Road Cycling Andalucia, Spain

Description

One of our brand-new trips for 2027 and EXCLUSIVE to Halcyon Cycling Holidays, is a series of road cycling trips, Cycling Andalucia, Spain staying at Casa Olea, a premium accommodation, expertly guided by local guide and passionate road cyclist Phil (see bio); one of the team looking after you during your stay.

Cycling in Andalucia is unique because it combines dramatic contrasting landscapes—from sun-drenched Mediterranean coastlines and arid deserts to snow-capped peaks —with a rich, slow-paced Moorish cultural heritage, pristine tarmac, and near-perfect year-round riding weather.

It's an area of contrasts:

Diverse terrain:

Extreme Contrasts: You can pedal through the semi-arid Tabernas Desert, climb the highest paved road in Europe, and ride rolling coastal routes past green olive groves all in the same region. The "Pueblos Blancos": The famous pueblos blancos (white-washed villages) offer spectacular, punchy climbs, often leading to cliffside towns like Ronda that offer breathtaking vistas and a rich sense of history.

Year round climate:

Winter Sun: It is a prime European destination for avoiding winter cold, offering reliable sunshine and mild temperatures for cyclists escaping northern climes. Four Seasons: With over 300 days of sunshine a year, riders can tackle endurance and climbing bases practically any time of year.

Culture and food:

Moorish Heritage & Tapas: Routes frequently intersect with centuries-old history, allowing you to ride past Moorish fortresses and Gothic cathedrals. Authentic Fueling: Stops in small village plazas provide excellent, authentic refueling with local tapas, olives, and fresh seafood.

Quiet roads:

Unlike bustling cycling hubs like Mallorca, rural Andalucia offers a sense of escape. The backroads and mountain passes are generally quiet, well-maintained, and boast silky-smooth surfaces, making them feel genuinely designed for riders rather than cars.

On our cycling trip, you will be staying at Casa Olea, a 5* reviewed stunning accommodation, offering superb en-suite rooms, excellent customer service and a host of quality services. Casa Olea, is a charming boutique B&B near Priego de Cordoba in the heart of Andalucia, owned and run by hosts Tim and Claire, ideally placed for visiting Granada (Alhambra), Córdoba (Mezquita) and exploring the unspoilt Sierras Subbéticas. Set in a peaceful river valley surrounded by nature, with big views and lots of space, this is the ideal place to wind down and disconnect from busy city life.

If you´re feeling active, it's an ideal place to stay and enjoy a fantastic cycling holiday and discover one of Spain´s least-known natural parks, authentic white villages and hill-top medieval castles. Enjoy healthy, home-cooked evening meals out on the terrace at night under the stars. Casa Olea has been certified a Starlight Hotel- one of the best places in Spain for stargazing! Newly-installed Electric Car Charger for stress-free EV charging while you stay, powered by solar panels.

Facilities include a stunning pool terrace with amazing views of olive groves, hills and river forest. Several shadey "outdoor lounge" areas with comfy chairs and hammock to laze in. Cosy lounge with log fire in winter. Fully-stocked bar with local wines. Beautiful terrace for al-fresco dinners under the stars. Lots of off-street parking and free wi-fi throughout the house.

As featured in The Times, Telegraph, Guardian (UK), Boston Globe (US), El Pais (Spain), Guide Routard, Lonely Planet and more. Listed in the Top 25 Best BBs/Inns in Spain on Trip Advisor. It's a top quality accommodation. All rooms are en-suite and the venue also offers bike storage.

This is cycling at its very best and most welcoming: challenging, relaxed, scenic, and designed to be about making memories as much as physical exertion. Everyone who is booked on this trip will receive a bespoke itinerary via email about one week before departure explaining every element of your trip. There are some real highlights to this trip, which are described in the itinerary. The owners of Casa Olea Tim and Claire are your hosts and Phil is ride leader(s) for the week. They will share their love of the region and passion for cycling, and this truly will be a cycling trip to remember.

To join this holiday, you will meet us at Malaga airport at a pre-allocated time (enquire or ask for details) or you can drive straight to the accommodation. There is no designated flight(s) for this trip due to the choice of airlines and frequency of flights into Malaga airport. You will need to be in the arrivals hall at the airport in the afternoon. You will need to provide Halcyon Cycling Holidays with your arrival details such as flight number, arrival time and departure airport at time of booking or call us for more information.

