Andalusia (Southern Spain)
- Cycle the best parts of Andalusia including El Torcal de Antequera, Puerto de las Palomas, and El Chorro
- Spend three nights in the beautiful and historic town of Ronda
- Perfect cycling climate with early and late-season sun
- Cheap and regular flights between Malaga and UK regional airports and beyond
- Comfortable and friendly 3* hotels with experience catering to cyclists
- Excellent support from two expert, fun guides with two of our customised support vans, focused on making your holiday the very best it can be
Days on the bike
Quote
Excellent - It was great to have several options, meaning you could choose how difficult a route to do based on how you felt each day. The riding itself was fantastic with amazing roads and scenery.
Introduction
Showcased by the Vuelta d'Espana every August, Andalusia (Andalucía in Spanish) has to be one of the best places in Europe to ride a road bike. The scenery is varied, the roads well surfaced and there are a multitude of beautiful climbs to experience. On this cycling holiday, we explore the province of Málaga, home to several Natural Parks, as well as the geological sculptures of El Torcal de Antequera, the gravity-defying walkway of El Chorro, and the beautiful Moorish hill town of Ronda, where you'll spend three nights.
This is a Marmot Classic style holiday so you'll have a choice of routes daily, you can cycle at your own pace and stop when you like, giving you the ultimate flexibility throughout the week. There will be around 20 riders on the tour, which usually means three to four smaller groups form naturally, made up of riders with similar aspirations and fitness levels to one another. This means that nobody feels held up, or as if they are holding up other cyclists. With exceptional support from our two expert guides and fully kitted-out support vehicles, it's our goal that you have the best possible cycling experience, one that you'll never forget!
With an abundance of flights from Europe and beyond, the perfect climate for cycling in the shoulder months of the summer, great hotels, and mouth-watering Andalusian cuisine, there are very few reasons not to come on this road cycling holiday in Spain!
For the latest travel advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
✓ Included in your Holiday cost:
- 6 days of stunning cycling with route options daily
- Detailed GPS route files provided for all route options
- On-the-road support from two friendly and knowledgable guides both in customised support vehicles
- Water and unlimited snacks (fruit, cake, nuts, snack bars etc) at support stops
- 7 nights twin-share hotel accommodation including breakfasts
- 6 three-course evening meals, with wine, beer or soft drinks included
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure days at specified times
- Our photos of you and your holiday, shared with you after the trip
- Tips paid to evening meal restaurant staff on behalf of the group
- Your money financially protected by ABTOT
- Added consumer confidence and support via our ABTA membership
+ Optional extras subject to availability for a supplementary cost:
- BOOKED IN ADVANCE: Your own single-occupancy hotel room for the whole trip
- BOOKED IN ADVANCE: Hire bike - titanium frame with hi spec components, safety checked by your guides each day
- ON-TRIP: Spare bike tyres, tubes and components in case you need them in an emergency
- ON-TRIP: CO2 canisters to borrow (and pay for if you use them)
- Marmot Tours x Stolen Goat cycling kit available exclusively from our online shop
×Not included in your Holiday cost:
- Flights to and from the destination airport
- Insurance for you and your own bike. See FAQs for detail
- Spending money for lunches and cafe drinks during the day. We encourage you to support local businesses
- Dinner on one night in Ronda, so that you are free to explore the local restaurants
- Tips for your guides
- Energy gels, powders, or recovery drinks/snacks (please bring your personal favourites with you)
- Spare parts specific to your own bike, definitely bring your own spare hanger! See Essential Info
- GPS navigation device and handlebar mount
- Bike lights (whether hiring or bringing your own bike)
- HIRING A BIKE: Bring your own pedals (saddles are provided but we recommend you bring your own to be comfortable)
Weather
We hope you’ll have sunshine and perfect cycling temperatures during your holiday, but obviously it’s the one aspect of your trip over which we have no control! The weather is likely to vary during your trip, and even during fine weather it can be cold in the morning and on descents. You should bring warm and waterproof layers to protect you from cold and rain.
Fitness
This Classic, flexible-pace holiday itinerary offers a lot of flexibility, with a Classic and a Challenge route available each day (and sometimes an additional easier route too - see the trip description on the webpage for details of the route options available each day). Have a look at the daily stats of distance and climbing on the trip webpage. Although we move on most days, the distance and altitude gain between hotels are manageable for most people who road-cycle regularly.
