Guided Granada to Costa del Sol Andalucia Bike Tour

This guided cycling tour from Granada to Estepona is a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation, designed for travelers who want to explore southern Spain in a well-planned and comfortable way. The journey begins in the historic city of Granada, famous for the majestic Alhambra and its charming old streets. From there, the route leads through rolling hills, olive groves, and picturesque whitewashed villages, offering a true taste of authentic Andalusia.

Each day brings diverse landscapes, from peaceful mountain roads to sun-lit countryside paths, with expert guides ensuring a safe and enriching experience. Support vehicles planned rest stops, and quality accommodations with breakfast included make the ride enjoyable and stress-free. The tour ends in the beautiful coastal town of Estepona, where the Mediterranean Sea provides a relaxing finish to an unforgettable cycling journey through Spain’s most scenic regions

Tour Type

Guided

Lodging

Casual+ hotels

Start

Granada

Finish

Estepona

Level

moderate to challenging

Avg. Daily Distance

55 km / 34 mi

Cycling Days

5

Group size

Min. 4, Max. 14

Fly-In

Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport (AGP)

Fly-Out

Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport (AGP)

Highlights

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Explore the Streets of Granada and Estepona

Explore the historic charm of Granada, wandering its narrow Moorish streets and admiring the Alhambra Palace. Then enjoy the coastal beauty of Estepona, with its whitewashed streets, colourful flowers, and relaxing seafront promenade.

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Winery Visit and Wine Tasting in Ronda

it’s respected as one of Andalusia’s most exciting, high-quality wine areas. The tour includes a guided winery visit and complementary wine tasting in Ronda.

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Experience the Majesty of Ronda

Reach the breathtaking cliff-top town of Ronda, known for its dramatic bridge and mountain vistas. The ride is challenging yet rewarding, showcasing some of southern Spain’s most spectacular scenery.

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Ride Through Andalusia’s Countryside

Pedal through scenic landscapes of olive groves, rolling hills, and quaint whitewashed villages. Enjoy the freedom to stop, explore, and take in the peaceful beauty of authentic Andalusia.

Itinerary

Brief Itinerary

Meals are indicated as B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.

Listed hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with similar alternatives of equal standard.

Detailed Itinerary

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Day 1: Granada

Arrive in the historic city of Granada and check into your hotel. Spend the afternoon exploring the charming old quarter, enjoying tapas in local bars, and soaking in the city’s lively atmosphere.

In the evening, you’ll meet your guide for a welcome orientation and tour briefing. Afterward, enjoy time at leisure to experience Granada’s flamenco culture or watch the sunset over the hills.

Meals: Dinner
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Day 2: Loja

After breakfast, you meet your guide and collect your bike before riding out of Granada. The route descends through the Genil River valley, leading you into peaceful rural landscapes. Along the way, you’ll pass whitewashed villages, olive groves, and quiet country lanes, feeling the scenery shift from city views to the heart of the Andalusian countryside.

On arrival in Loja, a charming town set in the foothills, you check into your accommodation and enjoy a relaxed evening at leisure.

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Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 67 km / 42 mi
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Day 3: Antequera

Start the day with breakfast before cycling toward Antequera. Although the distance is more moderate, the ride still includes meaningful climbs and beautiful scenery. Along the way, you’ll pass endless olive groves, rustic countryside, and charming villages, perfect for scenic stops and photos.

As the landscape opens up, you’ll get a real feel for authentic inland Andalusia, far from the busy tourist routes. Take your time to enjoy the peaceful roads and wide valley views before reaching your destination.

Arrival in Antequera gives you time to explore its historic centre and, if time allows, visit the impressive Dolmens site.

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Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 53 km / 33 mi
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Day 4: Caminito del Rey

After breakfast, enjoy a shorter ride through mountain-fringed terrain and quiet roads, leading to one of Spain’s most spectacular natural highlights: El Caminito del Rey.

Today is designed to give you more time off the bike, so you can truly take in the surroundings and enjoy the experience at a relaxed pace. The scenery becomes more dramatic as you get closer to the gorge area. On arrival, you may choose to take the optional walk along the dramatic cliffside pathway, soaking in the wild scenery and breathtaking gorge views.

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Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 32 km / 20 mi
Accommodation: Hotel La Garganta
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Day 5: Ronda

Today you cycle into one of Andalusia’s most iconic towns: Ronda. After breakfast, the terrain becomes more mountainous and dramatic, with challenging climbs, winding roads, and sweeping views along the way.

This is one of the most rewarding cycling days of the tour, with unforgettable viewpoints and a real sense of adventure as you approach the highlands. The final stretch into Ronda feels especially special as the town appears above the surrounding countryside.

Arrive in Ronda and enjoy time to admire its famous gorge, historic architecture, and stunning viewpoints.