Highlights

• Stay in a stunning area of Andalucia, just outside Cordoba
• Explore unspoilt rural Andalucia, with its hilltop villages and panoramas
• Visit lovely Andalucian towns and villages such as Zagrilla and Carcabuey
• Enjoy delicious locally sourced food, wine and gastronomic treats
• Cycle on world class road surfaces
• Stay in one of the very best Bed and Breakfasts in Spain
• Enjoy wide sweeping panoramas and quiet backroads
• Learn all about Olive Oil production and enjoy a complimentary tasting experience as Casa Olea
• Visit an Andalucian gem, Priego de Cordoba
• Opportunity to visit historic Amedinilla
• Enjoy world class cycling with experienced Halcyon ride leader, Phil

Itinerary

This is a fully guided and supported 8 day cycling trip, professionally guided by Phil, Halcyon Cycling Holidays ride leader in Andalucia. Your hosts at Casa Olea are Tim and Claire.  

With over 10 years experience of guiding on cycling tours both in Spain and Europe, Phil brings a wealth of knowledge and a range of skills to the role. He takes pride in delivering the best experience for clients. Showcasing not just the best routes but also giving an experience of the local culture. If he's not not guiding, he's always finding new areas to ride, whilst not forgetting the important cafe or lunch stop! Having come from a design background, he left the UK over six years ago and settled in Spain where he has built a wealth of cycling knowledge. He works with many tour operators and also operates his own bespoke tours. He said recently "I have a real passion for Spanish cycling and its wonderful culture. My other passions fit perfectly alongside cycling, with them being photography and coffee. I am really looking forward to help Halcyon guests enjoy the very best of Andalucia!"

Itinerary as follows:

Day 1 – Sunday 14 March 2027

Arrival in Malaga and Casa Olea, Andalucia, Spain

Arrival at Malaga airport and transfer to Casa Olea. You must prebook your transfer at the booking stage. We can transfer bags, bikes and cyclists. Further detail is provided in the additional information section. Please note the transfer will be in the afternoon. Otherwise, if you drive to Casa Olea your hosts will welcome you on the day. Ample car parking and bike storage is available.

After settling into your accommodation, an evening meal is included at the accommodation to welcome everyone on the trip.

Day 2 - Monday 15 March 2027

Ride to Zagrilla & Carcabuey, Andalucia (31 miles/65km, ascent 1968 feet/600m)

After breakfast, everyone will meet outside Casa Olea for a ride briefing by Phil, ride leader. It's important everyone checks over their bikes before starting the ride.

Today's ride is steady to challenging, grade 3 to 4 and final destination is Zagrilla and Carcabuey. It's a nice warm-up ride, via several local villages and great scenery.  Zagrilla, often described as one of the most beautiful villages in the region, is perched higher up on the mountain and offers incredible, panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and olive groves. Its origins date back to the 10th century when it was built around natural water springs. It's an Andalucian delight!  Coffee stop in Carcabuey village which is famous for its stunning olive groves, rugged limestone mountain landscapes, and rich historical heritage spanning from Roman times to its medieval Moorish fortress. Lunch stop in Priego de Cordoba. If needed, we have the option to extend our ride to add a good climb (featured on Vuelta de Andalucia) on the way back after Priego; but it adds approx. 5 miles to the overall ride.

On our return to Casa Olea, you will have the opportunity to relax, and enjoy a drink in the bar and an authentic evening meal.

Day 3 – Tuesday 16 March 2027

Ride to Baena & Zuheros, Andalucia with panoramic views! (47 miles/77km, ascent 4300 feet/1311m)

After breakfast, everyone will meet outside Casa Olea for a ride briefing by Phil, ride leader. It's important everyone checks over their bikes before starting the ride.

Today's ride is steady to challenging, grade 3 to 4 and final destination is Zuheros.

Highlights: This ride is a mixture of big panoramas, quiet backroads, local villages, passing by the Vadomojón reservoir and skirting the natural park on the way back. Coffee stop in Baena, lunch stop in Luque or Zuheros. Baena is a famous historic hillside town  situated roughly 62 kilometres from the capital city of Córdoba, it sits gracefully on a limestone hill surrounded by a vast sea of olive trees, making it world-famous for its high-quality, designated-origin olive oil. In contrast, Zuheros is a picturesque mountain village widely celebrated as one of the traditional Andalucian pueblos blancos (white villages) and is officially recognised by the Association of the Most Beautiful Villages in Spain. This is a stunning ride full of surprises!