Hotels
We stay in comfortable 3* hotels with ensuite facilities. We have selected the hotels for their location and for their customer service towards cyclists. You will be sharing a twin room with another client (of the same gender) unless you book a single room for a supplement (contact [email protected] for availability). Each hotel has a garage/locked room to ensure that your bike has a comfortable night too.
All the hotels have WiFi but it is not always reliable! Some only have WiFi in reception as opposed to in individual rooms. Also, WiFi can be slower in the evenings when many riders choose to upload their routes to Strava, stretching the bandwidth.
Dietary requirements
The hotels and restaurants we use can cater for most dietary needs and allergies if we know what these are well in advance. Each day, your guides will also double-check with the kitchen, to ensure they have something suitable planned for you.
You can let us know about any special dietary requirements on the booking form or via email. Please note that we request you stick to your dietary preference for the entire trip, as it’s very complicated for the hotels (and guides) if an individual has dietary requirements for some meals and not for others.
Despite endless perseverance from us, some hotels still struggle at times to accommodate specific diets. It is possible you’ll encounter some repetitive dishes across the week.
Timings
Your day will typically start with breakfast from around 08:30 with set off time at around 09:45 to 10:15. Lunch is typically served in restaurants and cafes from 14:00 to 16:00. Depending on which route you choose each day, you’ll be back at the hotel any time between 14:00 and 18:30. Dinner is usually served at 20:30. Your guides may occasionally need to adjust these timings depending on the needs of the group or the weather conditions.
Lifts in the van
Our holidays are cycling holidays (with an emphasis on cycling!), but you are welcome to have a lift in our vans during the day if you need one, for example if you’re injured, exhausted, or unsure about riding in challenging weather conditions. If you become ill or injured and are not planning to ride for the whole day (or if you would just like a day off the bike!), then we will normally recommend that you take a taxi directly to the next hotel. This will give you the maximum possible time to rest and recover at the hotel, or to enjoy other activities off the bike.
Carbon wheels
If you have rim brakes on your carbon wheels then we definitely do NOT recommend you bring them on this holiday - this is because we have witnessed several cases of sudden and catastrophic delamination of these wheels on descents. Take a look at our blog about this issue.
Bike spares
If you’re bringing your own bike, then please also bring:
-
bike lights
-
a pump
-
tyre levers
-
inner tubes
-
brake pads
-
a chain link
-
a spare rear derailleur hanger.
Tools for bike assembly are not required as Marmot Tours has them available for you to use on arrival (including a torque wrench).
See FAQS for more detail.
Travel documents
If you are a non-EU national, to enter the EU you will need a passport issued within the last 10 years, that is also valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU.
Residents of many countries can enter the EU for short stays without a visa. From 2027, all non-EU visitors to the EU will require an ETIAS electronic travel authorisation.
Travel insurance is essential for all Marmot Tours holidays and anyone without insurance is not able to take part in the tour.
Departure Dates & Prices
We are pleased to offer some tempting discounts off the basic trip cost (not including extras such as single rooms or bike hire):
- Book & pay your deposit more than 6 months in advance of the start of your holiday for our 5% early bookers discount
- Get a group of 10+ people together for a 7.5% group discount and, as the group organiser, receive a £150 voucher for your next holiday
- Be rewarded for your loyalty by receiving a 10% discount from your third Marmot Tours road cycling holiday onwards
Please note that there is a maximum 10% discount on any holiday.
Map
Itinerary
Day 0: Arrival day
We offer included airport transfers at scheduled times during the day from Málaga Airport (AGP) to our start hotel (a journey of 30min), which is within walking distance of the historic town centre.
Check in at the hotel, assemble bikes, and enjoy the chance to meet your fellow riders at our welcome briefing, before sharing a hearty meal in preparation for the adventure ahead! Those of you on early flights may want to head out on your bikes to explore the Costa del Sol.
Day 1: Málaga to Loja
Vamos! The mountains of the Montes de Málaga Natural Park rise sharply to the north of the city and this is our playground for today! We start by climbing the Puerto del León (940m) on a spectacular road, which even does a couple of 'loop-the-loops' to gain altitude. The views are breathtaking and the sparse forest scenery is a delight.