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Meals:
Cycling Distance: 60 km / 37 mi
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Day 6: Ronda

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and spend the day exploring more of Ronda at a relaxed pace. Today includes a special winery experience at Bodegas Doña Felisa, featuring a vineyard walk, a guided winery visit, and a wine tasting session.

You’ll learn about the local winemaking traditions of the region while enjoying beautiful views across the vineyards and surrounding countryside. The experience offers a perfect mix of culture, scenery, and gastronomy, making it one of the most memorable highlights of the tour. After the visit, there is time to return to Ronda and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

A lunch at the winery is included, making this a perfect day to enjoy the flavours of the Ronda region along with its scenic countryside.

Meals: B L D
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Day 7: Estepona

After breakfast, you will cycle toward Estepona, covering approximately 65 kilometres as the route leads from the inland landscapes toward the Mediterranean coast. On arrival, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this charming seaside town, known for its whitewashed old quarter, colourful flower-lined streets, and long beachfront promenade.

Take time to stroll through the historic centre, visit local cafés, or explore the marina and coastal paths. Estepona’s laid-back vibe makes it a perfect place to slow down and reflect on the journey.

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Meals: B D
Cycling Distance: 65 km / 40 mi
Accommodation: Hotel Estepona Plaza

Day 8: Departure

After breakfast, your tour officially ends in Estepona. You have time to relax by the beach or explore the town at your own pace before departure. The nearest airport is Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport, located approximately 60–70 km away.

Meals: Breakfast

Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.

Map

Accommodation

Each hotel has been thoughtfully selected to ensure an exceptional and memorable experience for guests. Should the listed hotel be unavailable, we will ensure an alternative of similar quality.

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Hotel Eurostars Puerta Real (4 Star)

Eurostars Puerta Real is a stylish 4-star hotel located in the heart of Granada, offering a comfortable stay with easy access to the city’s main attractions. It features elegant rooms and modern amenities, making it a great base for exploring Granada.

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Hotel El Mirador (4 Star)

Hotel El Mirador offers a peaceful and comfortable stay with beautiful views and a relaxing atmosphere. It features elegant rooms and modern facilities, making it a great place to unwind after a day of exploring.

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Hotel Parador de Antequera (4 Star)

Parador de Antequera is a spacious and peaceful hotel set in gardens overlooking the Andalusian countryside, offering wonderful views and a relaxing atmosphere. The rooms are bright and contemporary, and the on-site restaurant serves traditional regional cuisine with fresh local ingredients, making it a great base for exploring Antequera and the surrounding area.

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Hotel La Garganta

This hotel is set in a restored historic site surrounded by stunning natural scenery, offering cosy rooms with panoramic views, an outdoor pool, and a traditional restaurant serving local cuisine, making it a great base for exploring the gorge and nearby trails.

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Hotel Parador de Ronda (4 Star)

Parador de Ronda offers an exceptional stay with stunning views over Ronda’s dramatic gorge and the iconic Puente Nuevo bridge. The hotel is set in a historic building that was once the town hall, blending traditional charm with modern comfort, spacious rooms, and terraces overlooking the valley.

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Hotel Estepona Plaza

The hotel offers modern, comfortable rooms with free Wi‑Fi and a rooftop terrace with an outdoor pool, making it a welcoming base for exploring Estepona and the Costa del Sol.

Dates and Prices

Book with Confidence: For scheduled group departures, your 20% deposit is fully refundable until 60 days before departure. Solo travellers booking 120+ days in advance can avoid a mandatory Single Supplement. See terms & conditions.



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Essential Info

Inclusions

LODGING

All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).

trip leader

Expert Trip Leader(s) who look after your every need and add meaning to your vacation.

bike

Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.

shuttle

A Van support follows the group of riders and carries all belongings.

Luggage Transfer

Transportation of luggage from one hotel to another.

meals

Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.

entrance

Entrance fees to most of the monuments and temples.

Exclusions

Airport pickup

We recommend to book direclty from airport.

Airport drop

We recommend to book direclty from your last hotel.

Beverages

Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.

Gratuity

Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.

Bikes

A great ride begins with a great bike. Our tours typically include the models listed below, though in some cases—due to height or availability constraints—we may provide an equivalent alternative.

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CORRATEC MTC Expert Trapez or similar or similar

trekking

Included in your trip price

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CORRATEC ALLROAD Travel 1 or similar or similar

gravel

Available at a surcharge

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BIANCHI T-Tronik C-Type or similar or similar

ebike

Available at a surcharge

Arrival & Departure Details

Arrival

Your tour begins in Granada, located in the Andalusian region of Spain. The nearest major airport is Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP), about 125 km (78 miles) away. From the airport, you can reach Granada in roughly 1.5 to 2 hours. The most convenient options are ALSA intercity buses, direct airport transfers, or car rentals available at Málaga Airport.