On our return to Casa Olea, you will have the opportunity to relax, and enjoy a drink in the bar and an authentic evening meal, as well as an authentic Olive Oil taster experience with your host Tim.

Day 4 – Wednesday 17 March 2027

Ride to Rute & Las Lagunillas (50 miles/82km, ascent 5643 feet/1720m) 

After breakfast, everyone will meet outside Casa Olea for a ride briefing by Phil, ride leader. It's important everyone checks over their bikes before starting the ride.

Today's ride is challenging, grade 4 and final destinations are Rute and Las Lagunillas.

Highlights: Probably the most challenging but also one of the best rides of the trip - good to have before the rest day! Stunning scenery throughout, heading through the natural park and passing by the biggest peaks in the area (eg Pico Tiñosa). Coffee stop in Rute, lunch stop in Priego de Cordoba. Las Lagunillas is another charming white washed Andalucian village and is widely recognized as the gateway for hiking in Pico Tiñosa , which is the highest mountain peak in Cordoba. Rute is a municipality in the province of Córdoba. It lies between Iznájar to the South East, and Lucena to the North West. Its famous for its production of foodstuffs including dozens of different makes of anise and traditional Spanish hams.

On our return to Casa Olea, you will have the opportunity to relax, and enjoy a drink in the bar and an authentic evening meal.

Day 5 – Thursday 18 March 2027 

Free day at Casa Olea, with option of shorter self-guide rides; self-guide walks from the property; or a day trip to Cordoba or you can enjoy the facilities at Casa Olea. Please note there is no meal at Casa Olea but you will have the opportunity to dine out at a local restaurant in the area with fellow guest on the cycling trip.

Day 6 – Friday 19 March 2027 

Ride to Castil de Campos & Almedinilla (47 miles/77km, ascent 5500 feet/1643m) 

After breakfast, everyone will meet outside Casa Olea for a ride briefing by Phil, ride leader. It's important everyone checks over their bikes before starting the ride.

Today's ride is challenging, grade 4 and final destination is Almedinilla.

Highlights: Very quiet backroads and big panoramas throughout, plus visiting Almedinilla. Coffee stop in Castil de Campos, lunch stop in Almedinilla. Castil de Campos is a beautiful white-washed village and a hidden gem, tucked away amongst vast olive groves .It is a peaceful, traditional Andalucian village offering quiet country life and the village features classic Spanish streets, narrow lanes, and whitewashed properties. Almedinilla is a charming and rustic Andalucian town, known affectionately as the "land of dreams", Almedinilla, is widely celebrated for its rich archaeological heritage, stunning olive groves, and traditional Andalucian architecture.  Almedinilla holds a massive appeal for history enthusiasts due to two remarkably preserved ancient sites: 

• Villa Romana "El Ruedo": A spectacular 1st-to-6th-century Roman villa complex. It features exceptionally high remaining walls, intact mosaic floors, and a grand dining room (triclinium). This site famously unearthed a world-renowned bronze statue of Hypnos (the Greek god of sleep).
• Poblado Íbero "El Cerro de la Cruz": One of the few low-age Iberian Peninsula settlements excavated in Andalusia, dating back to the 2nd century BCE.
• Historical-Archaeological Museum: Located in the town, this museum houses the extraordinary treasures discovered at both sites, including the original statue of Hypnos and ancient Iberian ceramics 

On our return to the Casa Olea, you will have the opportunity to relax (you will have earned it after today's ride), and enjoy a drink in the bar and an authentic evening meal.

Day 7 – Saturday 20 March 2027

Final day ride to Luque and Cabra (49 miles/79km, ascent 4757 feet/1450m) 

After breakfast, everyone will meet outside Casa Olea for a ride briefing by Phil, ride leader. It's important everyone checks over their bikes before starting the ride.

Today's ride is challenging, grade 4 and final destinations are Luque and Cabra.

Highlights: This is a great final ride to end with, circling the natural park and including lots of pretty white washed Andalucian villages and beautiful scenery. Coffee stop in Luque or Zuheros and lunch stop in Carcabuey. In addition the ride offers the option to include a famous climb from La Vuelta (near Cabra) if the group wants a challenge but it adds an extra 10km to the route. Luque is a historic, picturesque town famous for its Andalucian white washed alleys, sweeping views of vast olive groves and famous multi-cultural frontier history. Cabra is a picturesque Andalucian town, known for its baroque architecture, natural water springs and rich production of olive oil and wine!

