Hotel Al Lago, Zahara de la Sierra
This charming hotel is family-run by chef Stefan Crites and his wife Mona, originally a textile designer from New York. The rooms are wonderfully decorated and the restaurant is renowned in the region.
Between Seville and Granada lies a region filled with pueblos blancos (white villages) including Zahara de la Sierra, Setenil de las Bodegas, Ronda and others. Stay in luxury at hotels in Seville, Ronda, La Bobadilla and in Granada with 6 full days of cycling. It’s a hilly, yet scenic region and in spring and fall, has ideal temperatures and a festive atmosphere. You’ll dine at fabulous restaurants, tour and taste at bodegas, enjoy Flamenco and get to know some locals that will offer a warm welcome. Bienvenido a Andalucia.
Only Great Explorations:
- Small groups, extraordinary guides and authentic experiences
- Ride along the picturesque Guadalquivir River, a ride you will never forget
- Order off the menu at restaurants you won’t find in guidebooks
- Distinctive, charming hotels too small for larger groups
- We design and operate our own trips so there are only good surprises
Andalucía is hilly and does not have as many secondary roads as in other countries we operate trips in, so there is inevitably more traffic but still moderate on the roads we choose. Because of the distance between Seville and Granada and between hotels, there are strategic shuttles on this trip. Because the trip starts from Seville and finishes in Granada, we include your hotel in each of these; should you want to spend additional days in either, we are happy to book that and add to your invoice.
Straight Talk
Andalucía Biking
Seville
Seville, Spain
Day 1
Ronda
Ronda, Spain
Day 2+3
Loja
Loja, Spain
Day 4+5
Granada
Granada, Spain
Day 6+7
Trip Inclusions
What’s Included
- Services of one or more experienced Great Explorations guide(s)
- Support vehicle
- 6 nights lodging
- All breakfasts, 2 lunches, and all dinners but 1
- Entrance fees for selected tastings, historical sites and museums
- GPS routes and maps
- All baggage transportation
- All transportation from initial meeting point to final drop-off
What's Not Included
- Bike rental
Particulars
Departure Dates
| 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|
| Apr 5-11 | Apr 4-10 |
| Apr 19-25 | Apr 18-24 |
| May 3-9 | May 2-8 |
| May 17-23 | May 16-22 |
| Sep 6-12 | Sep 5-11 |
| Sep 20-26 | Sep 19-25 |
| Oct 4-10 | Oct 3-9 |
| Oct 18-24 | Oct 17-23 |
Trip can start at any date. Self-guided and custom trips also available. Call or email for details.
Trip Size
4-16 participants
Total Days
7 days / 6 nights
Arrive/Depart
Seville / Granada
Activity Level
Moderate
20-40+ miles daily
Van supported
Terrain
Varied with some hills
Cost
Land Cost
US $3,950
Includes 6B/2L/5D
Single Supplement
US $1000
Bike Rentals
Hybrid Bikes: US $320
Racing Bikes: US $420
E-bikes*: US $480
Pre-trip Extension
Seville
2 Night Extension
US $695 per person
Single supplement: US $295
Includes two nights’ hotel accommodation, breakfast each morning, and a half-day guided walking tour.
3 Night Extension
US $1,095 per person
Single supplement: US $495
Includes three nights’ hotel accommodation, breakfast each morning, and a half-day guided walking tour.
Post-trip Extension
Granada
2 Night Extension
US $695 per person
Single supplement: US $295
Includes two nights’ hotel accommodation, breakfast each morning, and a half-day guided walking tour.
3 Night Extension
US $1,095 per person
Single supplement: US $495
Includes three nights’ hotel accommodation, breakfast each morning, and a half-day guided walking tour.
*E-bikes are generally available but are on an ‘on request basis ‘ and will be confirmed on receipt of your booking registration. E-bikes provided are the best rentals available in the region. Our regular fleet of hybrid and race bikes are fun to ride and light and fast, but if having an e-bike will make your trip, we’ll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable.
Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. All prices quoted are U.S. dollars but we gladly accept payment in Canadian dollars also. Due to cancellations and waiting lists, trip availability fluctuates daily. If you have any questions or would like to confirm space on this trip before making your reservation, please contact us at info@great-explorations.com or by telephone at 604.730.1247
Getting There
You can reach Seville either by plane (direct flights from Barcelona) or by train (about 3 hours from Madrid and 6 hours from Barcelona). We will meet on Day 1 of the trip in Seville at 2 p.m. and transfer to Zahara de la Sierra.
