Cycling Tour in Andalucia. Cordoba and the Olive Grove Trail
Explore the captivating World Heritage City of Cordoba in Andalucia, and enjoy a self-guided cycling holiday through olive groves in the stunning Subbética Natural Park.
"The smell of orange blossoms on every street, the sound of birds everywhere..."
From 1,171 € per person
Difficulty:Moderate
Details ...
Duration:6 nights, 7 days
Dates:1st March to 30th June | 1st Sept to end Nov.
Start:Preferably Monday to Saturday
Undulating or hilly terrain with perhaps three ascents per day.
Cycling surface:Tarmac: 48%. Cycle track: 52%. Dirt road: 0%.
Average daily distance / climb:31 miles (51 km) / 2149 ft (655 m).
Description
Immerse yourself in culture and history, as you visit the Unesco World Heritage City of Cordoba, on the banks of the majestic Guadalquivir River. Bike through olive groves, enjoy Andalucian hospitality in a traditional Hacienda farmstead and end on a note of luxury in the incredible Parador de Jaén. This resplendent region is ideal for those looking for a spring or autumn cycling holiday in the warm sun of Andalucia!
- An opportunity to visit the Unesco World Heritage Site, the Great Mosque of Cordoba, La Mezquita. This magnificent amalgamation of cultures, constructed by the Arab Caliphates in VIII century, converted into a Christian cathedral in the XIII century, will not fail to impress! It's the jewel in the crown of Cordoba!
- Walk in the footsteps of the Romans in Cordoba, over the spectacular Puente Romano bridge that leads to the XVI century carved stone arch, Puerta del Puente, the gateway to the spectacular Jewish Quarter.
- With a deliciously sunny climate in low-season, you'll feel the warm sun on your back as you cycle along or relax on the terraces with the locals, indulging in tasty tapas, sweet sherry, local wines or a chilled beer until the small hours! An ideal escape to the sun in spring and autumn.
- Enjoy an additional city cycling tour in Cordoba with our friendly, knowledgeable, local Official Bike Guide. This morning tour will give you a great overview of the city before you go on to explore your favourite sites.
- Hand-picked, comfortable hotels. From city chic boutique to Haciendas- farmsteads full of Andalucian charm, ending on a high note in the spectacular luxury of the Parador de Jaén.
- The opportunity to experience the magical Duende or spirit of flamenco, in a Tablao de Flamenco show. Live the intense, fiery passion and raw emotion of this traditional art form, deeply rooted in Andalucia.
- Visit the Hammam Arab baths of Jaén, one of the largest known examples of a Moorish bathhouse, within the Palacio de Villardompardo, dating back to the XI century Califa and Tarif kingdoms.
- Declared an Asset of Cultural Interest in 2003 and rated in the Most Beautiful Villages of Spain award, Zuheros is a small, white-washed stone village perched high on a hill in the Subbética Natural Park awaiting your visit! Photo opportunities abound here!
- Carefree, leisure cycling tour, along quiet country roads and the rail-trails of the Olive Oil Via Verde and the Subbética Natural Park, beautifully maintained cycle lanes that wind through the countryside of Andalucia.
- Full digital navigation kit provided: Digital Route Notes and user-friendly GPS App. This is a paper-free route.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival to Cordoba
On your arrival to Cordoba, you'll begin to get a taste for this incredibly lively, culturally rich, bewitching city! This exceptional international destination quietens down in the evening as the locals hit the terraces and flamenco music floats in the air.
Day 2: Exploring Cordoba
You'll begin your day in the saddle, on a city adventure, as your local guide takes you cycling through his hometown, with interesting historical facts and anecdotes.You'll then have the opportunity to visit the Mezquita and Cathedral and maybe to end the day with a Tablao Flamenco show.
⯈ We recommend an extra night in Cordoba so that you can really make the most of all that this exceptional city has to offer. Don't miss the opportunity of an additional guided bike tour to visit the impressive Unesco World Heritage site of Medina Azahara. This X century, Moorish Caliphate city has been beautifully preserved and restored on an extensive archaeological site located at the foot of the Sierra Morena mountains. Note: e-bikes are not available on the city or Medina Azahara bike tours.
Day 3: Cordoba to Lucena
Distance: 32 miles (51.4 km). Climb: 2320 ft (707 m).
After a private transfer from Cordoba, you'll bike through the Andalucian countryside past cultivated fields and picturesque olive groves.
