Andalucia Cycling Holidays
Freewheeling through Southern Spain’s almond and olive groves is like
a religious experience for a cyclist, from the African infused winds to
the pulsating warm vibe of the Mediterranean coast, this captivating
landscape makes any hill worthwhile. In fact, most of the routes you
ride in Andalucia will convert you to two wheel trips forever - it’s
that inspiring.
Quiet country paths and relaxing purpose made ‘Green Ways’ (converted
railway tracks for cyclists and walkers) exist alongside hearty mountain
climbs in the Sierra Nevada. Without doubt, Andalucia has a variety of
cycling choices. More than just beaches, bullfights and bravado, from
its religious festivals, pinky prawns barbequed off the harbour boats
and ancient trails, there is something for everyone here and that is not
even taking a breather at a tapas bar yet. But perhaps the best of it is
sharing an “Arriba Arriba” or welcoming “Hola!” with the other cyclists
who proliferate the roads here.
 For
those wanting to explore this region of Moorish legacy one of the best
ways is to bike between the three great and historic cities of Seville
(Sevilla), Córdoba and Granada. Folklore says Hercules created Seville,
but you’ll soon forgot Greek mythology when one of the largest gothic
Cathedrals in the world comes into view, its Arabic tower, the Giralda,
stalwart above the city. With the wafting scent of oranges and perhaps a
strain of music from Carmen (if the city could it would sing its own
soundtrack), you ride out through the most fertile countryside with
friendly shepherds and the shadow of Christopher Columbus keeping you
company.
Córdoba is a city that should feature on every cycle tourist’s route, as
not only is it a most bicycle friendly place, but also was the Moorish
cultural epi-centre in Europe and the heady evocativeness of Arabian
Nights and romantic tales still permeates its courtyard gardens. The
medieval Jewish quarter is a maze of warm lights in the evening twilight
and the 8th century Mezquita mosque, one of the world’s most lovely
places of worship, is an alluring forest of arches. Tour around the
ancient crumbling city walls and stretch the legs beside the bubbling
fountains before spending time in a cosy local tavern where bull
fighting memorabilia crowds the walls.
Likewise the bike route to Granada, the royal city of Moors and medieval
monarchs
passes the vestiges of civilizations gone by, with Paeolithic cave
homes, Roman olive groves, Arabic watchtowers and Baroque curly qued
churches. However, the highlight for travellers, be they on two wheels
or not, is the city itself. A visual treat, its snow capped Sierra
Nevada backdrop nestling one of the world’s most beloved buildings, the
enchanting Alhambra Palace. Park your bike and wander its fragrant
Generalife gardens and breath in the panoramic vista from its balconies.
Then stroll down and explore the pretty Cathedral area, where sun soaked
squares are lined with cafes, and after all the pedalling you’ve done,
allow your self to indulge in a sticky honey Arabic pastry.
 For
those wanting to escape city streets, Andalucia is well equipped to
cater for this and being one of the least populated areas of Spain,
there are miles and miles of National Parks, back roads and bike paths.
Spend a long weekend cycling around the Poniente Granadino, exploring
the countryside and charming towns of Alhama de Granada, Loja and
Montefrio. Cycle from Ernest Hemingway’s muse of Ronda, a pretty white
washed town perched on a prodigious gorge, through the rustic setting of
the surrounding national park of the Sierra Nieve, where the pine trees
whisper and the hawks swoop and dive.
Or for thrill seekers, plummet through the coastal ranges of the Sierra
Tejeda plunging headlong down the winding mountain paths, and villages hugging
the hillsides with the Costa Tropical and Mediterranean Sea in sight.
Even if you try it the other way biking from Almeria’s desert terrain, Laurence
of Arabia’s film set with its Wild West cacti and sandy beaches, up to the
chilly peaks and cave homes in the Alpujarras and beyond, you’ll be won over by
this tremendous scenery and the living tapestry of the Al-Andalus legend, all to
be explored from the saddle.
Many thanks to Maggi Jones of Cycling Country, an Andalucian cycling company
offering fully supported cycling holidays in Spain. Find out more about the bike
trips they offer at the link below:
Cycling Country
www.cyclingcountry.com
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