viñuela is a reservoir that not only provides much-needed water for the surrounding area but has also been instrumental in creating a picturesque landscape within an already glorious rural locale. (B,L)Comares
110 km - Elevation gain 1,187m
We finish our tour with a ride to Comares, one of the highest pueblo blancos in Andalucía. The village can be spied for miles around, rising high above the surrounding countryside and resembling a natural extension to the craggy rock face. The village keeps disappearing from view as the windy country roads dip and curve round a succession of hairpin bends! We then retrace our steps and descend back down to the coast before returning to our villa and relaxing before our final group meal. (B, L)Departure Day
TOUR DATES
| Sunday 10th to Sunday 17th October 2021 |
| £1190 per person |
| Spaces Available |