You'll have the opportunity to visit the curious octagonal Plaza de San José from 1806 and have a coffee or refreshment alongside locals in the authentic villages you cycle through at your leisure.
Your destination, Lucena, known as the Sefardi Pearl, is home to a X century Jewish necropolis, El Moral castle and the beautiful Palacio de los Condes de Santa Ana. Don't miss the opportunity to sit in the main square for tapas and a chilled drink while watching the world go by!
Day 4: Lucena to Priego de Cordoba
Distance: 33 miles (53.2 km). Climb: 2464 ft (751 m).
You'll re-join the rail-trail cycle lane today as it winds its way through the Subbética Natural Park. Look out for the wild mountain goats!
You'll visit the stunning hill-top village of Zuheros, a historic, white-washed village, dating back to the XIII century, with its fortified castle dominating the landscape, small archaeological museum and the local museum of arts and customs.
Spectacular views await you as you leave the cycle lane and bike along winding country roads. An Andalusian Cortijo, totally Away from the Crowds, will be your luxury, rustic hotel for tonight, where you can take a dip in the pool, unwind with a hydromassage in the jacuzzi or relax in the peaceful gardens.
⯈ We recommend an extra night to enjoy a rest day by the pool in this beautiful, tranquil spot!
Day 5: Priego de Cordoba to Zuheros
Distance: 28 miles (45.7 km). Climb: 2103 ft (641 m).
An uphill climb to start the day will all be worthwhile when you reach the delightful, flower-strewn town of Priego de Cordoba.
Inhabited since pre-Roman times, the local History Museum is definitely worth a visit! Don’t miss the Barrio de la Villa, built during Medieval and Moorish periods, a labyrinth of whitewashed houses peppered with hanging baskets of delicious smelling floral arrangements! Rest for a while in the shade, beside the refreshing Fuente del Rey fountains.
Savour the sense of freedom as you cycle through stunning open landscapes, along quiet winding roads with views that take your breath away. A welcoming little boutique hotel awaits you in the centre of the white-washed village of Zuheros, with a seasonal dip pool and views of the Natural Park.
⯈ We recommend an extra night in Zuheros to visit the Cueva de los Murciélagos- an impressive cave inhabited from the mid-Paleolithic period through to Roman times. Almost 1,000 metres high and some two kilometres in length, it contains small lakes and spectacular karst formations. If you're a cave fan, don't miss this opportunity!
Day 6: Zuheros to Jaén
Distance: 31 miles (50.2 km). Climb: 1709 ft (521 m).
You'll enjoy a morning of carefree leisure biking along the cycle lane today, as it criss-crosses over impressive viaduct rail bridges and skirts past lagoons, home to interesting bird populations in different seasons.
In the spring, the route is gifted with a plethora of sweet-scented wildflowers adding a multitude of colours to the landscape. You're totally Away from the Crowds today until you reach the pick-up point where you can have a leisurely lunch.
A private transfer will take you to the Olive Oil Capital city of Jaén. Here, you'll end your cycling holiday on a luxury note in the fantastic Parador, where you can relax by the pool or visit the castle next door!
Day 7: Departure or extra nights
Departure.⯈ We recommend an extra night in the Parador de Jaén to have the opportunity to really get to know the city and visit all the monuments and tourist sites, or to simply rest by the pool and enjoy this incredible hotel!
Travel
Frequent questions:
- Which airport should I fly to?
- Madrid airport, Malaga Airport, Sevilla Airport, Jerez Airport.
- How do I get to the Starting Point?
- (All timetables, times and costs are an approximate guide)
From Madrid airport take the Express Bus Line 203 to Atocha Train Station (40mins), or taxi from airport to train station 25mins, 30€. Then direct high speed train to Cordoba (1h50mins).
From Malaga airport – Local train or taxi to Maria Zambrano train station, city centre, then regular high-speed trains to Córdoba (50min).Or private taxi transfer 1h45m, cost approx. 235€.
From Sevilla airport- Local bus or taxi to Santa Justa train station then regular high-speed trains to Córdoba (High-Speed Train 50mins.)Or private taxi transfer 1h30m, cost approx. 177€.
- How do I get back from Jaén?
- (All timetables, times and costs are an approximate guide)
To Malaga airport: By bus from Jaén bus station, some buses are direct, others change at Granada bus station for Malaga airport takes around 4h. Or private transfer 2h, approx. 280€.
To Madrid-Barajas-Adolfo Suarez airport- Train to Cordoba (1h50mins), or private taxi transfer to Cordoba (160€). Then high-speed train to Madrid Atocha Train Station (1h50mins), then Airport Express Bus Line 203 (40mins).
