Cycling in Sierra de Grazalema

Cycling in Sierra de Grazalema

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tourhub | The Natural Adventure | Cycling in Sierra de Grazalema | 554
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Cycling in Sierra de Grazalema

7 Days Starting in Ronda and ending in 29400 Ronda, Málaga, Spain

Visiting: Ronda, Olvera, Zahara de la Sierra, Benaocaz, Jimera de Líbar, Benaoján

Tour operator:

The Natural Adventure

Tour code:

554

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

High, Moderate to strenuous

Age range:

12-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:
English
Trip Styles:

Active, Adventure Tours

Activities:

Cycling

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Cycling in Sierra de Grazalema will let you discover a pristine nature reserve, home to many endemic species, as well as the typical Andalusian Pueblos Blancos perched on scenic hilltops. The rolling hills of Andalucía provide ideal terrain for a cycling holiday, with all the pre-historic cave paintings, Moorish villages and Roman architecture that you will explore during this active itinerary. This is a circular route, starting and finishing at the town of Ronda, of which poet Rainer María Rilke wrote: “I have searched everywhere for the city of dreams and have finally found it in Ronda”. Holm and cork oaks and citrus trees adorn the countryside leading to the Sierra de Grazalema, where you will be able to enjoy varied cycling terrain, and on day 5, you will also have the chance to stop for a walk in the Natural Park.

Highlights

  • Fabulous terrain for cycling: gently rolling hills, olive orchards, quaint farmland, Moorish towns

  • Roman remains, pre-historic cave paintings and the stunning bridge at Ronda

  • Friendly, typically-Andalusian villages with a charming atmosphere

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrival In Ronda

Location: Ronda

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel San Francisco or similar

Meals Included: No Meals

Today you arrive in Ronda, a beautiful historical hilltop town and one of Andalucía’s “pueblos blancos”. Depending on the time of your arrival, you can spend the rest of the day exploring its charming streets.

Day 2 : Ronda To Olvera | 37Km

Location: Ronda, Olvera

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Mesón Fuente del Pino or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your first day starts with an ascent to Arriate to Setenil de las Bodegas, perched on rocky cliffs overlooking the River Guadalporcun. You then continue via Torre Alhaquime to reach the pretty village of Olvera, surrounded by open farmland and vast olive groves.

Cycling for the day: 37 km, ↑450 m

Day 3 : Olvera To Zahara | 48Km

Location: Olvera, Zahara de la Sierra

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hostal Los Tadeos or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today’s route follows narrow tarmac roads through the local farmlands, reaching the town of Algodonales, where you will experience the contrast of white-washed buildings among a variety of earth tones. Zahara de la Sierra is another magnificently-situated cliff-top village.

Cycling for the day: 48km, ↑700m

Day 4 : Zahara To Benaocaz | 39Km

Location: Zahara de la Sierra, Benaocaz

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Posada El Parral or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

You start the day with a tough ascent of 470m to reach Grazalema, and then cycle onward to Benaocaz, coming upon sections of an ancient Roman road en-route. The historical town centre of Benaocaz is of Moorish origin, with a church built on the site of a former mosque.

Cycling for the day: 39km, ↑700m

Day 5 : Benaocaz To Jimera De Líbar | 40Km

Location: Benaocaz, Jimera de Líbar

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Molino del Santo or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

First, you cycle down to Ubrique, the largest of all white villages with lots of bars, restaurants and shops. Then you start to climb along a quiet interior road and cross the largest cork oak reserve of Spain as you cycle around the central Massif of the Grazalema mountains. You will enjoy magnificent views while you cycle down into the green valley of the river Guadario. The following 10km section is downhill, taking you to the train station in Jimera de Líbar, where you will get on the train to Benaojan for a short ride to your cosy rural hotel. In case there is no train departure soon, or you prefer to cycle more, you can add another 9.5 km (with an additional elevation of 385m).

Cycling for the day: 40km, ↑550m ascent (+ optional 9.7km/ ↑385m if you cycle between Jimera and Benaojan)

Day 6 : Benaoján / Jimera De Líbar Back To Ronda | 14 Or 26Km

Location: Benaoján, Jimera de Líbar, Ronda

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel San Francisco or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

This part of the trip takes you back to Ronda by way of the Encinas Borrachas pass (at 1,000m), on the road from Gaucín to Ronda. The route is scenic and short, with two ascents of 350m. The day’s reward will be the descent to Ronda and the grand entrance by crossing the town’s spectacular bridge. If you prefer to skip the ascents, you can cycle directly from Benaoján to Ronda on an alternative route or take the train.