Our Classic route continues on quiet roads over the Puerto de los Alazores (1028m) through an interesting landscape to our hotel, which commands dramatic views over the town of Loja.
Today's ride can be extended and made more challenging by taking on the Puerto del Sol (1080m).
Classic : 80 KM with 1700m ascent [ride profile]
Harder : 100 KM with 2200m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 118 KM with 2700m ascent [ride profile]
Day 2: Loja to El Chorro
Our destination today is El Chorro, and a characterful hotel with a truly spectacular view from the swimming pool!
We start by undulating through olive groves to the historic town of Antequera. The wind-carved geology of El Torcal de Antequera dominates the horizon, and this is the main focus of your ride. The Passo de El Torcal de Antequera (955m) can be reached quite easily, but it is the final 4km to El Torcal de Antequera (1215m) that gives this climb its reputation. From here, we continue around the base of the mighty mountain through a delightful landscape.
For those wanting a more leisurely ride, then there is an Easier route that passes around the Northern flanks, so it has less climbing.
We finish the day on a great little road through Valle de Abdalajis before descending steeply to El Chorro. Here you have the choice of relax by the pool, or you could take the Challenge route and cycle past the lakes to the Mirador Tajo Encantada / Alto de la Mesa (603m) for a great view.
Easier : 76 KM with 960m ascent
Classic : 102 KM with 1700m ascent
Harder : 109 KM with 1970m ascent
Challenge : 128 KM with 2400m ascent
Day 3: El Chorro to Ronda
The Caminito del Rey is a walkway pinned along the steep walls of a narrow gorge in El Chorro - it has in the past held the title of most dangerous path in Europe! It's certainly no place to take a road bike, but we start the day looking up at this masterpiece of engineering.
Our destination is the historic and beautiful town of Ronda (where we stay in a town centre hotel for the next three nights), and we take a slightly obscure route over the stunning Puerto del Viento (1078m) to get there.
As always, there are extra routes for those wanting more of a challenge. Starting the day by nipping up to the Mirador Tajo Encantada / Alto de la Mesa (603m) is a good option, as is detouring over the Puerto de los Martínez (713m)and Puerto de las Abejas (823m).
Classic : 79 KM with 1600m ascent
Harder : 89 KM with 1930m ascent
Challenge : 111 KM with 2300m ascent
Day 4: Day ride from Ronda - Puerto de Encinas Borrachas
You have the option of taking today as a rest day to enjoy the hotel pool and explore the many beautiful and historic sights of Ronda.
There are also several options for those that want to ride. We start by heading over the Alto de Benaoján (707m) on smooth surfaces linking together picture-perfect Andalusian whitewashed villages. From here you can choose to head back to Ronda over the Puerto de Encinas Borrachas (1029m) with spectacular views, or detour further over the Puerto del Espino (780m) and the Cañada del Real Tesoro (625m).
For those wanting even more, the Sendero El Pimpollar (700m) is a tempting addition!
**Tonight's dinner is not included so you are free to explore the many fine restaurants in Ronda.**
Easier : 50 KM with 1200m ascent [ride profile]
Classic : 77 KM with 1660m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 103 KM with 2300m ascent [ride profile]
Day 5: Day ride from Ronda - Puerto de las Palomas
The Parque Natural de la Sierra de Grazalema to the west of Ronda is a delightful place to explore on a day ride from Ronda. Heading over the Puerto de Montejaque (714m) we enjoy a wonderful descent to the base of the challenging but spectacular climb to the Puerto de las Palomas (1189m).
From the top you have the option of returning to Ronda or looping down into the cork tree plantations and back over the Puerto del Boyar (1111m) - certainly a challenging optional extra!
Classic : 84 KM with 1600m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 139 KM with 2900m ascent [ride profile]
Day 6: Ronda to Mijas
It's your last day in the saddle so bidding farewell to Ronda, we skirt the eastern edge of the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park. Our route takes in the Puerto El Saltillo (885m) and the rural plains to the Puerto del Aire (950m) - this is all beautiful cycling country!
From El Burgo, we continue south over the Puerto de las Abejas (823m), heading to the Mediterranean. We finish our tour of Andalusia with a glorious traverse around the base of the Sierra de Mijas to our hotel for the evening.
Those choosing the challenge route, however, must first take on the savage gradients of the Antena Mirador Benalmadena (920m) - the views are worth it!