The ALSA bus to Granada operates several times a day, costing around 12–18 EUR per person. Taxis or private transfers are faster, costing approximately 130–150 EUR. Once in Granada, your hotel check-in and bike fitting will mark the start of your cycling adventure.

Departure

The tour concludes in Estepona, located on Spain’s Costa del Sol. For onward travel, the most convenient departure point is Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport (AGP), approximately 60–70 km from Estepona. Travelers can reach the airport by road using private transfers, taxis, or public bus connections, all of which are readily available. Travel time to Málaga Airport generally ranges from one to one and a half hours, depending on traffic and transport choice. Participants are advised to plan their onward travel in advance to ensure a smooth departure.

Weather

The best time to cycle Andalucia is in spring (March–June) or autumn (September–November). During these months, temperatures are comfortable, ranging from 18–28°C (64–82°F), making long rides enjoyable without extreme heat.

Summer (July–August) can be very hot, often reaching 35–40°C (95–104°F), which can make midday cycling challenging.

Winter (December–February) is cooler, around 10–18°C (50–64°F), with occasional rain in the higher areas.

Overall, late spring and early autumn provide ideal conditions for cycling and sightseeing, with warm days, clear skies, and pleasant evenings.

January

Mixed

February

Mixed

March

Good

April

Best

May

Best

June

Good

July

Offseason

August

Offseason

September

Best

October

Best

November

Good

December

Mixed

Best

Good

Mixed

Offseason

What to Pack

Packing smart is essential for a safe and enjoyable cycling adventure. From essential biking gear to clothing and travel necessities, this guide ensures you're prepared for any terrain or climate.

Recommended Bicycling Clothes & Gear

  • Bicycling shoes or stiff-soled sneakers.
  • Padded cycling shorts.
  • Short-fingered cycling gloves (personal gloves are ideal).
  • Brightly colored cycling jerseys or synthetic T-shirts for visibility.
  • Synthetic cycling socks.
  • Sunglasses with UV protection.
  • Personal helmet (recommended even though provided).
  • Personal saddle (optional for added comfort).
  • Rain jacket or windbreaker.
  • Cycling water bottle (to reduce plastic waste).

Note: Helmets, gloves, and water bottles are personal items, so bringing your own is recommended for maximum comfort and hygiene.

Clothing

  • Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
  • Full-sleeved clothing for sun protection.
  • Warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings (if traveling in winter).
  • Comfortable footwear for non-cycling time.
  • Bring a compact rain jacket in case of sudden weather changes.
  • Ethnic or modest clothing for exploring towns and temples.

Other Necessities

  • Toiletries: Basic hygiene essentials, including insect/mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
  • Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
  • Plug socket adaptor.
  • Binoculars for wildlife spotting or desert landscapes.

Pro Tips

  • Pack light but plan for the varying temperatures: warm days, chilly evenings, and desert winds.
  • Use brightly colored clothing for visibility on roads.
  • Pack light to leave room for shopping.

Luggage

Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on bag. Mark your luggage with your name, address, and phone number.

Visa Information

Before venturing on your adventure, make sure you're equipped with essential travel advice, including security updates, local laws, and crucial passport and visa information. Start by visiting the official government website of your home country for accurate and reliable guidance:

Note: Passport and visa regulations can change at any time. Stay proactive by checking for the latest updates to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.

Insurance

Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.

We recommend to purchase adequate travel insurance in order to participate in our tours and protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance—including coverage for all activities on the itinerary, trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses (including Covid-19), and personal liability—travel with greater peace of mind.

Is proof of medical insurance required?

Yes. You must provide your insurer's name, policy number, and emergency contact via our reservation form. This is mandatory. If you cannot provide proof, you’ll need to purchase insurance before traveling with us.

Can I use my credit card insurance?

Yes, as long as it meets our requirements and provides adequate coverage. Ensure you have an emergency contact number and policy number available.

When should I buy travel insurance?

Purchase travel insurance as soon as you've paid in full or booked your flights.

Does Art of Bicycle Trips sell travel insurance?

We do not sell travel insurance directly, as we believe our customers should have the freedom to choose a policy that best suits their needs. However, we recommend Insured Nomads as a great starting point.

Frequently Asked Questions

A guided bike tour includes a professional local guide who rides with you throughout the trip. The guide handles navigation, manages daily logistics, ensures safety, and shares cultural insights. In addition to the guide, you also have a support vehicle that transfers luggage, provides water/snacks, and offers on-route assistance or a lift whenever needed. You simply follow the guide and enjoy a fully supported experience.

Your guides are local cycling experts, fluent in English, with deep knowledge of the region’s history, culture, and food.