To Sevilla airport: Train from Jaén to Sevilla-Santa Justa station (direct or change at Córdoba) takes around 3h30m. Then bus shuttle service to airport, takes about 15mins. Or private taxi transfer 2h30mins, 310€.
Useful links:
Hotels
Three nights at city centre 4* hotels in Córdoba and Lucena, two nights at Andalucian country houses and one final night at the 4* luxury Parador in Jaén. (Hotels may vary depending on availability)
Paradors are luxury hotels offering exquisite service and truly the best of traditional, local cuisine in their restaurants. They are in National Heritage properties: unique, historic buildings such as restored Palaces, Monasteries or Castles. Or state of the art, architecturally designed, modern constructions. The Parador de Jaén is a hill-top castle with breathtaking views.
Nights 1 and 2: Córdoba
Modern 4* hotel overlooking the Roman Bridge, on the banks of the Guadalquivir river, with commanding views of the old quarter of Córdoba and the minaret of the Great Mosque. Roof-top terrace and seasonal pool with incredible views, particularly at night when the monuments are floodlit!
Or a traditional Andalucian-style city noble house, a short walk away from the Jewish Quarter. This 4* hotel features an outdoor, seasonal swimming pool, a pretty, internal courtyard and an outdoor terrace for breakfasts.
Night 3: Lucena
XVIII century convent, now converted into a comfortable 4* city hotel. It maintains many of the original architectural elements such as the light-flooded, columned, internal patio and the wooden-beamed ceilings.
The hotel's bar-restaurant serves drinks and meals in the pretty patio.
Night 4: Priego de Córdoba
Set in spectacular countryside, totally 'Away from the Crowds,' this 4* hotel is built in the style of an Andalucian Cortijo or noble house. Priego de Córdoba, one of the most beautiful towns of historic interest in Andalucía is just 4kms away...up a steep hill!
Tastefully furnished rooms and seasonal swimming pool with small hydromassage section to relax those tired muscles! Great regional cooking and friendly, welcoming staff.
Night 5: Zuheros
This typical Andalusian village noble house has been tastefully converted into a comfortable rural hotel. Surrounded by olive groves, in the heart of the Subbetica Natural Park, guests can enjoy a meal in its popular restaurant serving delicious dishes, prepared with local produce and served by friendly staff.
Located in the centre of Zuheros, awarded the title of 'One of the most beautiful villages in Spain,' you can lose yourself in it's white-washed, cobbled streets where there is a photo opportunity at every turn!
Night 6: Jaén
At the top of the Santa Catalina hill, stands the luxury Parador de Jaén, crowning the city and offering spectacular views over the Sierra Morena and Sierra Mágina mountain ranges.
Built on the site of a defensive fort dating back to VIII century, next door to Santa Catalina castle, this impressive building boasts a façade of huge stone walls with majestic, imposing interior vaults. The design and decoration of the rooms and lounges pay homage to the best regional craftsmanship. You will indeed be transported to another era, but with all the modern comforts!
Our Bikes
Touring bikes
Electric bikes
Designed to withstand heavy loads and provide high safety and comfort even after long hours of riding in the saddle, these adventure bikes will serve you well both on and off-road.
The downside to all these extra features and equipment is weight, but on a long distance tour, reliability, comfort and safety, win the day.
Characteristics:
- Time tested components to stay maintenance free during the tour.
- Broad range of gears.
- Stable carriers for luggage transport.
- Permanently mounted lights with a hub dynamo (on some models)
- Comfortable sitting position and straight, adjustable handlebars.
- Other comfort features include bike stand, mudguards and bottle holder.
- High bar and low bar models and sizes xs to XL.
- Gravel and road bikes available on some routes - ask us for more details.
Equipment provided:
- Mobile phone carrier
- Odometer*
- Rear pannier
- Map carrier*
- Helmet
- Water bottle
- Lock
- Pump
- Puncture repair kit
- Multitool set
- (*Not provided on routes with digital navigation packs)
Touring bikesElectric bikes
Not every type of electric bike is suitable to use in a cycling tour. Most e-bikes are actually designed for city cycling rather than long distances routes.
Experience allows us to choose e-bikes with the most suitable features for touring: reliability, simple operation, long battery life and short charge time.
Characteristics:
- Time tested components to stay maintenance free during the tour.
- Broad range of gears.
- Stable carriers for luggage transport.
