Hike and Bike the Serranias Tour

Andalucía Hike and Bike Tour – The Ultimate Adventure in the Serranía de Ronda!

Looking for the best Andalucía hike and bike tour? Experience the thrill of cycling and the serenity of hiking on this self-guided tour through the stunning Serranía de Ronda. Ride through breathtaking mountain landscapes, explore hidden trails, and discover the untamed beauty of Andalucía—all at your own pace. Whether you're a passionate cyclist, an avid hiker, or simply love exploring the outdoors, this tour offers the perfect blend of adventure and freedom. There are no schedules, and no limits—just you, the trails, and the adventure of a lifetime.

Journey through some of the most breathtaking landscapes surrounding Ronda.  Ride through the rolling northern hills, steeped in Roman history and lined with sun-drenched vineyards. Then, venture into the dramatic wilderness of Grazalema Natural Park, a paradise for nature lovers, where soaring limestone peaks and deep gorges await. With the freedom to explore at your own pace, visiting hidden white villages, this tour unveils the hidden gems of the Serranía de Ronda like never before. Embrace the flexibility of the Hike and Bike Serranias Tour and uncover the hidden gems of the Serranía de Ronda at your own rhythm.

Overview

 

START:  Ronda     FINISH:  Ronda

Price	From €1480 p.p. based on 2 people sharing a double or twin room with breakfast
Duration	9 days	8 nights	4 rides / 3 hikes
Distance	195km total	39 km daily avg cycling    ( 12 km daily avg hiking )
Difficulty	Moderate - This tour has been designed to follow the 'less travelled path'. Walking on pathways which are ungroomed in places and cycling on quiet roads and gravel tracks maximising taffic free routes as much as possible. Some days will be remote throughout.
Availability	March - June | Sep - November  Choose the dates which suit you. Start on any day of the week. Note: Supplements may apply during Easter week due to inflated accommodation prices.

 

Hike + Bike Serrania Tour Highlights

White Villages Ronda 'City of Dreams' - Puente Nuevo bridge and 120m gorge. Cavehouse village of Setenil de las Bodega Mountainside village on the edge of the Grazalema NP El Bosque sitting at the foot of the mountains and forest of the GNP Zahara de la Seirra perched on top of a rocky outcrop overlooking the reservoir Grazalema – the heart of the Natural Park, a historically important village with a balustraded central plaza, townhouses and annual bull-run.

Scenery & Trails Serranía de Ronda mountains & deep river valleys – dramatic limestone crags and rocky plains. Descend for 16km out of the mountains through Puerto del Boyar Acinipo, Roman amphitheatre and archeological site. Cueva del Gato – waterfall and pool. Grazalema Natural Park – remote mountain trails through holm oak and cork oak forest, See Vultures, Iberian pigs, ibex and wild deer.

Itinerary

 

Arrival Day in Ronda

Extra sightseeing days can be added on request

Upon arrival, check into your hotel and take in the breathtaking views and vibrant atmosphere of the historic clifftop town of Ronda. In the evening, you'll receive a briefing to prepare for the exciting adventure ahead.

 

Biking Day 1 - Ronda to Setenil de las Bodegas

48km +561m

The first part of today's ride takes you off the roads, following tracks through open countryside, past olive groves, vineyards, and holm oak paddocks. Along the way, you'll pass two distinct white villages - Alcalá del Valle, nestled in a valley, and Torre Alháquime, perched atop a steep hill with winding, narrow streets. As you approach your destination, Setenil de las Bodegas, the route rises into a dramatic limestone valley, where the colourful, sculpted cliffs grow taller around you. Deep within this rocky gorge, you'll discover the village’s iconic cave houses, built directly into the limestone cliffs—many of which are still used today as homes, cafés, and bars. 

Biking Day 2 - Setenil to Montejaque

34km +770m

Today starts with a cycle ride up into the hills to the remains of the Roman hilltop settlement of Acinipo. The town was built to house retired Roman soldiers and thrived in the first century AD. You'll walk up the hill to visit the amphitheatre's remains and catch views from the high escarpment across to the Grazalema mountains. From Acinipo, descend 13km into the Guadiaro valley, passing vineyards and wheat fields. Soon into the valley, you'll notice the cliffs and mountains beginning to rise above you as you follow the Rio Guadiaro. A quick stop at the cool waters of the Cueva del Gato gives you a chance to cool off in the water pools. From the river valley, you enter the Grazalema Natural Park and ride up into the mountains to the pretty village of Montejaque.

Hiking Day 3 - Montejaque to Grazalema

15km +228m

From Montejaque, embark on an enchanting journey into the heart of the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, a sprawling 52,000-hectare protected area brimming with natural beauty. You'll trace ancient routes that carve through valleys dwarfed by dramatic limestone peaks, leading you to the quaint, remote mountain village. As you wander through the dramatic "Hidden Valley," you'll be surrounded by lush holm oak forests, home to Iberian pigs, wild ibex, and deer. Your adventure continues to Grazalema village, once one of the wealthiest of the white villages due to its flourishing weaving industry. Stately porticoed houses encircle the square, imbuing the village with a sense of grandeur, while the annual bull run preserves a cherished Andalucian tradition.

Hiking Day 4 - Grazalema Mountains Circular

10km +497m

Embark on a captivating circular walk that winds into the majestic mountains overlooking Grazalema to the south and north of the village. Though some paths may be rocky, the breathtaking views of the Grazalema Natural Park will more than make up for it as you find yourself at the heart of this mountainous paradise. The journey culminates with a visit to a picturesque reservoir perched high above the village, offering a serene and stunning end to your adventure.