On our return to Casa Olea, you will have the opportunity to relax, and enjoy a drink in the bar and an authentic final farewell evening meal.

Day 8 – Sunday 21 March 2027

Return home

After breakfast, we will all say our goodbyes and depart for home. If you have booked the transfer, cyclists, bags and bikes will be transfered to Malag airport for the return home.

Accommodation

Accommodation for our trip Cycling Andalucia is Casa Olea. Casa Olea is an award winning and highley rated small hotel in the heart of Andalucia with an enviable reputation. It is a 5* reviewed accommodation, with superbfacilities. All rooms ensuite and the price of your holiday is based on half board, which includes breakfast and evening meal. For more information about the accommodation check out casaolea.com

There is ample bike storage and charging points for e-bikes at the accommodation.

Video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLx_Krf1_kQ

The Cycling

The cycling for the week is grade 3 to 4, steady to challenging. This trip is most suitable for road bikes but other bikes types such as hybrids and e-bikes can be used. This trip is not suitable for mountain bikes. If you are hiring a bike, see additional information section for more details.

Group size: 8-10 people.

Dates & Prices

Dates 14-21 March 2027. Price for a double ensuite or twin share room ensuite is £1530. Double ensuite room for sole occupancy supplement is £465. Please note this trip is based on a half board basis which includes breakfast and evening meal.

Taste the flavours of rural Andalucia!

Come back from a day´s exploring and enjoy a freshly-prepared delicious evening meal under the stars. Casa Olea use high quality, locally-sourced ingredients to produce a range of healthy Spanish & Mediterranean dishes using seasonal vegetables and fruit.

Dependiing on the day, they offer paella (seafood or vegetarian); or popular Tabla, a “tapas platter” with local cured meats and cheeses, home-made Spanish omelette, olive tapenade and salads. See their website for more information.

For more information about the dining experience at Casa Olea visit https://www.casaolea.com/activities/taste-spanish-cuisine-bed-breakfast-andalucia

Sample their very own, limited-edition Extra Virgin Olive Oil and enjoy their original range of Spanish wines, selected personally by the hosts and including family-run wineries in Andalucia along with sherry wines from Cordoba´s Montilla-Moriles D.O. wine region.  They also stock a good range of Andalucian beers including three local craft beers.

Bike hire rates on request and is payable locally.

The price stated is per person.

Additional Info

What’s Included:

• Accommodation is in double or twin ensuite or double for sole occupancy based on a half board basis and includes breakfast and evening meal.
• Services of a ride leader and hosts. 
• Support vehicle and bike mechanic
• Bespoke and detailed itinerary emailed to you personally a week before travel
• Return transfer from Malaga Airport for bikes, bags and cyclists to accommodation if pre-booked
• Local Halcyon Cycling Holidays representation for the duration of the holiday
• Full financial protection (see booking conditions) 
• Use of facilities including swimming pool etc
• Complimentary authentic Olive Oil taster experience

What’s Not Included:

• Bike and helmets 
• Travel or flight costs or charges for travelling with your bike (if applicable)
• Meals other than breakfast and dinner
• Travel insurance
• Personal clothing and equipment
• Personal expenditure (souvenirs, bar bills, hotel facilities etc)
• Entrance fees to cultural or historical sites and visitor centres
• Other optional activities
• Tips for guides, drivers, support staff
• Transfer costs such as local taxis, minibuses to take you to meals booked at local pubs and restaurants

Transfer Information

To join this holiday, you will meet us at Malaga airport at a pre-allocated time (1pm-2pm) or you can drive straight to the accommodation. There is no designated flight(s) for this trip due to the choice of airlines and frequency of flights into Malaga airport. You will need to be in the arrivals hall at the airport in the afternoon. You will need to provide Halcyon Cycling Holidays with your arrival details such as flight number, arrival time and departure airport at time of booking or call us for more information.

Bike Hire

We work with a local bike hire supplier in the Andalucia area. There is a selection of bikes available for hire. Prices and availability on request. On all of our cycling holidays, wearing of a helmet is mandatory.

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