On our guided tours, we ensure you begin your ride feeling comfortable and well-supported. Your guide and local team play an active role in getting your bike properly set up.

Before Your Tour

When you book, we ask for your height. This allows our local partners to select the correct frame size and prepare the bike in advance so it’s close to your ideal fit when you arrive.

At the Start of the Tour

You’ll receive a full in-person bike fitting with your guide or local representative. This typically includes:

  • Adjusting saddle height
  • Moving the saddle fore–aft (small adjustments to move the saddle forward or back for better balance and comfort)
  • Fine-tuning handlebar height and reach (where adjustable)
  • Confirming pedal preference — flat pedals are provided by default. If you bring your own clip-in pedals, our guide will help install and adjust them
  • A short test ride to check comfort

Your guide will ensure everything feels right before the tour begins.

During the Tour

Throughout the trip, your guide will make additional adjustments whenever needed. This is especially helpful if you discover new comfort preferences after a few hours of riding.

What to Expect

Our guided tour bike fitting is hands-on, comfort-focused, and practical, ensuring you ride safely and enjoyably each day. It’s not a detailed workshop-level fit, but it covers all essential adjustments for multi-day touring.

For guided tours, we do not provide GPX files separately, as navigation is handled by your guide. On certain occasions, if you prefer more independence, we may offer app-based navigation access with the daily routes loaded. However, please understand that this may not always be possible and depends on the specific tour setup.

Our support vehicle is always close by to make your ride worry-free. It carries your luggage, water, snacks, and spare parts, and is there if you need a quick lift or just want to rest for a while. You’ll see it at regular intervals along the route and during meal or refreshment stops. The vehicle is also used for scheduled transfers and to ensure safety and comfort along the route.

The fitness level required for each trip is indicated by the "level" of the tour, which in turn is mentioned on each tour page right next to the price and the trip duration.

Easy: The terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle climbs.

Moderate: The terrain is either mostly flat or consists of rolling hills with a few challenging climbs. There could also be a few days with longer riding distances of up to 75 kms (45 miles)

Difficult: The terrain is mostly hilly with strong elevation gains and/or has long days on the bike. Such trips are recommended for intermediate to advanced cyclists.

Please note that we usually bike around 4-5 hours per day irrespective of the level of the trip.

We’ve carefully planned the route so that most rides follow peaceful countryside roads, scenic bike paths, and quiet lanes well away from heavy traffic. On rare occasions, short stretches on busier roads may be necessary, but your guides will ensure these sections are managed safely.

While your tour price covers most of the main expenses, including accommodations, daily breakfast, and many meals, you may wish to budget for a few lunches or dinners not included in the itinerary, as well as drinks, snacks, or personal treats along the way. As a general guide, allow around US $20–40 per person per day for these additional expenses.

Our guided bike tours typically have 6–14 guests, allowing for a personalised experience.

Airport transfers are not included unless specifically mentioned in your trip inclusions.

For airport pickup, we recommend booking directly from the airport upon arrival — most airports have reliable taxi, shuttle, or app-based options.

For airport drop, please book a transfer through your last hotel — they can easily arrange it for you.

We focus on delivering exceptional experiences during your tour. For logistical simplicity and flexibility, we do not handle pre- or post-tour hotel bookings. However, we’re happy to share a list of recommended hotels near the starting and ending points of your trip so you can plan your stay independently.

We are happy to pass on your room preference for a twin or double setup, and our hotel partners do their best to accommodate these requests. However, room configurations are always subject to availability at each property.

On some of our trips—especially those that travel through remote regions or small boutique inns—room types may be limited. In such cases, despite our best efforts, you may need to stay in a double room instead of a twin, or twin instead of a double, depending on what is available.

Given the nature of our journeys and the unique places we visit, we kindly ask for your understanding and support if such adjustments are required.

We will always inform you in advance wherever possible and work closely with our partners to ensure the most comfortable arrangement for your stay.

You can exchange currency at the airport itself, or at ATMs in larger cities. Most commercial establishments will accept international credit cards for payments, though its good to carry some local currency with you at all times.

Tours run rain or shine, but we may adjust the route or schedule for safety. The support vehicle is always available.

Popular tours can sell out months ahead, especially in summer. Booking at least 9 months in advance ensures best availability.

We require a 10% deposit at booking. The balance is due 60 days before departure.

For full details, please see our cancellation policy here.

Yes. About 4 weeks before your trip, you’ll receive a Pre-Departure Information Pack with daily ride profiles, packing tips, meeting locations, and detailed itinerary.

The meeting time on Day 1 is mentioned in your travel planner shared with you. You can arrive either on the morning of Day 1 depending on the meeting time, or book a pre-tour night to arrive a day earlier.

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