Famous Vuelta Climbs of South Spain

Cycle the highest summit in Europe, Pico Veleta
ASK US!

Home | Bike Tours | Spain | Famous Vuelta Climbs South

Málaga, Ronda, Granada, Sierra Nevada Mountains

7 days / 6 nights, Fully Guided & Supported

4* City Luxury Hotels & Boutique Inn

From

€ 2,595

Cycle the route of Vuelta legends as we tackle the best and most famous cycling roads that Southern Spain has to offer. From the dramatic landscapes of natural parklands around Málaga, Ronda, and Jaén to the classic cols that La Vuelta often ride (including the Pandera and “the wall” at Valdepeñas), we finish by ascending the highest paved road in Europe in the Sierra Nevada. Awesome.

A fantastic week of sunshine filled road cycling awaits for those aiming to challenge themselves on the famous Pro Climbs of Spain`s South. From Ronda to Granada via Málaga and Jaén provinces, this is the route of legends. And finish with the highest road bike climb in Europe……time to dance on those pedals!

The route has been selected to cram in as many of the great climbs and scenery of the area.

The roads are regularly ridden by pros. Just a few we have met over the years include Cadel Evans, Alejandro Valverde and Peter Sagan when ascending the Sierra Nevada. You never know who you might meet!

Dates

27 May 2024 | 9 Sep 2024 | 26 Sep 2025 | 8 Sep 2025

%

Riding Level

Challenging

85 km Daily Average

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

  • Climb the highest road in Europe – the mighty Pico Veleta of the Sierra Nevada
  • Attempt Hors & 1st Category climbs along pro race routes
  • Discover the best local roads where Cycling Country is based
  • Beautiful Grazalema, Ronda and hillside café stops galore
  • Ride quiet and good quality tarmac roads through national parks
  • Granada, magnificent city of Mountains & home of tapas

CC Advantage

Fantastic accommodation, scenery and cycling camaraderie in Southern Spain

Total Ascent – 9200 meters or that is 27,334 feet

We are Andalucia’s ONLY official Tour Operators for LA VUELTA

This is our local area where we ride!

Road Cycling in Spain's Mediterranean Inland hills​This tour should be on every cyclist’s bucket list! Can not recommend this guided tour highly enough to anyone thinking of signing up for a road bike tour in Southern Spain. Routes, scenery, weather and climbs were perfect and Geoff and his team provided an amazing level of service throughout the trip which would be difficult to beat by any other tour operator.

Geoff was also an amazing host whose passion for cycling and Spanish culture shone through at all times.

S. Trumper

UK

Route Map
itinerary
Cycling in AndaluciaDay 1. MÁLAGA LOOP RIDE

RIDE : 90 km | Elevation Gain: 1782 m
Meet in Málaga at our centrally located Hotel at 10:00. Meet the crew before heading out on a warm up ride (meet dressed ready to ride!).
We then take one of the best rides in Andalucía, into the mountains behind Málaga. Ascend the classic category 1 Puerto del Léon (slowly as it’s a warm-up!), a Vuelta favourite that has been regularly featured over the last 10 years. At 16km long, the climb averages 6%  making the ascent ride-able at your own speed. Enjoy the views as we ride through the park, before descending back down to sea level and pedal along the coast. Finish at a beachfront cafe, beside the Mediterranean Sea, and maybe try the local fish on the BBQ..

Enjoy Málaga’s beautiful atmosphere with its many cafes and laid back feel.  A great way to start this Andalucian Vuelta cycling trip.


Day 2. GRAZALEMA Y PUERTO DE PALOMAS

RIDE : 85 km | Elevation Gain : 1807 m

After breakfast we take a van transfer out to the alluring town of Ronda (approx 2 hours). We can’t wait to get started on the up, and up it is into the beautiful area of Grazalema and the impressive mountains around this pretty place. Stupendous climbs in this area and we take on one of the biggies, the Puerto de las Palomas (”the climb of the doves”). The name sounds almost poetic, the reality may be a little bit rougher! At the foot of the Sierra del Jaralin, in Grazalema’s Park, we visit the white washed village of Zahara de la Sierra before looping back to Ronda.
It is truly amazing riding around aqua blue reservoirs and over mountain passes with classic hairpins.