Cycling for the day (option 1): 26km, ↑800m
Cycling for the day (option 2): 13.5km, ↑450m

Day 7 : Departure

Location: Ronda

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your programme comes to an end this morning after breakfast.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    6 nights at comfortable accommodations in en-suite rooms

  • Meals

    6 breakfasts

  • Luggage transport on all cycling days (1 piece up to 20kg per person)

  • Detailed digital holiday information pack

    Including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps. Please note that the info pack is emailed to you prior to departure, and no printed documents are mailed or provided on-site

  • 24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative

What's Not Included

  • Flights and airport transfers

  • Lunches and dinners, drinks and snacks

  • Additional transfers

  • Bike rental

  • Travel insurance

  • Tourist city taxes

  • Personal expenses

  • Any items not specifically mentioned as ‘included’ in the programme

Check out our Q&As

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    Yes we can, please contact us for details

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    Supplement applies to members of a group who require a single room / single use of a double room This holiday is available for solo travellers; a supplement will be charged as accommodation and luggage transfer costs are not shared (we never mix and match – solo travellers will be accommodated in single rooms)

  • When to go

    The tour can depart on any day of the week from 22nd February to 15th June and 11th September to 26th November; the blackout periods are 21-31 March 2024 (Easter), 7-14 May 2024 and 16 June – 10 September. The weather is most pleasant in the spring and autumn; July and August can be quite hot.

  • Difficulty and terrain

    We rate this trip as Moderate to Strenuous. Demanding cycling in areas where you cannot avoid steep and extended ascents of up to 750m. The daily distances are approximately 40 – 50km. The trip is most suitable for cyclists with some previous experience, who are in good physical shape and can train well before the tour. You can also rent an E-bike which makes the trip practically accessible to everybody.

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    No, international flights are not included

  • Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

    This will be provided on all documentation

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    The Natural Adventure was founded by people who love hiking and cycling in wild and wonderful places. Places that we want to keep that way. Responsible tourism has, therefore, been at the heart of what we do since the get go.

  • Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

    In April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 crisis, we launched the Support Local Communities Initiative. We have enabled an option when booking a tour for customers to make a donation to support our local partners. 100% of the donations go directly to our local suppliers.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Whether you’re travelling on your own, as a couple, a group of friends, or a family, our self-guided holidays allow you the freedom to choose your own holiday companions.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Our self guided walking and cycling holidays typically include: Accommodation, Breakfasts, Luggage transfers, Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps, 24/7 phone assistance by our local representative and/or our central office

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Accommodations in double or twin rooms (solo travellers are usually accommodated in single rooms at an extra cost; we never mix and match)

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If possible, and entirely at the discretion of the Tour Operator, a change of the dates may be possible without charging an amendment fee, provided that it is requested at least 30 days before the departure date. In some cases, we will still have to pass to you any non-refundable charges imposed by our suppliers. In all other cases, change of dates will normally be treated as a cancellation.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    All places have been carefully checked by us and their quality is regularly monitored. We have selected accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    The Natural Adventure was founded in the UK in 2009, by Peter Duncan, former UK Chief Scout and BBC Blue Peter presenter, and Alex Pazderski, an avid hiker and acclaimed expedition kayaker. Both natural adventurers and keen explorers of wild places and trails, remote communities and responsible tourism partners, Peter and Alex founded our company inspired by the responsible travel values t

Reviews of this operator

Kicki Neely  

Walking Fishermens trail in western…

19-Sep-2022

Walking Fishermens trail in western Portugal will be a memory for life. We loved every minute of our week. All arrangements worked perfectly, from accommodation to luggage transport to questions we had before setting off. Our local agent met with us before we started the walk and we felt very reassured by his local knowledge and support. All accommodation was different, local, clean, friendly and easy to find. Very good value for money. I can really recommend Natural Adventure company and we will be back for more adventures. Many thanks Kicki Neely and friends

Marian Wilkins (Google Reviewer)  

A friend and I did...

25-Jan-2024

A friend and I did the Alps to the Riviera walk in France at the end of 2021 and it was the best holiday experience either of us has ever had. It’s an amazing way of immersing oneself in the countryside and getting the full flavour of the country away from the tourist attractions. The Natural Adventure Company made perfect arrangements for us, gave us clear directions and was just a call away, to sort out any issues. The walk gave us incredible memories that will enrich us for a lifetime. I am in the process of booking my next wonderful adventure and I can’t wait to get started!