Easier : 85 KM with 1500m ascent [ride profile]
Classic : 104 KM with 1800m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 117 KM with 2300m ascent [ride profile]
Day 7: Departure day
Sadly, all good things must come to an end and it's hometime. We offer transfers back to Málaga Airport (AGP) throughout the morning (a journey of 30 min).
For those of you on the later transfers, there's plenty to be done in Mijas and the hotel swimming pool has a particularly nice view!
✓ Included in your Holiday cost:
- 6 days of stunning cycling with route options daily
- Detailed GPS route files provided for all route options
- On-the-road support from two friendly and knowledgable guides both in customised support vehicles
- Water and unlimited snacks (fruit, cake, nuts, snack bars etc) at support stops
- 7 nights twin-share hotel accommodation including breakfasts
- 6 three-course evening meals, with wine, beer or soft drinks included
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure days at specified times
- Our photos of you and your holiday, shared with you after the trip
- Tips paid to evening meal restaurant staff on behalf of the group
- Your money financially protected by ABTOT
- Added consumer confidence and support via our ABTA membership
+ Optional extras subject to availability for a supplementary cost:
- BOOKED IN ADVANCE: Your own single-occupancy hotel room for the whole trip
- BOOKED IN ADVANCE: Hire bike - titanium frame with hi spec components, safety checked by your guides each day
- ON-TRIP: Spare bike tyres, tubes and components in case you need them in an emergency
- ON-TRIP: CO2 canisters to borrow (and pay for if you use them)
- Marmot Tours x Stolen Goat cycling kit available exclusively from our online shop
×Not included in your Holiday cost:
- Flights to and from the destination airport
- Insurance for you and your own bike. See FAQs for detail
- Spending money for lunches and cafe drinks during the day. We encourage you to support local businesses
- Dinner on one night in Ronda, so that you are free to explore the local restaurants
- Tips for your guides
- Energy gels, powders, or recovery drinks/snacks (please bring your personal favourites with you)
- Spare parts specific to your own bike, definitely bring your own spare hanger! See Essential Info
- GPS navigation device and handlebar mount
- Bike lights (whether hiring or bringing your own bike)
- HIRING A BIKE: Bring your own pedals (saddles are provided but we recommend you bring your own to be comfortable)
Weather
We hope you’ll have sunshine and perfect cycling temperatures during your holiday, but obviously it’s the one aspect of your trip over which we have no control! The weather is likely to vary during your trip, and even during fine weather it can be cold in the morning and on descents. You should bring warm and waterproof layers to protect you from cold and rain.
Fitness
This Classic, flexible-pace holiday itinerary offers a lot of flexibility, with a Classic and a Challenge route available each day (and sometimes an additional easier route too - see the trip description on the webpage for details of the route options available each day). Have a look at the daily stats of distance and climbing on the trip webpage. Although we move on most days, the distance and altitude gain between hotels are manageable for most people who road-cycle regularly.
Hotels
We stay in comfortable 3* hotels with ensuite facilities. We have selected the hotels for their location and for their customer service towards cyclists. You will be sharing a twin room with another client (of the same gender) unless you book a single room for a supplement (contact [email protected] for availability). Each hotel has a garage/locked room to ensure that your bike has a comfortable night too.
All the hotels have WiFi but it is not always reliable! Some only have WiFi in reception as opposed to in individual rooms. Also, WiFi can be slower in the evenings when many riders choose to upload their routes to Strava, stretching the bandwidth.
Dietary requirements
The hotels and restaurants we use can cater for most dietary needs and allergies if we know what these are well in advance. Each day, your guides will also double-check with the kitchen, to ensure they have something suitable planned for you.
You can let us know about any special dietary requirements on the booking form or via email. Please note that we request you stick to your dietary preference for the entire trip, as it’s very complicated for the hotels (and guides) if an individual has dietary requirements for some meals and not for others.
Despite endless perseverance from us, some hotels still struggle at times to accommodate specific diets. It is possible you’ll encounter some repetitive dishes across the week.
Timings
Your day will typically start with breakfast from around 08:30 with set off time at around 09:45 to 10:15. Lunch is typically served in restaurants and cafes from 14:00 to 16:00. Depending on which route you choose each day, you’ll be back at the hotel any time between 14:00 and 18:30. Dinner is usually served at 20:30. Your guides may occasionally need to adjust these timings depending on the needs of the group or the weather conditions.
