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A great opportunity to see the famous white village of Andalusia up close. Roll with us through Southern Spain's finest countryside, beautiful National Parks, remote white villages and rides along the beaches of the Costa del Luz (coast of light). From Bandit hide-a-ways to Pirate coves and the battle of Trafalgar site - this is an exciting part of the world still very undiscovered - offering one of the finest blends of cycle touring in all of Europe.
The Coastal Explorer takes you places others rarely see. Expect five days of completely diverse riding over some of Andalucia's most historic and culturally varied routes. Highlights of the tour include exploring the White Villages, National Parks, vineyards, scenic coastal roads and classic routes of the Torro (bull) and Sherry. Charming hotels and tasty authentic food en route add to the experience. Riding is a combination of quiet back roads and stunning parkways. Andalucia is a hilly region yet we have done our best to guide you through the most beautiful areas without shattering you on the climbs! The seaside riding days and views to the African continent are especially rewarding...
You can sample the variations in local cuisine, taste the wines and Sherries, perhaps visit a Feria (Fiesta) and act spontaneously should an interesting event occur! Your trip leader offers a free nightly interpretive tour at each destination to ensure you get the most from your experience.
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A downloadable version of the itinery is available from the Resources Tab
Itineraries
Day 1
Arrive Malaga Airport
Pick up Malaga Airport / 1 ¼ hour shuttle to our first night in Casares - a beautiful Moorish village steeped in history and charm with fine views to the Med and Africa. This evening your guide will orientate you around Casares village followed by a welcoming dinner in a local tavern. Hotel Rural Casares where each room offers a balcony with stunning views over the village itself and usually Africa and the Med Sea on a clear evening.
Day 2
Casares to Jimena de la Frontera 41 km
A gentle start to our week as we pass through orange and avocado groves of the Guadiaro River then along the meandering lanes that border one of the Med’s most important National Parks, the Alcornocales. Easy, quiet country roads in lush surroundings with thousands of years history. This afternoon is an optional free interpretive walk to the Moorish Castle or you can relax around the village square or the charming Casa Henrietta where we spend the night.
Day 3
Jimena to Alcala de las Gazules 53km
Cycle the charming Jimena to Alcala parkway through the stunning Alcornocales National Park blessed with cork forests, lush river valleys and glimpses of wildlife such as wild boar, deer, lynx vultures and eagles. Quiet tarmac roads with breathtaking scenery on route! A fantastic day for nature that finishes in the historic Moorish stronghold of Alcala de las Gazules village.
Day 4
Alcala to Conil (coast) 58 km
Today´s journey rolls through the pretty, open landscapes, vineyards and traditional bullfighting tierra across open valleys and meadows adorned with wildflowers, natural herbs, cork, almond and olives and a wide array of birds. Nearing the Atlantic coast, we encounter the enchanting medieval centre of Vejer de la Frontera, a former Moorish Kingdom set in a stunning cliff top setting with a splendid historic quarter. Soon after, arrive to Conil (beachside), for 2 nights in the 4 star Hotel Conil Park or similar.
Day 5
Rest day – Conil
Your Rest Day offers a wide range of experiences. In Conil you can relax, swim at the hotel or do a little sightseeing - sampling the local tapas and vino in one of many bars in Conil´s historic quarter. Alternatively, visit a sherry bodega, stroll the endless beaches or see the famous equestrian show in Jerez (home of Flamenco). Cadiz and Seville cities are a short bus ride away and well worth the visit. Or, if you wish to pedal more, head up to Vejer (approx 16 km each way), or ride the forested paths around Conil itself.
Day 6
Conil to Zahara de Las Atunes 40 km
Our first destination is Canos de Meca where in 1805 Lord Nelson’s navy fleet defeated the French and Spanish in the Battle of Trafalgar before moving onto the Pirate backwaters of Barbate where General Franco regularly sought refuge from the rigors of his own Dictatorship. After a short walk to the watch tower or a swim on a quiet beach, take a coastal lunch of sardinas and a cold cerveza and arrive to the beach side resort of Zahara de las Atunes by mid afternoon. Be sure to take a swim in the pool in Hotel Porfirio or Hotel Pozo del Duque before enjoying an Atlantic sunset and vistas of the African continent
Day 7
Zahara de las Atunes to Tarifa 45 km
Cycle the colourful beach paths and forested coves to Bolonia to visit a magnificent Roman site before carrying on through magnificant landscapes and dunes leading to Tarifa – the most southerly point of continental Europe and the gateway to Africa. Tarifa is like nowhere else in Europe. It blends Moorish African culture with a thriving adventure industry centred on surf and wind sports. The old quarter with its Guzman Castle, ramparts and labyrinth of small courtyards is just exquisite – not to mention the wide range of great tapas bars and cafes on hand! It is also the main corridor for migratory birds between Africa and Europe and offers insight into flora and fauna that is unique to the entire continent. The vibe here is tremendous and it leaves a very fond impression of Spain.