Cynthia Shinn (Google Reviewer)  

I have been working with...

26-Feb-2024

I have been working with The Natural Adventure for a few years now and it's been a flawless experience. I have now booked 4 different trips (4th to happen in April 2023). Accomodations have been great and local operators (bikes, hiking guides and boats) have all been great. The rates are very fair and trip selections are great. Hoping to see some boat bike options in Greece and Turkey!

Ellen Taylor-Powell  

Great communications, customized trip

20-Aug-2022

This is our first time using Natural Adventure to plan a hiking trip in Europe. I wanted an 8-day hike to start on a certain date to explore a northern region of Portugal. They were so accommodating - customized our trip to meet our needs with responsive communications and full itinerary; everything has been taken care of. We look forward to the trip!!

Linda Giovine (Google Reviewer)  

We hiked the Kerry Way...

02-Jun-2022

We hiked the Kerry Way with Natural Adventure and it was terrific. Outstanding views and good Irish weather. Some days were longer than expected due to placement of Bed and Breakfasts. Hosts were warm and helpful even dried our gear and shared local secrets. Irish hospitality in high gear.

Tim Fuhs (Google Reviewer)  

My wife and I booked...

14-Sep-2023

My wife and I booked the Lechweg short break hike with the natural adventure company this Fall and we’re very happy with our experience. I noticed one of the reviews questioning what they (natural adventure co) provide. That’s a fair question and from my perspective as a USA citizen, they provided a very important liaison/conduit role into the EU that would be prohibitive or downright impossible for a non EU citizen hiking/biking in Europe. In addition, I have found that in dealing directly with a few European companies directly, information does not always flow as smoothly as we like. The natural adventure company’s communication style fit our liking perfectly in that we receive a fast and thorough response with every question. They are prompt and helpful. They did subcontract with another company for boots on the ground support but the hotel reservations and itinerary were in house. We would definitely use the natural adventure company again no question.

Beverley Young  

Highly Recommended

03-Aug-2022

All the way through from booking, correspondence afterwards and now a wonderful holiday. The Natural Adventure have been helpful and have provided a brilliant holiday. The hikes each day are cracking, maps & routes are detailed and easy to follow. The hotels are great too. Completely love our holiday! Would definitely use The Natural Adventure again and recommend.

Jeroen van kesteren  

This was our first ever cycle holiday…

17-Nov-2022

This was our first ever cycle holiday so expectations where high. And Natural Adventure delivered with a vengeance. Everything was so well organised and friendly. Our contact at HQ Dalila was friendly, concerned and lightning fast in her responses. The trip itself was well designed to show you a lot in a short timespan but dayly distances where very doable leaving lots of time to divert or spent in the lovely overnight towns. The hotels ranged from cosy and homey to lavish and extravagant which was a real nice surprise at every end of the day. We will defintely be back for more! TNX SO MUCH GUYS!

Nigel Homer (Google Reviewer)  

Just finished our around Zugspitze...

20-Jun-2022

Just finished our around Zugspitze walk. The walking was not too strenuous through an amazing landscape. Hotels were of a good standard and food generally excellent. I would definitely recommend to anyone who was reasonable fit.

James Bailey (Google Reviewer)  

AVOID OR BOOK DIRECT Whilst I’d...

02-May-2024

AVOID OR BOOK DIRECT Whilst I’d 100% recommend hiking the Camino, unfortunately I couldn’t recommend The Natural Adventure Company to anyone. We signed up for the Relaxed Portuguese Camino - however, the organisation was woeful. None of the private transfers showed up, the welcome pack wasn’t delivered on time, and many of the hotels were well-below standard - including one where the manager was extremely aggressive to both us and other customers. During the trip, there was no proactive support from the Natural Adventure, and their customer service was appalling. Even after the tour, I tried to contact the company to draw their attention to the myriad of other 1 star reviews for the hotel in question - which includes reviewers stating the hotel owner physically assaulted them - but unfortunately they weren’t interested. As other reviews have pointed out below, you should also beware that The Natural Adventure simply subcontract the entirety of their tours to other providers. So if you still want to sign up for this tour, you could cut out the middle man and book the EXACT same tour directly with Portugal Green Walks - for less money!

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    The Natural Adventure requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 42 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of the natural adventure charges.

    Up to 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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