- Permanently mounted lights with a hub dynamo (on some models)
- Comfortable sitting position and straight, adjustable handlebars.
- Other comfort features include bike stand, mudguards and bottle holder.
- Sizes S to XL.
Equipment provided:
- Odometer*
- Rear pannier
- Map carrier*
- Helmet
- Water bottle
- Lock
- Pump
- Puncture repair kit
- Multitool set
- (*Not provided on routes with digital navigation kit only)
Prices
Basic price:
Per person in double or twin room1,171 €
This includes:
- 6 nights' accommodation. 6 breakfasts.
- Guided bike tour of Córdoba in the morning of day 2.
- Transfer on day 3 from Córdoba to the start of the route.
- Transfer on day 6 from the end of the route to Jaén.
- Luggage transfers between hotels.
- Detailed digital maps with your trail clearly marked.
- Itinerary description, full of recommendations for things to do and places to visit, advice and suggestions and information about your accommodation, etc.
- GPS tracks and Navigation App to follow the itinerary on your phone.
- (NB Some route notes and navigation materials are digital ONLY. Check with us for details)
- Emergency support.
- Activity insurance.
Single room supplement
305 €
Solo traveller supplement504 €
Extras:
Bicycle hire110 €
E-bike hire180 €
Gravel Bike180 €
Transfers:
Private Transfer from Jaén to Córdoba168 €
Private Transfer from Jaén to Málaga Airport294 €
Other options:(Prices on request)
Half Board (4 dinners, not in Cordoba)
Extra night in Córdoba
Extra night in Priego de Córdoba
Extra night in Zuheros
Extra night in Jaén
Guided cycle tour of Unesco World Heritage Site Medina Azahara
If interested, please contact us with your plans, requirements and queries,
or simply use the next "Get a quote" section, which we would recommend.
Please note
An extra fee may be applicable on specific dates such as Easter and other bank holidays, local holidays or other events taking place.
Get a quote
Reviews
- Huge compliments to AFTC for putting together a sensational package that was memorable from start to finish.
We prefer dealing with smaller regional tour operators for the personalized attention to detail and to support more local businesses. Huge compliments to AFTC for putting together a sensational package that was memorable from start to finish.
The mix of riding on the Via Verde and mostly quiet roads was great for variety. For our groups level of riding, the geography created a few challenges but we like to push ourselves, so in that regard it was a success.
Everything associated with the beautiful scenery and landscape exceeded expectations. All the luggage transfers happened without any glitches. Javier from the Bike company was fabulous with bike related assistance and we enjoyed our time together when he drove us from Martos to Jaen. And Manon was a fab guide for the city bike tour.
Cordoba: Great location, wonderful breakfast, nice rooftop bar, very comfortable rooms. We tapped into a lot of your recommended sites, shows and restaurants. Your detailed guide/route notes document was a high level resource for all kinds of information related to the route, history, restaurant recommendations, contact information, etc. It was well utilized!
Lucena: A charming, character hotel centrally located, comfortable rooms. Breakfast was weak compared to all other accommodations.
Priego de Cordoba: The hotel being on the outskirts of town for our day off created some challenges as we had to ride uphill into town to explore but probably not the best choice for those choosing to spend an extra day (unless you just simply want to rest at the pool!)
Zuheros: Such a gem. Quiet, beautiful and filled with outstanding architecture, history and character.
Jaen: WOW! The Parador de Jaen was such an extraordinary hotel to wind up our AFTC itinerary. It was the crowning jewel on a phenomenal trip!
Nick White & Cindy Anderson and Andrew & Marla Hill, Canada
As only the second group to do this new tour, we're absolutely delighted that you had such a wonderful experience! Thanks so much for all your feedback which I'll pass on to all our local providers! We hope to see you again soon!
Gaynor & Jaime, Aftc
- the smell of orange blossoms on every street
Well, the smell of orange blossoms on every street, the sound of birds everywhere all the time in every weather, the fields of flowers and those brilliant poppies, the mountains and valleys and threatening skies!
Hiking up behind Zuheros, what an amazing valley. Biking undisturbed along Via Verde with no cars to zoom by. Oh, and we saw a few olive trees, WOW! The villages were beautiful, so loved and cared for, so much community pride.
Yes, we enjoyed it immensely and miss it already!
Janice & Jay Pritchard
Alberta, Canada
Thanks for being our first travellers to enjoy this new route, Janice. And thank you for all the fabulous and useful feedback!
Gaynor, Aftc.
- The last day along the Vía Verde was beautiful!
