What to expect
A cycling journey from Ronda to Córdoba is an unforgettable exploration through the heart of Andalusia. You’ll ride through a landscape full of contrasts: rugged mountains, quiet olive groves, charming white villages, and impressive historic cities. This trip is ideal for those who want to combine tranquility, culture, and nature, without rushing.
You cycle on quiet country roads with little traffic. The route is hilly, with a few challenging climbs and a flat stage on the last day, suitable for recreational cyclists on an E-bike with a good basic fitness level. (See E-bike difficulty level in BLOG) Along the way, mountain panoramas, olive fields, and authentic villages alternate.
Each evening you arrive at a carefully selected hotel, usually small-scale and peacefully located.
Daily luggage transport included.
General daily schedule
🔹 Breakfast at the hotel
🔹 Average 40–80 km cycling per day (4–6 hours including breaks)
🔹 Time for a terrace, lunch, photos, and sightseeing along the way
🔹 Arrival in the afternoon, time to relax or explore the surroundings
🔹 Finish your journey in the impressive city of Córdoba, with its famous Mezquita and atmospheric old town
Day 1
Welcome
Upon arrival in Málaga, our transfer will take us to our rural hotel in Ronda, located above a deep gorge that divides the city in two. The tour leader will organize an introductory meeting about the trip, followed by a safety briefing.
Free afternoon in Ronda
Start the day by exploring Ronda’s famous sights, such as the iconic bridge or the Plaza de Toros, Spain’s oldest bullring. Or take a trip to one of the many local vineyards, an excellent way to deepen your knowledge of local wines.
The tour leader will organize dinner to celebrate the first day of the journey.
Relaxation at the hotel
The hotel features a quietly located swimming pool
Day 2
Track 1 Sierra de las Nieves Mountain Range
Off we go to the breathtaking Gaitanes Gorge, one of the most spectacular landscapes in the Malaga mountains where we stay the second night of the trip.
We leave our hotel along meandering country roads, passing through the Ronda Mountain Range and the Sierra de las Nieves National Park, a 100% stunning landscape. After a picnic lunch at a panoramic viewpoint, we continue toward our hotel nestled in the heart of the Natural Park.
Free day Ronda
Swimming pool and breathtaking views
Optional walk 'Caminito del Rey'
Relaxation at the hotel
The hotel features a quietly located swimming pool
Day 3
Stage 2 Rural Andalusia
After breakfast, we drive the first kilometers with our support vehicle to skip the steep part and bring us higher where we start our second stage.
Today we cycle through rural Andalusia, a mountainous and colorful landscape where Mediterranean crops alternate with pastureland. After the picnic lunch, we continue to the village of Antequera with its rich historical center that claims to have the most churches per inhabitant in Spain. Monasteries, palaces, the Moorish fortress, and prehistoric dolmens are some of the many sights.
Free afternoon Antequera
Relaxation at the hotel
Hotel features a quietly located swimming pool
Day 4
Stage 3 Mountainous Olive Groves
Today is the only time we drive to our new starting point, a village built on the ruins of an old Moorish castle that overlooks the beautiful valley and lake below.
The route takes us through the olive groves of Andalusia in the Sierras Subbéticas Natural Park and Geopark. Spain has olive groves spread throughout almost the entire country, but the largest concentration is in Andalusia, with locations where olive trees were already used when the region Hispania Baetica supplied olive oil to the Roman capital.
Our destination today is the village of Priego de Córdoba in the heart of the natural park. For dinner, we offer you the opportunity to learn how to taste and appreciate olive oil with all your senses through an olive oil master, discovering the smell, aroma, and taste of each olive oil.
Free afternoon
Discover the old part of the village
Day 5
Stage 4 The Route of the Old Olive Oil Train
Today we continue cycling through the beautiful landscapes of the Sierras Subbéticas that take us to picturesque villages.
After another outdoor picnic, we follow the track of the old train route called “Vía Verde” that runs between olive trees and vineyards. These Greenways in Spain have been restored for cyclists and walkers.
The route of the old oil train brings us to our next accommodation, a traditional Andalusian farmhouse converted into a hotel.
Free afternoon
Swimming pool and breathtaking views
Day 6
Stage 5 The Caliphate and Mozarabic Route
On your last cycling day, we follow two historic routes that lead us to the city of Córdoba, our final destination. The Caliphate Route is the Andalusian heritage that connects Córdoba and Granada, the capitals of the Caliphate and Nasrid al-Andalus. It was one of the busiest paths of the Iberian Peninsula in the Middle Ages, used by merchants from all over the known world, who supplied and traded with these important population centers; it was also the route of knowledge, science, and art.
The other historic route is the Mozarabic Way to Santiago de Compostela. An ancient path that pays tribute to all Christians, the Mozarabs, who remained in the areas of Al-Andalus. A journey that reminds us of that time when these Christians, despite oppression, maintained their faith and devotion.
