Travel story Andalusia

Andalusia - Cycling holidays in southern Spain

1000 and One Nights - many of the dreamlike stories could be set in Andalusia. Hardly anywhere else in Europe has Arabia left so many traces in architecture and culture. Lush hilly countryside, green river plains and the wild landscape of the Sierras present themselves with fairytale beauty.

Day 1: Individual arrival in Antequera

Flight to Malaga. From the airport, we take a taxi to Antequera. After a short tour of the charming town, we enjoy a delicious dinner at the hotel to kick off our tour.

Tag 2: Antequera - Lucena

After the bike is handed out by the friendly station manager, our tour begins through endless olive groves. We cycle over gentle hills, but there are also a few larger climbs to master until we reach our stage destination of Lucena. After checking in, we take a short cycle tour through the beautiful old town - famous for its olive oil production.

White church with yellow trim and brick bell tower on a town square in Andalusia. Bicycles are parked in front, surrounded by white buildings.

Day 3: Acena - Dona Mencia

Today we follow a beautiful old railway line. Along the way, a sea of flowers in a wide variety of colours is our constant companion. We take the recommended route to Luque, where we enjoy a typical fish dish at Nicols. On the way back, we suddenly find ourselves in the middle of a small flock of sheep. The shepherd tells us that two of the lambs are only a few days old. We continue to Donna Mencia, today's stage stop.

Cyclist in blue shirt and helmet standing with touring bike on paved path surrounded by purple and yellow wildflowers, mountains in background.

Day 4: Dona Mencia - Cordoba

Today we cycle through secluded areas with wonderful views of the landscape. As we arrive in Cordoba early today, we take the opportunity to visit the Mezquita. The cathedral, with its different styles, impresses with its size and characteristic red and white arches.

Cyclist with helmet and blue shirt riding on paved path through green valley in Andalusia with white hillside village and mountains.

Day 5: Cordoba - Palma del Rio

On our tour today, the landscape gradually changes from olive groves to orange groves. On the way, we meet a man harvesting a plant I don't recognise. I speak to him and find out that it is wild asparagus that grows here by the roadside. We continue on to our accommodation for today, the ‘Monasterio San Francisco’. We enjoy the special atmosphere and the beautiful garden in this old monastery. We round off the evening with a delicious dinner in the monastery's own restaurant.

Cyclist with helmet riding on paved rural road through green rolling hills under clear blue sky. Another bicycle visible on roadside.

Day 6: Palma del Rio - Carmona

Today our cycle tour takes us to Carmona, one of the oldest towns in Andalusia. We cycle through the expansive countryside and stop off at a cosy bar in the small village of Guadajoz. The route continues steadily uphill to the beautiful town of Carmona. We explore the old town centre through the old Moorish city gate ‘Alcazar de Puerta Sevilla’. From our elegant hotel ‘Alcazar de la Reina’, we enjoy the fantastic view of the Guadalquivir river plain.

Cyclist with bicycle on rural road in Andalusia, surrounded by field of vibrant red poppies. Rolling hills and olive trees visible in background.

Day 7: Carmona - Sevilla

Today we cycle our last short stage of 25 kilometres to Brenes. We hand the bikes over to the station manager and take the train to Seville. After checking in, we take the bus to Parque Maria Luisa. We stroll through the beautiful park to the impressive ‘Plaza Espana’, where a flamenco dancer is showing off her skills. We then stroll through the narrow streets of the old town and enjoy a delicious dinner in the Petra restaurant.

Cyclist taking a break on roadside guardrail overlooking terraced olive groves in Andalusia under clear blue sky.

The last day - An extra night

After breakfast, we drive back into the city and visit the beautiful cathedral. Then we stroll through the vibrant city and enjoy the unique flair. This is our last day of the round trip. Tomorrow we continue on our own to Cadiz.

Ornate Gothic cathedral with elaborate stone facade, pointed arches, and decorative spires against blue sky with white clouds.

Paved road winding through Andalusian landscape with extensive olive groves, rolling hills, and a white village in the distance.

Cyclist with helmet riding a red touring bicycle with yellow panniers on a rural road in Andalusia, surrounded by green hills and wildflowers.

My Highlights

My favourite travel moment:

Meeting the flock of sheep on the railway cycle path to Dona Mencia.

My favourite place:

The monastery garden of the ‘Monasterio San Francisco’.

Special restaurants/restaurants:

Restaurant Petra in Seville: http://restaurante-petra.com/

Restaurant Nicols in Luque

Cycle route conditions/signposting/level of difficulty/gradients:

Mostly small roads with little traffic. Once an old railway line, but also sections with gravel. Always short - sometimes steep - climbs and descents. We were able to orientate ourselves very easily with the navigation app. It was always between 20-25 degrees and therefore the ideal weather for cycling!