Ronda Cycling Holidays

Welcome to the beginning of your cycling journey in Spain! This day is dedicated to preparing for the adventure that lies ahead. The four days of cycling outlined in the upcoming itinerary serve as a blueprint for what promises to be an unforgettable week. Get ready to immerse yourself in the beauty, culture, and thrill of cycling in Spain.

Embarking from the historical essence of Ronda, our first ride takes us through its exquisitely preserved Moorish quarters, heading towards the Puente Nuevo, the tallest and most recent of Ronda’s three bridges, majestically spanning the El Tajo Gorge. The journey continues with a descent followed by a steady climb up to Puerto de la Calerilla, leading us through landscapes dotted with holm oak and wild olive groves, with the towering limestone peaks of Tavizna and El Hacho marking the gateway to the vast Hundidero cave system.

The route meanders down to the village of Montejaque, nestled amidst a breathtaking limestone backdrop, where a village square offers a charming setting for a mid-morning coffee break. Descending from the village, you will encounter a road that gracefully skirts the edge of the Guadiaro Valley, offering heart-stopping views down to the river below and sweeping past the entrance to the Pileta cave, a prehistoric treasure trove of cave paintings.

The journey continues into the fertile valley floor, setting the stage for the main climb of the day past almond and olive groves, winding up towards the pristine white village of Jimera de Libar. The ascent continues, unfurling stunning vistas of the Serrania de Ronda, a landscape of deep valleys and lush chestnut and oak forests.

As the new day dawns, casting the dramatic orange sandstone cliffs of Ronda in the soft morning light, you embark on a route that encompasses the iconic Puerto de las Palomas (Pass of the Doves), a staple in Andalusian cycling lore. Departing Ronda, a thrilling switchback descent leads to your initial climb, the steady Puerto de Montejaque. Cresting the pass, the majestic Grazalema mountain range unfolds before you, its complex limestone structures towering over the surrounding pastures and pine forests.

Your journey continues on silk-smooth roads, descending towards the vibrant turquoise waters of the Zahara reservoir, with the route hugging its banks and gently climbing to Zahara de la Sierra. This hilltop town, crowned by its dramatic 12th-century Nazari castle, offers inviting terraces for a brief coffee respite before the ascent of the formidable Palomas Pass at 1,347m. The climb is an unforgettable experience, with switchbacks slicing through the landscape of El Torreon, the highest peak in the range, home to the rare Pinsapo pine. The ascent reveals breathtaking views and a unique perspective of this stunning landscape.

Reaching the summit of Palomas Pass offers a sublime vista, with sweeping views of the lowlands to the north and west. The descent to Grazalema is equally memorable, with the town’s iconic Penon Grande peak and pan-tile roofs coming into view. Grazalema, a picturesque white village, is a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts and artists alike.

Today’s ride ushers you into the heart of the Parque Natural Sierra de las Nieves via an accessible road that ascends towards the Puerto de la Ventilla. As we climb, a breathtaking panorama unfolds before us: to the right lies the vast Alto Genal, the gateway to the Genal Valley, adorned with a lush chestnut forest that transitions into steep, terraced ravines for olive, almond, and citrus groves. 

To your left, the scenery shifts dramatically to expansive pine forests that climb towards jagged limestone peaks and bulging mountainsides. Upon reaching a plateau, we are greeted with awe-inspiring views that stretch to the Mediterranean, Gibraltar, and even the Rif mountains of Morocco.

Your journey continues with a serpentine descent towards Pujerra, a secluded whitewashed village of Moorish heritage, where time seems to stand still. The village square provides a welcoming spot for morning refreshments and an opportunity to engage with the local community.

Leaving Pujerra, the route leads you towards Igualeja, nestled at the source of the Rio Genal. A challenging climb on a narrow lane rewards us with a thrilling descent peppered with corners and undulations, guiding us past the unique limestone formations near the village of Cartajima. The road’s twists and turns offer a playful descent towards Juzcar, leading us through chestnut orchards to the picturesque village of Alpandeire, dominated by its impressive 16th-century church.

Setting off from Ronda, the early kilometres of today’s ride introduces you to the Puerto del Viento (Pass of the Wind), where a smooth ascent over 12 km brings you to the pass at 1,100m. The landscape transitions from olive groves to the expansive mountain vistas of the Sierra de las Nieves, a natural habitat for wild goats and eagles.

The view from the pass, offering a sweeping panorama of Ronda and the Grazalema mountains, is truly spectacular. Descending from this elevation, we navigate through a lunar landscape into the welcoming shade of pines, leading to a thrilling descent towards El Burgo. The village presents breathtaking views of the Turron Valley, with the deep blue ribbon of the river carving through the landscape below.

The rugged and complex Sierra de las Nieves, reaching nearly 2,000m at Torrecilla, is a testament to nature’s wild beauty, with its twisting ravines and hidden valleys once providing refuge to outlaws.

The journey continues beneath the limestone cliffs of Padrastro, leading to a serene descent to Alcala del Valle and Cuevas del Becerro. The final stretch over the Saltillo Pass through majestic dehesa landscapes gently guides you back to Ronda, concluding a day marked by breathtaking climbs, descents, and the untamed beauty of Andalusian nature.

As dawn breaks over Ronda, it’s time to say farewell to the winding roads, towering mountains, and azure shores that have been our companions on this journey. From the heart-stirring climbs to the exhilarating descents, each pedal stroke has woven a story of adventure, camaraderie, and personal triumph. Though we depart from this beautiful region, the memories of our journey—from the rugged beauty of the Serrania to the tranquil Mediterranean—will remain etched in our hearts. May the spirit of this adventure inspire us until we meet again, on new roads and new horizons. Safe travels, until our paths cross once more.