Biking Day 5 - Grazalema to Zahara de la Sierra

42km +848m

From Grazalema, ascend even higher into the mountains and over the breathtaking Puerto del Boyar. Prepare yourself for an exhilarating 15km descent into the charming village of El Bosque. The smooth, winding road seems endless, offering stunning panoramic views of the mountains. Glide through the tranquil village of El Bosque and pass by the trout pools before skirting the edge of the Sierra de Grazalema along the ancient route through the forest. The day's journey concludes with an undulating road that reveals your first glimpse of the picturesque white village of Zahara de la Sierra, perched gracefully above you in the rocky hills.

Biking Day 6 - Zahara to Ronda

32km +762m

A fast descent from the village brings you to the edge of the Embalse de Zahara reservoir. You'll follow the shoreline before tackling the Puerto de Montejaque, a climb that rewards you with breathtaking views of the landscape behind you. From the summit, enjoy a steady descent through a stunning limestone valley, where vultures often circle the cliffs above, and take in the impressive sight of Ronda nestled in the distant hills. A final climb into Ronda completes the journey, delivering you back into this historic town with a well-earned sense of accomplishment.

Walking Day 7 - Dolmens and the Tajo del Abanico

11km +139m

The final day's hike begins with a short transfer into the mountains south of Ronda. From this high vantage point, you’ll follow the ancient route once traveled from the Genal Valley into Ronda. Along the way, enjoy occasional views of the town below before gradually descending into the stunning Tajo del Abanico, a picturesque limestone gorge bursting with color. As you pass through the gorge, admire the striking rock formations in a multitude of hues and walk along ancient cobbled pathways, leading you back into the heart of Ronda.

Departure Day

Extra sightseeing days can be added on request

Check out from your hotel and have a safe trip home or to your next destination.

We can provide transfers to your next destination or airports of Sevilla or Malaga. POA

We hope you enjoy your Andalucian Hiking and Biking Tour in Spain.

What's Included

  

WHAT'S INCLUDED 8 nights accommodation on a B&B basis Luggage transfers Quality trekking bike (or e-bike, supplement applies)  Optional pannier bag and/or handlebar bag for your daily needs (we recommend travelling light) Helmet & water bottle (or bring your own) Toolkit (multi-tool, chain tool and speed links, tyre levers, inner tube, pump, puncture repair aerosol) Overnight lock Route GPS (phone App with daily routes, profiles and maps, no Data-usage required) Annotated route maps Briefing Pack, incl tips, advice and day-by-day route notes Briefing meeting on arrival

ACCOMMODATION This tour visits Ronda and four white villages, so the accommodation style and standard varies but we have personally selected every overnight venue. We select the best available options in the smaller towns and villages and base our choices on clean and comfortable accommodation, friendly owners, welcoming staff and staff and, where possible, a swimming pool.

ROUTE NAVIGATION For self-guided walking and cycling, we provide a GPS application on your mobile phone.  We give free access to the application which can be used in offline mode for each day's ride.  The app. shows maps and the route in great detail.  We also provide a bespoke, annotated map, designed specifically for your tour by Hike and Bike, giving you a perspective of where you are at all times.

 

FAQs

 

WHERE WILL I BE WALKING & RIDING?

Our Tours are designed to follow the ‘less travelled path', walking almost entirely away from roads on a mix of drovers' trails, tracks and pathways. Cycling is on a mix of quiet country roads and unsurfaced tracks. It is not off-road mountain biking, so is perfect for cyclists on our hybrid or trekking bikes (or e-bikes) who are keen to explore the countryside. Drivers in Andalucia are very considerate to cyclists.  Our routes go into remote parts of the Serrania de Ronda, so you will often be away from 'civilisation' for part of the day. 

 

HOW FIT DO I NEED TO BE?

Our Hike and Bike Tours are graded at a ‘Moderate’ level, for which you need to be capable of walking or cycling for a minimum of 4 hours in hilly and mountainous terrain. Every day includes notable hill climbs.  Walks can include some steep descents and ascents and some sections on loose or rocky surfaces. Whilst your main luggage is transferred for you, be prepared to carry appropriate provisions and equipment to see you through the day. Check the individual tour Itinerary for a daily breakdown of distance and ascent.

 

WHAT’S THE WEATHER LIKE?

Our cycling and walking tours run from March through to November, with the best weather from March to June and from September to November. Most routes are also possible during the summer months but we recommend an earlier start to beat the main heat of the day, and don’t forget to carry plenty of water.

 

WHAT HAPPENS TO MY LUGGAGE?

We transfer all your main luggage for you. On remote days, where you pass no 'civilisation' be prepared to carry appropriate provisions and equipment to see you through the day.

 

HOW DO I NAVIGATE EACH DAY?

 

Navigation on this tour is very easy with our phone app. RidewithGPS. We provide personalised daily routes from door-to-door of each day’s accommodation. The app shows maps and daily routes in great detail, with distances and route profiles, so you always know what is coming up. The app is used in offline mode so you do not need to use Data on your phone and can still navigate in areas where there is no phone signal.

 

WHAT MEALS ARE INCLUDED?

 

All accommodation includes breakfast (unless specifically stated). Lunch and dinner are not included, so you are free to eat when and where you wish. We mark up your map with suggested lunch locations. Your hosts can recommend dining options, or sometimes they will serve dinner – this information will be included in your daily route notes. availability.

 

WHAT IF I NEED TO CANCEL OR CHANGE MY BOOKING?

If you need to cancel or change the dates of a booking, we have a scaled set of charges based on the work already completed and any costs already incurred that we cannot get back. If you re-book a holiday with us within 12 months of a cancellation which has incurred charges, we will credit up to 50% of the retained amount to the new holiday. Our full cancellation policy can be found here