Enjoy the night at the fantastic Hotel Catalonia Reina Victoria Wellness & Spa with awe inspiring views of the mountains. After a swim in the pool, stroll into the centre and admire the Puente Nuevo bridge and famous deep gorge it is flung over. *Shorter version available

 

See more

Day 3. MOUNTAINS OF MÁLAGA & INLAND ANDALUCIA

RIDE : 90 km | Elevation Gain : 1657 m

A beautiful area of natural parks, we start with a warm up of one of the closest of climbs, the Puerto de Viento with its rocky nooks and sheep that jump around the rough pasture land here. Fly up the Caminito del Rey Vuelta Finish used in 2018 and pass by the El Chorro Gorge.  This is a very nice day of riding in a very evocative landscape.

Our stop for tonight is the Roman loved Antikara (Antequera), a classic Andalucian town, where we stay in its centre at the relaxing Parador.


Day 4. MOUNTAINS OF MALAGA

RIDA : 93 km | Elevation Gain : 2000 m 

Awake with the sun and move on to our next destination the thoroughly enjoyable, El Torcal climb, a favourite for the Tour of Andalucia (“Ruta del Sol”). Pro riders, with its last steep kilometres, have struggled through the strange limestone wind warped rocks. Fly down this descent and traverse the small villages lost in the hills around the Axarquia and mountains of Málaga and then, edging closer to the Mediterranean Sea before you sneak up this snaking epic portal, the rocky beautiful Puerto de Zafarraya cat 1 summit featured in La Vuelta 2014 & Ruta del Sol (2018). *Shorter ride also available

We head to a small pleasant medieval town for the night to enjoy a relaxing evening in the countryside.


Day 5. ALHAMA, MONTEFRIO, LA PANDERA Cycling in the Sierra Nevada

RIDE : 65km | Elevation Gain : 1658 m · or · RIDE: 112 km | Elevation Gain: 2125m 

We keep going across the coastal mountain ridge to drop into the Genil Valley, a fertile plain. From here, we ride through the shady hillside of the Sierra Parapanda, route of the pros for many years, to attractive Montefrio, its precariously perched church a testament to its Reconquest heritage. Montefrio has recently been named by National Geographic as one of the top 10 village vistas in the world! A challenging route that winds its way around the white washed villages of Jaén. However, the main fight of the day will be up the famed Hors category La Pandera, featured in 4 Vueltas in the last 10 years, with some of the top places taken by luminaries such as Heras, Cunego, Simoni & Samuel Sanchez.

Transfer to historic Granada, where the Sierra Nevada will be in your sights now as you head to this royal city. Our hotel of the next two nights is a centrally located 4 star, a stone’s throw away from all the main sights of this beautiful city.

Day 6. EXPLOSIVE FINISH – GRANADA’S FAVOURITE CLIMB

RIDE : 75 km+ | Elevation Gain : 2000 m+ 

How could you possibly come to Southern Spain without trying to tackle this peak, the highest on mainland Spain and the highest road in Europe, the Pico Veleta. Here you get a short warm up before the long climb of 25km up to the thin air at 2500m and above (weather permitting to 3398m!). It really is awesome and your own ragged breathing takes away the traffic sounds far below. Around each bend in the road you will expect to see the end….just keep going. Countless clashes occurred on this climb in the Pro Circuit with the Titans battling the titanic: the names will all be familiar (Valverde, Menchoz, Vinokourov, Jalabert…). The way back via Monachil, another famous climb, is a departure from that barren rock where you’ve just been, the pastures and mountain plains, lush and green into thriving Granada. Enjoy the evening taking in the atmosphere of this great city at our farewell dinner in a local restaurant.

Day 7. TRANSFERS TO MÁLAGA

After breakfast, we say “adios” to each other before a transfer back to Málaga airport (10:00AM) for onward connections. Or indeed take our option to continue on our self-guided route, Mediterranean Riding for an amazing coastal loop to complete your bike tour.