Day 8
Based on group travel time
Return morning shuttle to Malaga Airport for your continuing travel or return home. We usually depart for the airport around 8.00 a.m. for the 2 hour shuttle. For those wishing to travel onto Seville or other destinations in Spain - Tarifa (and Algeciras city) offer very good transport hubs by bus or train
- 7 nights accommodation in hotels
- 3 dinners with wine included
- Return transfers to/from Malaga ( set time )
- Guide in support van
- Daily baggage transfers
- Daily route details and maps
- Helmet rental and gel seat pads, toe clip options on request
Bike hire is not included in tour price:
€100 supplement for 21-speed hybrid bike,
€225 supplement for E-Bike
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I highly recommend anything that Irish Cycling is involved with – it is so nice to travel knowing that you’re so well looked after!
Susan Brown (Coastal Explorer Guided 2012)
It was the best ever cycle trip that we’ve done. The route was spectacular. All the hotels we stayed in were so neat – and very clean & comfy. Some of them were hundreds of years old – those were my favourites.
Susan Brown (Coastal Explorer Guided 2012)
We really, really enjoyed our bike trip to Spain and absolutely loved our guide. This was our first time in Spain and we will return. The people are open and friendly, the food fantastic and the countryside and different oceans were delightful.
Kathy M. (Coastal Explorer group 2014)
I had a wonderful time on the trip and felt it was well organized. The group leader was very helpful in making sure our bikes were comfortable and working properly. Water and snacks were provided when the biking areas did not have shops/cafes. The guide also helped with translating Spanish to English for hotel/restaurants.
Anjali Milano (Coastal Explorer Group 2016)
The bike trip was great. Your people in Rhonda were exceptional and the bikes were very good. The accommodations were wonderful. On the day it rained heavy, we were driven by taxi to the next hotel.
Bill Haring (Andalusian White Villages 2016)
The Cycling holiday was great and aided by some fantastic weather. Our guide /mechanic was excellent. The cycle route was ideal, as was the accommodation and food. My bike was very good. We are certainly considering doing another cycling tour of a different country sometime in the near future, thanks.
Bill Lathrop (Andalusian Coastal Explorer 2016)
ANDALUSIA GROUP TOUR 2024
€1610 per person sharing
€1850 for single occupancy
Bike hire is not included in the price
€100 hybrid bike
€240 e-bike
Self Guided Tour Information
Self guided tours are not available on this route.
How to get to the starting point in Casares:
We recommend flying to Malaga International Airport.
We then organise a set transfer to the start point (Casares) approx 1hr 15 mins.
For more details please have a look at the tour dossier.
As always please contact us in the office for more information (info@cyclingsafaris.com).
CASARES
HOTEL CASARES - 2 star rural superior
Centrally located in this "very photographed" Moorish white village. Great views of the Med, Africa, Arabic castle and the entire village from your room & balcony. Typically Andalucian, this quality hotel has clean, charming facilities and a great atmosphere with unique Moroccan décor.
Jimena de la Frontera
Casa Henrietta – Rural Family Inn
Boutique Family Inn / A coverted traditional village house with a local charm that is irresistable. Expect to be dazzled by the variety of room designs and take time out to enjoy the village itself in all its glory! Located in the heart of Jimena village, it's the most popular boutique Inn of the region. Free Wifi connection.
Alcala de las Gazules
HOTEL SAN JORGE - 3 star
A mode, comfy village hotel with spacious rooms right in the centre of Alcala village offering all mode conveniences. From here we can explore all aspects of the village and sample the local cuisine, sherry and cured hams. Free Wifi connection.
Conil
CONIL PARK HOTEL – 4 star
A lovely seaside village with fabulous untouched beaches. Conil Park Hotel is a tastefully designed 4 star sea side resort with swimming pool, garden areas and only minutes walking from both the beaches and Conil´s historic quarter adoed with tapas bars and shops. Free Wifi connection.
Zahara de Las Atunes
HOTEL PORFIRIO – 3 star
A very comfortable and superbly designed hotel with swimming pool, gardens and all mode conveniences located near the beach in this Atlantic coastal town. Minutes walk to the white sands and ‘chiringuito’ beach bars of the Costa del Luz. Free Wifi connection.
(OR pending season we use the sister hotel / 3 star also):
Tarifa
HOTEL ALAMEDA – 2 star
superior rural / Located centrally in Tarifa’s old town, minutes from the bustling fishing and ferry ports and superb beaches. Built into the Fortress walls of the Guzman Castle, it is central to many tapas bars surrounding pretty open courtyards. Tarifa boasts a vivid day and night atmosphere with a frontier like feel within short range of Africa. Free Wifi connection.