The last part of the longest cycling route reveals our travel destination with views of the city of Córdoba, located in the Guadalquivir depression formed by the Guadalquivir River.
Day 7
Free day Córdoba
Explore the city’s history and culture known for its unique blend of Roman, Moorish, and Christian influences. The city was once a significant Roman settlement and later became the capital of the Islamic Emirate and then the Caliphate of Córdoba, under which it flourished as one of the largest and most advanced cities in the world during the Middle Ages.
In the morning there is an optional tour of the Mosque of Córdoba for those who have pre-reserved the activity.
The tour guide will organize a place to have dinner together to celebrate the last evening of the journey
Day 8
Goodbye
The journey ends after breakfast at our hotel. There will be a private airport transfer from the hotel to the airport in Málaga.
What our clients said about us?
"This was my second cycling trip with Michael and Jose, alongside a group of 7 people, most of whom had joined a previous trip from Granada. We were picked up at the airport and taken to Ronda, where our 180-mile route began. The hotels were excellent, and Jose accompanied us in a van, providing water and snacks along the way, as well as organizing delicious lunches. The e-bikes were of high quality, making the steep hills easier to manage, and the scenery was beautiful. Michael also organized activities such as olive oil tastings and a guided tour in Córdoba. The experience was personalized and more affordable than other companies, and I will definitely be returning."
"Thank you for another fantastic trip! Having had an incredible cycling experience with Michael and Jose last year in the Sierra Nevada, my expectations for the Ronda to Cordoba trip were high, and they exceeded them once again. The route through beautiful countryside and charming villages was superb, with smooth Spanish roads. Even with e-bikes, we felt we earned the delicious lunches Jose prepared daily. The accommodations were comfortable, with plenty of pools for post-ride relaxation. This year’s olive oil tasting was a highlight, showcasing their attention to creating memorable experiences. They truly care about making our holiday the best, and I highly recommend them."
"Michael and Jose are the perfect duo, providing an unparalleled experience on every bike trip. From delicious breakfasts and Jose’s spectacular lunches to fabulous dinners and thoughtfully chosen hotel stays, their attention to detail is flawless. Michael showcases exceptional talent in planning safe and exciting routes with breathtaking views, while both stand out for their kindness, professionalism, and ability to anticipate our needs. After three unforgettable trips with them, I can confidently say these journeys have been incredible experiences and opportunities to form lasting friendships. We look forward to more miles and smiles together!"
"I joined my friends on a cycling trip from Ronda to Cordoba (Sept/Oct 2024), opting for a road bike instead of an eBike to enjoy the challenge of the hills. Michael was incredibly helpful in sourcing the perfect road bike with the right specifications. The trip was a wonderful mix of charming white villages, olive groves, stunning views, delicious food, and comfortable hotels. Highlights included walking the breathtaking Caminito del Rey, a fascinating olive oil tasting, and visiting Cordoba’s incredible Mesquita. Throughout, Jose’s support vehicle and amazing lunches added to the experience, and Michael’s knowledge of the region enriched every moment. I’d love to book another trip with them—whether a tour or a hotel-based adventure. Thanks for the unforgettable memories, Michael and Jose!"
"I had the pleasure of joining one of Mike's (Montaraz owner's) tours, cycling from Ronda to Cordoba in southern Spain during June. Mike is incredibly knowledgeable and plans his tours meticulously. I hired a high-end gravel bike for the tour as an experienced cyclist and enjoyed the variety in riding, including hairpin descents and fun climbs in impressive scenery. Mike worked seamlessly with Jose to provide refreshing snacks, meals and chilled drinks en route, store and maintain the equipment we used (having customised the bike fit and fitted my saddle), and show us the sites at each destination. The hotels were all different, supremely comfortable and many had swimming pools for a dip after a day of riding. Owing to the interesting route, Mike's info and the optional excursions, I feel I've seen the best of the area and hope to see more in the future. I'd be excited to join another Montaraz tour in the future: Very good value for money, a personalised product and just a lot of fun. Thanks Mike & Jose!"
"Ronda to Cordaba biking..Such a varied and enjoyable bike tour. The terrain was stunningly beautiful, each day bringing different views and experiences. Mike and Jose did a great job of guiding us whilst providing copious cold drinks, snacks and picnics. I was amazed that they could provide us with fresh fruit, coffee, lots of salads, etc whilst we were travelling the small trails. Mikes in-depth knowledge of the culture and history of each area demonstrated his careful research and both Mike and Jose were good company. Each had a great sense of humour. The handpicked hotels showed off the very best of Spain. The cuisine was very authentic and tasty. What more can I say … I will be booking again."
"Just back from a week with Montaraz. A holiday with huge attention to detail and consideration for individual needs. Michael and Jose work closely together to provide a great experience and good company, which makes for wonderful holiday. Add all that to great bikes, wonderfully individual hotels and lovely Spanish countryside, we couldn’t have asked for more. No hesitation in going again and recommending to others."