Trip details

Road Cycling Tour : Guided & Supported

Bikes : Road

Route : Málaga – Ronda – Alhama – Antequera – Sierra Nevada / Granada

Groups Size :  5 – 16 | Discounts for 4+ booking together
This tour is available as a fully supported and guided option if booking with a group of 4+. With a van as support, the tour can be custom designed and the daily distances changed. Please contact us for prices and availability.

Riding Level

Challenging : Daily average of 100 km over mountainous terrain. The tour is suitable for experienced cyclists of all ages who have a good level of fitness and enjoy road biking. It goes without saying – expect climbs! Be prepared to descend mountain roads. Quiet country and mountain roads. Rolling countryside with long mountain passes.

CAUTION – Road Cyclists’ Paradise

Accommodation

5 nights | Excellent 4*City Hotels (4) & 1 Rustic Boutique Inn

All bedrooms are en-suite

Food

3 well prepared dinners of local produce of 3 courses (including wine, beer, soft drinks)

Daily snacks and refreshments (MULEBAR Energy Bars and Goos inc)

Electrolyte drink supplements

All 5 breakfasts – buffet

Also Included
  • Welcome drink and meeting
  • Cycling Country Spain Race Cut cycling jersey
  • Cycling Country water bottles, helmet bag, Tee & Tags
  • Tour guide book / Route notes / maps / profiles (GPS tracks to download avail)
  • Experienced guides with a wealth of local knowledge & SAG van
  • 5% off future trips!
Staff

2 leaders with full van support to provide refreshments, act as guides, offer tips and insights throughout the day, provide directional signs where required, transfer luggage and provide on-road assistance. 1 guide cycles with the group

Transfers

From arrival point at Málaga airport/city centre and back to Málaga airport/city centre at the end of the tour.

Bikes

Good quality road bike hire either Carbon Trek Emonda SL6 Ultegra with Disc Brakes (225 €) / Emonda S6s with Ultegra (195 €) or Trek Dom (105 Shimano) (160 €). ORBEA gain ebikes (upon avail) – 375€ . Wheel upgrades (e.g. Dura Ace C50, or Ultegra wheelsets) available upon request. If you do bring your own bike, we recommend a compact or triple chainset.  Please note, we do not take responsibility for your bike whilst on tour.

Getting Here

Málaga is the main international hub for all flights within Europe and outside. Other options are flying into Madrid and using the fast AVE train link. We very much recommend that you arrive a day earlier. Especially if bringing your own bike in case of luggage delay or loss.

Lodgings

Luxury Hotels on Andalucian Road Bike Tour Luxury Hotels on Andalucian Road Bike Tour On a sports bike tour, your accommodation is an important ingredient in ensuring you wake refreshed and revitalised to start the next day’s ride. Work hard during the day, Enjoy your well earned rest at night!

Enjoy the magnificent setting of this highlight hotel in Ronda. After your ride day, relax poolside in lovely gardens overlooking the gorge.
Hotel in Road Bike Tours in Ronda SpainThis beautiful historic hotel in Ronda with its tremendous views, pool, inside spa and well regarded restaurant which we eat at, means you´ll need to work harder on the bike to make up for all this luxury!
Luxury hotel On Bike Tour in AndaluciaA comfortable hotel to come home to after your scorching Andalucian ascents today. Have a dip in the pool as a treat before exploring Antequera, a true inland Andalucian town.
Rustic Boutique hotel on Bike Tour in Southern Spain A hotel full of Alhama’s history, legends and charm, you will love exploring this village and trying out all the tapas.
Quality hotel on your Granada Road Bike Tour Boasting an ideal location near heritage sights in Granada and well placed to cycle to the Sierra Nevada.
Cycle Tour Luxury Hotel in Portugal It is a lovely traditionally styled Granadino hotel to enjoy your last days on this epic Vuelta Climbs tour.
Reviews

