Cycling in Sierra de Grazalema
Cycling in Sierra de Grazalema
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:
Tour code:
554
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Age range:
12-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
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
Itinerary
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
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Accommodation
6 nights at comfortable accommodations in en-suite rooms
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Meals
6 breakfasts
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Luggage transport on all cycling days (1 piece up to 20kg per person)
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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
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24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative
What's Not Included
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Flights and airport transfers
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Lunches and dinners, drinks and snacks
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Additional transfers
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Bike rental
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Travel insurance
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Tourist city taxes
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Personal expenses
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Any items not specifically mentioned as ‘included’ in the programme
Check out our Q&As
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes we can, please contact us for details
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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)
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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.
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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.
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Are flights included in this tour?
No, international flights are not included
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
This will be provided on all documentation
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.
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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)
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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.
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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.
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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
Book with Confidence
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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.
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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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