Lifts in the van
Our holidays are cycling holidays (with an emphasis on cycling!), but you are welcome to have a lift in our vans during the day if you need one, for example if you’re injured, exhausted, or unsure about riding in challenging weather conditions. If you become ill or injured and are not planning to ride for the whole day (or if you would just like a day off the bike!), then we will normally recommend that you take a taxi directly to the next hotel. This will give you the maximum possible time to rest and recover at the hotel, or to enjoy other activities off the bike.
Carbon wheels
If you have rim brakes on your carbon wheels then we definitely do NOT recommend you bring them on this holiday - this is because we have witnessed several cases of sudden and catastrophic delamination of these wheels on descents. Take a look at our blog about this issue.
Bike spares
If you’re bringing your own bike, then please also bring:
-
bike lights
-
a pump
-
tyre levers
-
inner tubes
-
brake pads
-
a chain link
-
a spare rear derailleur hanger.
Tools for bike assembly are not required as Marmot Tours has them available for you to use on arrival (including a torque wrench).
See FAQS for more detail.
Travel documents
If you are a non-EU national, to enter the EU you will need a passport issued within the last 10 years, that is also valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU.
Residents of many countries can enter the EU for short stays without a visa. From 2027, all non-EU visitors to the EU will require an ETIAS electronic travel authorisation.
Travel insurance is essential for all Marmot Tours holidays and anyone without insurance is not able to take part in the tour.
![[ride profile]](https://marmot-tours.co.uk/storage/media/images/general/cal-d1-cl-malaga-cycling-ride-profile-23-65a010351d94d.gif){kind=link}
![[ride profile]](https://marmot-tours.co.uk/storage/media/images/general/cal-d1-ha-malaga-cycling-ride-profile-23-65a0103513c95.gif){kind=link}
![[ride profile]](https://marmot-tours.co.uk/storage/media/images/general/cal-d1-ch-malaga-cycling-ride-profile-23-65a0103518aa2.gif){kind=link}
![[ride profile]](https://marmot-tours.co.uk/storage/media/images/general/cal-d4-ea-25-profile-of-cycling-route-ronda-andalusia-encinas-borrachas-marmot-cycling-holidays-mg6ssu63-wol7v-68dc0b671347e.gif){kind=link}
![[ride profile]](https://marmot-tours.co.uk/storage/media/images/general/cal-d4-cl-25-profile-of-cycling-route-ronda-andalusia-encinas-borrachas-marmot-cycling-holidays-mg6ssu63-v0b9x-68dc0b66bf20f.gif){kind=link}
![[ride profile]](https://marmot-tours.co.uk/storage/media/images/general/cal-d4-ch-25-profile-of-cycling-route-ronda-andalusia-frontera-espino-encinas-borrachas-marmot-cycling-holidays-mg6ssu61-wlgv3-68dc0b66717f9.gif){kind=link}
![[ride profile]](https://marmot-tours.co.uk/storage/media/images/general/cal-d5-cl-25-cycling-route-profile-puerto-de-las-palomas-ronda-andalusia-mg6t1ozt-k44yg-68dc0d0217cf6.gif){kind=link}
![[ride profile]](https://marmot-tours.co.uk/storage/media/images/general/cal-d5-ch-25-cycling-route-profile-puerto-de-las-palomas-boyar-ronda-andalusia-mg6t1ozs-400bt-68dc0d01d121f.gif){kind=link}
![[ride profile]](https://marmot-tours.co.uk/storage/media/images/general/cal-d6-green-profile-cycle-route-ronda-mijas-viento-abejas-marmot-road-cycling-holidays-6399c8c4f34c4.gif){kind=link}
![[ride profile]](https://marmot-tours.co.uk/storage/media/images/general/cal-d6-blue-profile-cycle-route-ronda-mijas-saltillo-aire-abejas-marmot-cycling-holidays-6399c89be780c.gif){kind=link}
![[ride profile]](https://marmot-tours.co.uk/storage/media/images/general/cal-d6-red-profile-cycle-route-ronda-mijas-saltillo-aire-abejas-antena-mirador-benalmadena-marmot-cycling-holidays-6399c91604d67.gif){kind=link}