Cycling in Andalucia

“Cycling Vuelta Climbs in Southern Spain!
Five cyclists from Perth recently did the Vuelta Climbs of Southern Spain with Guides Dean and Jose. It was a tough tour, particularly given the 37C temperatures. The tour was superb. The accomodation exceeded our expectations every night. The food and beverages were excellent. And the flexibility one support from our guides was superb.
I highly recommend a Cycling Country tour. We will be back!
I would very much be interested in joining a future trip.
D.Lock – WA, Australia- June 2023

“I had a great trip with Dean. It was remarkable that we had really good weather for the whole trip, apart from the descent off Pico Valeta….. I really enjoyed some of the climbs that I’d not done before, particularly La Pandera & Bobastra.
..I was really impressed with the route & the hotels, food etc. I enjoyed spending time with Dean, he was a great guide.
I think that I have all of Dean’s photos, he sent them to me each day.
I would very much be interested in joining a future trip.
H.Heavysides – Yorkshire, UK -Oct2019 2023

“Thank you for the photos. I thought that everything about the trip was fantastic: the area, the rides, the hotels, your team and the group as a whole.
Thank you very much for arranging it and I hope I have the opportunity to ride with you again soon.
L.Withnell – UK – May/June 2019

“Hi Maggi! Many thanks for these. I had a great time and really enjoyed the whole trip, BA mess up with my bike notwithstanding! Once again a wonderful trip and for me the Pandera stands out, especially coming after 60km and already having done a cat 2!! I’m coming back for more!!!!”
D.Jones – UK – May 2018

“Can not recommend this guided tour highly enough to anyone thinking of signing up for a tour in Southern Spain. Routes, scenery, weather and climbs were perfect and Geoff and his team provided an amazing level of service throughout the trip which would be difficult to beat by any other tour operator. Geoff was also an amazing host whose passion for cycling and Spanish culture shone through at all times. This tour should be on every cyclist’s bucket list!”
S.Trumper – UK – October 2017

Hi Maggi fantastic weekend even with the heat and incidents. Dean was brilliant really helpful and fab driver and did all we needed. The bananas and the Aquarius was much needed. He also took some photos which we look forward to. I loved the Pico and all its challenges I was not in perfect health but loved the insanity of the Pandera. The blog will have record and of course will promote you guys in the must have section. My next trip is across the Jorge next year and I am formulating plans which hopefully if works out can use you guys and dean again. Very impressed. Thank you so much for flexibility and I will repeat again Dean was fab and I am so glad as are the lads that we booked with you guys !! Thanks again. T “.
T.Blake – UK – July 2016

“We participated in Cycling Country’s Signature Climbs of the South tour. It was incredibly well planned out and ran in the most professional and courteous way. Jeff and Dean are passionate about cycling and making sure their customers have a great time. They were always prepared and routes were well chosen. I have never been so challenged and so happy at the same time. The views on the rides were awesome. We rented their Trek Carbon road bikes and they were in good repair. This is a mom and pop organization that cares about you and making your adventure perfect for you. I recommend them highly”.
C.Cover – Walnut Creek, California – 2014

Testimonials from previous cyclists are always available and we enjoy receiving the feedback after tours. It helps us improve our services and offer you an even better experience. Please feel free to contact us if you would like a reference to talk to. Others have also posted reviews on the independent travel website .

DATES & RATES

FAMOUS VUELTA CLIMBS OF SOUTH SPAIN

7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS

€ 2,395

SINGLE SUPP. FROM € 310

CLICK YOUR DATE ABOVE TO CHECK AVAILABILITY 

Cycle Andalucia Spain with Cycling Country Bike Tours
Santini Cycling Jerseys
Listed with Portugal Tourism for cycling
Mule Energy Bars, Sports Gel complimentary on Cycling Country Road Bike Tours
Registered with Junta de Andalucia Spain as bond travel agency for cycling tours
Visit and Bike Spain with Cycling Country Bike Tours

 

MAILING LIST

Sign up for the latest offers and news.

Newsletter readers receive special discounts not advertised elsewhere!