By Motorcycle Under the Andalusian Sun

Breakfast (included). Ride back toward the coast via Almuñecar. The route then heads north along the Rio Verde, before following the eastern foothills of the Sierras de Tejeda y Almijara natural park on a superb panoramic road.

Set course for the Sierra Nevada, which you’ll follow along the south (the summit section is for the next day), with plenty of switchbacks and magnificent views! Don’t miss a stroll in the lovely village of Pampaneira. You reach Guadix after crossing the Sierra Nevada in its eastern part. 

Often overlooked by travelers in favor of nearby Granada, it’s actually a very pleasant town. Its historic center is worth a visit for its lanes, the Constitution Square with arcades, and its 11th-century Alcazaba with 11 towers. But the Las Ermitas and Las Cuevas districts are even more striking, with their surprising troglodyte dwellings...

Check in at your hotel. Dinner and evening at leisure. Overnight in Guadix.

Breakfast (included). After Lake Quéntar, follow Lake Canales before tackling the beautiful series of switchbacks to the end of road 395, in the heart of Sierra Nevada National Park, at Hoya de la Mora. If there’s no snow, go for a walk. You can go up to the observatory, open in summer only. 

Then descend with magnificent views, via the Hoya de la Pedraza botanical garden. Not many straight lines today... You reach Granada, heading toward the Alhambra, unless you prefer to drop your bags at the hotel first. Check-in.

Occupied by the Moors for 800 years before the Reconquista, the medieval fortress and palaces of the Alhambra are the finest testimony of that era, along with the nearby Albaicín district, its narrow lanes and little squares lined with whitewashed houses. The 16th-century Renaissance cathedral also deserves a visit, especially the Capilla Real, the royal funerary chapel.

Dinner and evening at leisure. Overnight in Granada.

Breakfast (included). Depart for Cordoba—but not by the shortest route... Today’s itinerary favors scenic backroads, switchbacks and detours, notably through the Sierras Subbéticas natural park midway. Forgotten by many travelers, it’s nevertheless a magnificent natural area with impressive relief, ridges, oak forests, gorges, lapiaz, caves, galleries and streams—and abundant wildlife, from Iberian ibex to birds of prey.

On the park’s northern side, the small town of Zuheros, with its castle ruins and dazzling white facades, is a perfect break in your day’s roadbook.

Arrival in Cordoba, second city of the famous “magic triangle” with Granada and Seville. Check-in. The old town—with Medina Azahara and the Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs—and of course its sublime mosque-cathedral will hold all your attention. In spring, the spectacle of orange trees and blooming jasmine is unforgettable! 

Dinner and evening at leisure. Overnight in Cordoba.

Breakfast (included). Cross the Sierra de Hornachuelos, a succession of superb motorcycle roads (including the famous Ruta de las 365 curvas), foothills and streams flowing into the Guadalquivir valley. Autumn and spring are the best seasons for comfortable temperatures.

Stop in Constantina, then head for Sierra Morena de Andújar Natural Park, a mid-mountain area where livestock farming remains the main activity (try the local cheeses!). You’ll find a few lovely viewpoints at the edge of Extremadura. 

Then descend due south to the beautiful town of Carmona. Check-in at the hotel. Surrounded by walls built by the Romans, this neighbor of Seville boasts many assets: its historic quarter with two Alcázars, its Roman necropolis, and the Santa Maria church. Dinner and evening at leisure. Overnight in Carmona.

Note : it is possible to replace Carmona with Seville. In that case, we strongly recommend adding an extra day (and 1 night) to enjoy the city properly. Please contact us.

Breakfast (included). Head to Arcos de la Frontera, perched on an impressive rocky spur and dominated by its castle. Wander its stepped lanes and hidden little squares! Mudéjar, Gothic, Baroque—every influence blends here.

The Sierra de Grazalema holds an incredible karst complex of rivers, valleys, caves and Andalusian firs. Grazalema is a charming white village! Nearby, Zahara de la Sierra is a true postcard, with fortress ruins overlooking the village from the cliff top and turquoise lake waters behind.

Arrival in Ronda. The city was occupied by Celts, Phoenicians, Romans, then Arabs. It is split in two by a 150m-deep gorge. It is one of Andalusia’s jewels!

Check-in at the hotel. Dinner and evening at leisure. Overnight in Ronda. 

Note: possibility to add 1 extra day (and 1 night) in Seville. The previous day’s stage would end in Seville instead of Carmona. Today’s stage to Ronda would then depart from Seville. Please contact us.

Breakfast (included). The route heads due south to the coast after crossing the small Sierra Bermeja, with a few beautiful viewpoints along the way...

Arrive on the Costa del Sol and stop in Marbella. The town is famous for golf, beaches and laid-back living, but it also has remains from Roman, Muslim and Christian periods. And wandering the old town lanes is very pleasant. 

Then head back toward the southern foothills of Sierra de las Nieves National Park, before approaching the Mediterranean again at Mijas. Its old town has a lovely Arab street plan, with whitewashed lanes and fine historic buildings. The final section follows the coast via Torremolinos (we’ll all go...) before reaching Malaga. Return the motorcycle at the rental company, then transfer (not included; taxi recommended) to your downtown hotel. 

Malaga is Spain’s 6th largest city, and its old town around Plaza de la Constitución is worth a visit.

Check-in at the hotel. Dinner and evening at leisure. Overnight in Malaga.

Breakfast (included).

Transfer to the airport according to your flight time (included).

Return flight (not included: contact us).

Contact us for any extension / itinerary changes