Join us for a bike-packing journey that takes us off the beaten path of four mountains (Cautro Sierras) in Andalucía. This six-night gravel ride will take us to stunning views and traditional white villages, all while connecting the dots of some of our favorite climbs, descents, cafes, and local accommodations.
The Route
This 5-day bike-packing adventure connects the best gravel roads and picturesque traditional villages in Andalucía. We will cover 50-70 km per day – but don’t be fooled by the distance. These will be days full of climbing up and descending some of the most impressive and remote mountain passes in the Sierra Nevada range.
Off the bike, we will enjoy tapas, coffee, cozy accommodation, and warm hospitality from our hosts who have endless stories to share. We will end each day with tired legs, but beautiful views and plenty of opportunities to unwind and connect with the vibrant culture of the traditional towns that can only be found in this unique area.
The Region
The Spanish Sierra Nevada (meaning mountain range covered in snow) is located in the region of Andalucía, a province of Granada. It boasts the highest point in continental Spain: Mulhacén 12,300 feet (3,749 metres) – and it’s home to a unique history with an allure that makes it the perfect bikepacking adventure.
This place is more than stunning views, a temperate climate, and world-class gravel – it’s home to a vibrant culture that echoes a long and varied history.
The route we create together will be a journey through a piece of Spain that has seemingly been untouched by time. With traffic-free roads, very little tourism and no chain-stores, we will be experiencing the real, un-filtered rural Andalucia – where old farmers still work the fields with an ox and plough, and livelihoods are tied to the land. The warm climate is perfectly suited to the growth of olives, almonds, and high altitude vineyards. And of course, the area's most well-known produce, Jámon (ham) cured in the village of Trevélez, where we spend a night of our tour.
One of the most iconic features of the region are the “white villages,” – traditional ‘berber’ architecture that is testament to the region’s area as the last stronghold of the Moors of Spain, providing an escape for those fleeing Granada during the Catholic Reconquista.
The main roads in the Alpujarras remained tracks until the 1950’s, and due to this historical lack of access, tourism has always been quiet. World-class gravel is easy to come by in this remote, traffic-free area – and between the challenging climbs and stunning descents, we’ll be steeped in the history and culture of this incredible region.
More recently, the region has seen an influx of foreigners – many free spirits from different backgrounds seeking an alternative kind of life. They echo the past of their Moorish predecessors, and contribute to the unique fabric that makes up this special place.
Why This Route?
Cycling tourism has the potential to bring business to rural villages where the population is declining, and traditional ways of life are in danger of fading away. The places we will eat and sleep are family-run – built by people with incredible stories who can’t wait to welcome us and connect over a meal or a coffee.
The Sierra Nevada isn't just a backdrop; it's a living canvas. These towns may appear lost to time – but they are on the precipice of reinvention, and we get to be a part of it.
About
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About The Host
All of our guides are experienced and fully trained cycling guides. They know every single road, trail, and track in this region of Spain. They’ve left their blood, sweat, and tears on many of the local roads here, so you can rest assured they know what they´re doing and where you´re going. They know how far it is until the next good coffee shop, so you only have to worry about riding your bike in the warmer climes of Andalusia, Spain.