The Ultimate Tour of Andalucia

Welcome to the start of your cycling adventure in Pizzara! Nestled in the serene Guadalhorce Valley, this quaint town, positioned at the Sierra del Hacho’s foothills, remains a testament to the region’s agricultural heritage, largely untouched by the urban sprawl of nearby Malaga.

Pizarra is celebrated for its historical edifice, the Palacio de los Condes de Puerto-Hermoso, a 19th-century palace that played a significant role during the Spanish-Morocco War. Another gem is the Museo Municipal de Pizarra, where an impressive collection of archaeological finds, spanning Roman to Moorish eras, awaits your exploration.

Your Andalusian cycling adventure truly begins today. The route from Pizarra unfolds along the verdant Guadalhorce Valley, guiding us past the stunning natural landmark of El Chorro, with its imposing cliffs that command attention and respect.

The journey continues alongside the deep blue waters of Ardales, offering tranquil views that contrast sharply with the rugged landscapes encountered earlier. Our path gently winds up the Turon Valley, an ascent that gradually reveals the serene beauty of Andalusia’s countryside, dotted with olive groves and citrus orchards.

The day’s destination, El Burgo, emerges as a quintessential white village perched on the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park’s outskirts. This area, known for its natural beauty and biodiversity, offers a serene backdrop to our day’s end. El Burgo, with its narrow streets and traditional Andalusian architecture, provides a glimpse into the rural heart of the region, inviting exploration and relaxation after the day’s ride.

Fuelled by a hearty breakfast, we embark on a ride that promises to be as breathtaking as it is challenging. Today’s journey takes us deep into the heart of the Sierra de las Nieves, ascending the Víbora pass. This climb, surrounded by towering pines, offers expansive views to the east, providing a stunning backdrop as we navigate through Andalusia’s rugged terrain.

The descent from the Víbora pass is a thrilling ride, where each turn reveals new vistas and the landscapes gradually transition to reveal the historic villages of Teba and Cañete. These villages, crowned with ancient castles, stand as silent witnesses to the region’s rich history, offering a glimpse into Andalusia’s past.

Our destination, Setenil de las Bodegas, is a village unlike any other. Renowned for its unique dwellings carved into the rock overhangs above the Rio Guadalporcun, Setenil offers a fascinating blend of natural beauty and human ingenuity. The village’s streets and houses blend seamlessly with the natural rock, creating a captivating landscape that has to be seen to be believed.

Your journey today leads you from the unique architecture of Setenil de las Bodegas through the breathtaking landscapes of Ronda’s vineyards, set against the striking backdrop of the Grazalema Natural Park’s limestone peaks. The route meanders along the serene Zahara-Gastor reservoir to the enchanting white village of Zahara de la Sierra, crowned by its magnificent castle—an ideal spot for a midday pause and perhaps a leisurely lunch.

The challenge ahead, the ascent to Puerto de las Palomas, promises to be the week’s highlight in terms of elevation gain and the panoramic vistas it offers. With ample time allotted for a steady climb, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views over the reservoir and towards the Penon del Gastor mountain. Midway, a viewpoint overlooks the Garganta Verde or Green Canyon, a dramatic gorge carved by the Rio Verde, where the sight of griffon vultures soaring against the cliff faces is truly mesmerizing.

Reaching the top of Puerto de las Palomas, we take a moment to celebrate our achievements and soak in the landscape’s vast beauty. The descent towards Grazalema presents a postcard-worthy view of the village, with its traditional whitewashed buildings and tiled roofs nestled among majestic peaks. Grazalema, renowned for its handwoven woollen blankets and culinary delights, is equally celebrated for its picturesque setting.

Today offers a gentler start, as there’s no need to pack up; our loop ride will bring us back to Grazalema. The day kicks off with a climb to the Boyar Pass, standing proudly over 1,000m, where breathtaking views stretch across the Tavizna valley and towards the dramatic Salto del Cabrero gorge.

What follows is an exhilarating descent, dropping over a thousand meters and leading us past the quaint village of Benamahoma, through the pine-clad Albarracin range, and eventually to the town of El Bosque. This descent not only offers a rush of adrenaline but also showcases some of Andalusia’s most stunning landscapes.

Our journey today leads us to the mesmerizing town of Ronda, majestically perched atop the El Tajo canyon, offering views that are as breathtaking as its history is deep. Departing from Grazalema, we weave our way through forests of holm oak and cork, with the landscape opening up as we near Montejaque, a village cradled by the rocky Sierra under the watchful gaze of El Hacho mountain.

The day’s significant challenge lies ahead, with a climb following the village of Jimera de Libar. This ascent, while demanding, offers ample time for a steady pace, encouraging us to soak in the surrounding beauty. The route then leads us through Juzcar, before tackling another climb through Los Riscos, an area renowned for its weather-sculptured rock formations that herald our exit from the Genal Valley towards the Natural Park of Las Nieves.

What follows is a well-earned descent into Ronda, where the evening promises relaxation and exploration. Ronda, with its medieval cobbled streets, offers a wealth of experiences, from delving into the tales of infamous bandoleros at the local museum to tracing the history of bullfighting in its elegant bullring. The old town, accessible via the iconic Puente Nuevo, showcases exquisite Moorish architecture, with stunning views down into the Tajo gorge and the enveloping mountains.

On this final day of riding, we traverse the northernmost edge of the Sierra de las Nieves National Park, embarking on a journey that combines the natural splendour of Andalusia with the charm of its white towns. As we make our way towards El Burgo, the route offers a gentle mix of relaxing village stops and breathtaking viewpoints over the national park, providing ample opportunities to soak in the serene beauty and reflect on the week’s adventures.

Our journey today is a celebration of Andalusian cycling, weaving through landscapes that have captivated us from the start and revisiting towns that now feel familiar. The choice of pueblos blancos for our breaks today allows us to savour the unique atmosphere of these traditional Andalusian villages one last time.

As we return to Pizarra, the sense of accomplishment is palpable, enhanced by the knowledge that we’ve explored some of the most beautiful and historic corners of Andalusia on two wheels. 

As the sun rises over Pizarra, marking the beginning of new journeys, we gather our memories of Andalusian roads, majestic mountains, and the timeless beauty of pueblos blancos. Until we ride together again, may the roads be kind, and the wind always be at your back. Safe travels, amigos.