Top positives:
1. Zuheros! Such a cool town.
2. The bike tour in Córdoba (the extra day is worth it)
3. The Parador in Jaén
4. Castles
5. The last day all along the Vía Verde was beautiful!
6. The bikes were comfortable and easy to ride
7. Long, long downhills
8. Heaters / fires in the stations at Cabra and Luque
All in all, a great trip!
Tamara Schebel
Alberta, Canada
Thanks for all your valuable feedback, Tamara!
Gaynor, Aftc.
- Thank you all for a great and and well-planned trip - we loved it!
Thank you all for a great and and well-planned trip - we loved it! Thanks too for enabling us to ride all the way to Jaen.
(In the hotel in Córdoba) we took advantage of their nice roof top pool after walking our cases from the train station to the hotel, and the roof top bar following a busy day spent exploring Córdoba - a fantastic view!
We used the Route Notes (the associated information about locations) quite a lot - although I must admit I didn't test every internet link. However we found the notes very comprehensive and useful
The hotel in Zuheros was perfect. Friendly and quiet and it served nice meals in the outdoor courtyard/terrace.
(As this is a paper-free, digital tour) I really missed the road book - for it's sheer simplicity and visibility!
We really loved the cycle tour of Cordoba. It was good because it was more of a conversation and we weren't being talked at! Being able to cover lots of ground meant that we were able to see connections between different places and Julio had a really thoughtful and questioning take on the city's history and really knew his stuff. I'm glad you persuaded us to give it a try!
Simon Wilkins and Sharon Donaghy, Huddersfield, UK
Thanks for all your feedback on this new tour, your 8th adventure with us! See you soon!
Jaime and Gaynor, Aftc
- We thoroughly enjoyed the bike tour of Córdoba
We thoroughly enjoyed the bike tour of Córdoba today. The guide was extremely knowledgeable and was very friendly plus interactive.
Nixon & Cindy White
British Colombia, Canada
Yes, we love supporting this little local company! Julio and Manon do a great job and both their city tour of Córdoba along with their fabulous tour of Medina Azahara are so interesting and enjoyable! Great to hear that you enjoyed it too!
Aftc
- Our fifth cycling holiday with Away from the Crowds, and again it exceeded our expectations!
Our fifth cycling holiday with Away from the Crowds, and again it exceeded our expectations!
Cordoba and its Mezquita is a Spanish gem that should not be missed.
Their cycle route through the vast olive region was very scenic and ‘away from the crowds’!
We went to the Andalusian Horse Show and Flamenco at the Royal Stables in Cordoba. It was very well done! We would also highly recommend the evening tour of the Mezquita.
Nosotras volveremos pronto! Muchas gracias.
Doug and Janet Ballou. Edmonton, Canada
¡Muchas gracias, amigos! Lovely to have you back travelling with us. We're delighted that our new Córdoba route comes up to standard with your other Aftc adventures!
Jaime & Gaynor, Aftc
- The combination of culture, countryside and biking is very good!
For the third time, we had a great bike tour in Spain, in a new surprising region, Andalucia. And fantastic weather!
Our favorite hotel was in Zuheros and the Parador in Jaen … Both very tasteful. Also we enjoyed the hotel las Palomas with its swimming pool ...and the Andalusian atmosphere there.
The Hotel in Lucena in the cloister was a little bit less charming, although the city itself was lively with the church with his Rococo chapel and Renaissance retable.
With the lovely temperature, we could even eat tapas outside in the evening (in October!).
In all the hotels they were really bikefriendly. The bikes were very good , really no problems with the bikes!
The combination of culture, countryside and biking is very good!
Brigit Vendrig & Lucas Verstraete, Brakel, Belgium.
Dank u wel, Brigit and Luc! Thanks for travelling with us again and we're very pleased to hear that you enjoyed this new route!
Aftc Team
- Laid back cycling in an endless sea of olive trees
Laid back cycling in an endless sea of olive trees with great views, nice small villages and the wonderful Subbetica hills
Trui & Adriaan, Belgium
Great to have you travel with us again, Trui and Adriaan. Thanks for all your suggestions! See you soon!
Aftc Team
CO₂ footprint offsetting
This holiday produces a carbon footprint of 0.423 tonnes of CO₂. This includes taxis, luggage transfers and accommodation for every traveller.
We will compensate the CO₂ footprint for each booking through tropical reforestation projects in collaboration with the CeroCO₂ platform.
Additionally, you can also offset your own flight emissions by visiting myclimate. See the link below.
