Volta a Andalucía
This UNESCO filled region of Spain offers breath taking views across the olive groves and along the Route of the Caliphate. It also offers one of the greatest cycling challenges with the highest paved road in Europe, Pico de Veleta.
This route offers plenty of flexibility and isn’t limited to the example shown here. There are many different ways to do this journey, and we can adapt it to your requirements. The options are endless, what you’ll find below is simply a typical itinerary.
Volta a Catalunya Itinerary
Day 1 – Travel day and warm-up loop
Distance: 53km
Elevation: 560m
Once we land at Malaga airport, pie staff will meet everyone at arrivals and transfer the group to the hotel in Antequera. You will have a chance to meet the rest of the pie crew over lunch before having a briefing and getting out on your bikes for a few hours in the afternoon, depending on flight times. The warm-up loop will take the riders out to the town of Archidona, where cyclists can tackle the Ermita Virgen de Gracia climb.
Day 2 – Antequera to Cordoba
Distance: 152km
Elevation: 1771m
This is a long day with some fabulous scenery, deserted roads and Vuelta climbs. The routes are all extremely rural along small tarmacked roads, through olive groves and fields. There are several climbing options in the area, before everyone gathers for lunch in Cabra. The final stretch to the finish is along a large, quiet road, with more down than up, and will take us all the way to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Córdoba.
“I’ve ridden many times on pie events over the years, and I can say without fear of contradiction, they are superb. And that word applies to all the essential components of a great trip!” Dermot Mrnaghan, Sky News Reader, Tour of Basque
Day 3 – Córdoba to Alcalá la Real
Distance: 120km
Elevation: 1780m
The day starts with a classic exit from the city across the Roman bridge and out into the countryside within a few kms. We are very much in rural Spain here, where we stay all the way through to lunch in Baena with a Vuelta climb en route at Zuhueros. From there, it is a fast ride to meet a small valley route which takes everyone over the Puerto del Castillo climb, and then downhill into Alcala la Real.
Day 4 – Alcalá la Real to Granada
Distance: 117km
Elevation: 1780m
The last day and the climbing climax of the trip. Everyone will ride the stunning Ruta del Califato and onto the plains of Granada. From here, cyclists will commence the climb up Pico de Veleta. As an out-and-back, you choose where you turn round, but all options are magnificent achievements and will be rewarded with fantastic views as you descend into Granada. That evenin,g everyone will toast their achievements over a celebration meal.
Day 5 – A chance to relax after the trip
Today is a free day to enjoy Granada and the spectacular Alhambra, before your return flight back to the UK.