1
Day 1
Zahara de la Sierra
Arrive to Seville. We meet at 2 p.m. at our meeting hotel and shuttle to Zahara de la Sierra, a beautiful town overlooking the El Gastor reservoir. Take a warm-up ride around the valley before dinner at our hotel.
Distance: 28 km; 625 m gain or 60 km; 800 m gain
2
Day 2
Zahara de la Sierra to Ronda
Our ride options boast views of the Sierra de Grazalema mountain range (the longer option visits charming Grazalema) and an invigorating climb reaches Ronda via the El Tajo Gorge. Stroll through the atmospheric town of Ronda before dinner at a favourite restaurant in the historic center.
Distance: 34 km; 780 m gain or 50 km; 1,520 m gain
3
Day 3
Ronda
Today you’ll discover more of the white villages that dot the countryside around Ronda. Setenil de las Bodegas is perhaps the most charming of the pueblos blancos, built into the cliffs above the rio Trejo. There is also an option to ride south to the village of Juzcar, uniquely painted blue (rather than white, for a Smurf movie!), For wine aficionados, we’ll tour (and taste) at the bodega of Descalzos Viejos, a wine estate started in the 1500’s. This is an OYO night for dinner and there are lots of great restaurants to choose between.
Distance: 45 km; 950 m gain; Add-on loop: 46 km; 1,150 m gain
4
Day 4
Ronda to El Chorro
Depart Ronda east along a road through the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park. Swoop downhill to the village of El Burgo and then to the renowned town of El Chorro, a climbing and hiking mecca. Take a walk along the famous Caminito del Rey through a dramatic gorge. You’ll stay tonight at the atmospheric hotel La Garganta,
with swimming pool and excellent restaurant.
Distance: 60 km; 965 m gain
5
Day 5
El Chorro to Antequera
If you haven’t already explored Caminito del Rey, you’ll want to see the walkway pinned along the steep walls of the narrow gorge in town before departing. Ride east from El Chorro with an invigorating climb to start the day. Stop for morning coffee in Valle de Abdaljis, a mecca for paragliding, climbing and boasting rich archeological finds. This region is known for olive oil production and you’ll ride on quiet roads through wonderful scenery. Arrive to Antequera and it’s fascinating dolmen, vast nature preserve of Torcal de Antequera and the centuries-old Alcazaba Moorish fortress. It’s a hidden jewel of Andalucia with pretty plazas and atmospheric streets. We’ll stay at the 4-star Parador Antequera. Tonight will be a free night for dinner and you can choose between over 100 restaurants (we’ll provide our favourites).
Distance: 32 km; 750 m gain or 43 km; 950 m gain
6
Day 6
Antequera
You’ll have two options today: The easier loop reaches pretty village of Archidona, at the foot of Pico del Conjuro mountain. You can ride up to the castle above town that has a fascinating history and then enjoy lunch in the main plaza at an atmospheric restaurant. For those that want to climb some, another option takes you to the ‘pueblo blanco‘ village of Villanueva de la Concepcion. Either way, you’ll want to spend some time back in Antequera at the fortress and seeing the many sights of the city in the afternoon and then enjoy some pool time at the hotel before another exquisite dinner.
Distance: 50 km; 615 m gain or 47 km; 1,120 m gain
7
Day 7
Depart
Depart Antequera by train and reach Granada in 49 min.
Parador de Ronda, Ronda
Nestled in the heart of Ronda, the Parador de Ronda offers stunning views of the Tajo Gorge and a blend of historic charm and modern comfort, perfect for an unforgettable stay.
La Garganta, El Chorro
Formerly a flour factory, this charming hotel boasts views over the Gaitanes Gorge and is steps from the famous Caminito del Rey. Enjoy the swimming pool after your arrival and then delight in the restaurant with stunning views.
Parador Antequera, Antequera
This contemporary 4-star hotel has large guest rooms, a large outdoor pool and elegant restaurant and lush gardens in a peaceful setting. It is close to the 14th century Alcazaba de Antequera and walking distance to historic Antequera.
Tour Reviews
I had a wonderful trip. The route we followed was extraordinary. The guides were extraordinary and very well organized and all round lovely people to be with. Our Travel Advisor was very helpful answering questions.
Great accommodation, wonderful routes, excellent guides. Spectacular scenery. Tour of Ronda and dinner/wine tasting at the Bodega were terrific.
Great accommodations. Great hotels and food. My favourite was the last night’s dinner. Excellent caring and knowledgeable guides.
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