Southern Spain: Ronda and the white villages

Upon arrival in the charming Ronda, you’ll have time to explore this historic town. Stroll through the narrow streets, admire the impressive Tajo Canyon, and soak in the atmosphere at one of the lively squares. End the day with a delicious dinner as you look forward to the cycling tour that begins tomorrow.

You begin your tour with a stunning route through the hills south of Ronda. The climb to Faraján offers impressive views, while the descent through the green landscape takes you to charming villages like Alpandeire and Juzcar. Along the way, there are plenty of opportunities to pause at a local café and soak in the tranquility of the surroundings. The final kilometers take you through a spectacular moonlike landscape, followed by a long descent back to Ronda.

Today’s itinerary features a varied ride that mostly follows quiet country roads. You’ll descend into the valley of the Rio Guadiaro and climb through charming villages like Montejaque towards Grazalema. The longer route takes you through cork oak forests to the hilltop village of Grazalema, one of the most beautiful white villages. Both routes end at the picturesque Zahara reservoir, where you can explore the stunning village before spending the night here.

You start with a descent to the Zahara reservoir, followed by a gentle ride towards Algodonales, with its charming village square and inviting terraces. Along one of the oldest railway routes, now the Via Verde, you’ll cycle through tunnels and across viaducts surrounded by nature and impressive rock formations. The day ends in Setenil, where houses are carved into the rocks, and the unique atmosphere will enchant you.

This loop ride takes you through a stunning hilly landscape to a Roman theater and the charming white village of El Gastor. The route is a mix of challenging climbs and relaxing descents through picturesque valleys. Take your time to enjoy the views and discover the rustic charm of this region. At the end of the day, you’ll return to Setenil to unwind after this beautiful ride.

Today, you’ll cycle through peaceful, remote landscapes to the village of Cañete la Real, where a short but steep climb rewards you with stunning views of the surroundings. Following quiet roads, you’ll reach the turquoise reservoir of Ardales. Here, you’ll stay overnight in a hotel beautifully situated by the water, the perfect place to rest your legs after this adventurous day.

The final stage takes you along the serene Ardales reservoir and through the charming village of El Burgo. Here, you can enjoy a coffee break before tackling the challenging climb to the Puerto del Viento. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the mountains and Ronda, your final destination. A long, relaxing descent leads you back to where the journey began.

After breakfast, our tour comes to an end. Depending on your plans, you may still have time for a final stroll through Ronda.

For this trip, difficulty level 3 is based on the use of an e-bike. If using a regular trekking bike, the difficulty increases to levels 4 to 5.

Difficulty Level 3:
This level is suitable for average recreational cyclists. The routes are manageable, not too long, but may include some elevation. Trails may feature extended sections of unpaved hard pack terrain (gravel), but they are always easily rideable. One or two days might involve slightly longer or more challenging rides. Daily distances typically range between 30 and 50 kilometers, with 200 to 400 meters of elevation gain.

Difficulty Level 4:
This level is designed for experienced and well-trained cyclists. The routes are longer with significant elevation gain. One or two days may be particularly demanding. Daily distances usually range from 50 to 70 kilometers, with 600 to 1,000 meters of elevation gain.