Cycle Andalucia: Seville to Cadiz

Located deep in southern Spain, Seville can be easily reached via its international airport. Alternatively, an efficient train service connects Seville to Madrid (2hrs30min) or Jerez (1hr30min).

As one of Spain’s most theatrical cities, Seville boasts lively plazas, exquisite Moorish architecture and a flamenco dynasty dating back to the 19th century—the perfect introduction to Andalucian culture!

This morning you can enjoy an introductory 2.5 hrs guided bike tour on Seville's easy-to-navigate cycle path network, which make it Spain’s most cycle-friendly city. They will lead you through many of Seville’s major sights, such as the UNESCO Moorish Palace of Kings ‘The Alcazar’ and the Giralda Tower. Later in the day, explore the narrow cobbled lanes of the old quarter on foot and discover the many tapas bars before the city comes to life with the sound of Flamenco.

Following the River Guadiaria, cycle out of Seville and across classic rolling Andalucian countryside as you pedal east to the white village of Carmona and your first Parador hotel. A typical Moorish town, Carmona boasts a 15th-century church with Baroque towers where you can visit the ’Puerta de Sevilla’ (doors of Seville), which date back to the 3rd century constructed by the Carthaginians.

Total ascent/descent: 300m/78m

Cycle south from Carmona across the mostly flat fertile plains of Andalucía as you pedal through fields of olives and sunflowers. Today you'll come across two towns where you can stop for a coffee and then a bite to eat. Enjoy the wide open spaces on your ride today, cycling along quiet country roads. On arrival at your hotel, you can relax poolside amongst the extensive peaceful gardens. 

Total ascent/descent: 335m/315m

Leaving Montellano, the terrain begins to undulate as you cycle across the foothills of the Grazalema Mountains. Today's cycle takes you into pristine Mediterranean forest of great beauty. Most of the cycle is along very quiet country roads, with a small section along a "Via Verde" (disused railway now used as a cycle path). You will cycle past the typically Andalusian town of Puerto Serrano, a good place to stop for an early lunch, before reaching your destination, the hilltop town of Arocs de la Frontera, set atop a limestone ridge. Before heading to your Parador hotel, you can explore the labyrinth of lanes that lead to the castle of Arcos and a spectacular viewpoint across the rolling plains below.

Total ascent/descent: 560m/685m

Ride from Arcos into the heart of Spain’s sherry wine country, Jerez de la Frontera. Today's cycling is undulating, generally following the River Guadalete downstream along quiet country roads and through Mediterranean woodland and agricultural land. Bursting with Andalusian charm, Jerez’s streets are peppered with scores of Sherry Bodegas, including the famous ‘Tio Pepe’ and ‘La Ina’, which provide daily tasting experiences for around €10 per person. Later into the evening, discover the age-old tapas bars serving plates of local alchahofas, rabo de toro and espárrago. Jerez is also famous for its Flamenco tradition, making this a great place to watch this phenomenal music and dance performance at one of the many flamenco bars.

Total ascent/descent: 235m/365m

The last ride of the week heads to the coastline and Spain’s oldest settlement, Cadiz. It'll take you through the traditional small town of El Puerto de Santa Maria where there are many restaurants serving fresh fish for lunch. You'll then reach the old town of Cadiz, which remains much as it was during the 18th century ‘Golden-Era’ with sailor’s alleyways, grand plazas and turreted houses. Your ride will end along the beach cycle paths. From here, you can head to the beach, dine on local seafood dishes or take a refreshing dip before relaxing at your beachfront Parador hotel.

Total ascent/descent: 155m/95m

Depending on your onward travel plans, you may have time to explore Cadiz further. The central train station has regular train services to Jerez (30mins) and Seville (1hr30min) and high-speed services to Madrid (3-4hrs).