Cycling Distance: 50 Km

Ascent: 850 m

Descent: 2.050 m

Difficulty level: Moderate

Prepare to be transported through time as we embark on a captivating journey through the Alpujarra region, a land of white mountain villages nestled snugly between the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada and the Mediterranean Sea. Here, time appears to stand still, preserving the rich history of the Moriscos from Granada and the remarkable harmony between humanity and nature, cultivated during the Moorish era of Al-Andalus.

Our day commences with a scenic drive to the "Puerto de la Ragua," a breath-taking mountain pass situated at an elevation of 2,000 meters, marking the boundary between Granada and Almería provinces. Our route will lead us through charming villages offering awe-inspiring vistas of the valley and its terraced farms. On clear days, you may even catch glimpses of the Mediterranean Sea and, in the distance, the shores of Africa.

As we traverse this magnificent terrain, we'll have the opportunity to pause and explore some of the rustic villages, each bearing a unique architectural imprint influenced by the Berber occupation. You'll encounter flat-roofed, box-shaped white houses adorned with tall, cylindrical chimneys, nestled along narrow, winding, and steep streets, seemingly clinging to the majestic slopes of the Sierra Nevada.

Our day's adventure culminates as we arrive at our comfortable hotel, nestled in the vicinity of the picturesque village of Cádiar, perched beside the banks of the Guadalfeo River. Here, you'll be greeted by panoramic views of the towering mountains, a sight to behold.

Accommodation: Hotel: Alquería de Morayma. Cádiar.

Meal Plan: Breakfast / Picnic Lunch

Cycling Distance: 40 Km

Ascent: 1080 m

Descent: 850 m

Difficulty level: Moderate

Our journey through the captivating "Alpujarras" continues today, with our first destination being the charming village of Trevélez, nestled in the Trevélez Gorge and renowned as one of the highest villages in Spain, perched at an elevation of 1,480 meters.

Trevélez is celebrated for its traditional ham drying process, which has earned it a coveted Denomination of Origin status for its exceptional quality and rich flavor. The uniqueness of this ham is a product of its geographical setting, with climatic conditions such as high altitude, ideal temperatures, and humidity imparting it with unparalleled characteristics.

From Trevélez, we'll proceed to the picturesque village of Capileira, the highest among the three villages in the Poquiera Gorge, sitting at 1,435 meters above sea level. Capileira is not only one of the most stunning locales in the Alpujarra but also offers an unforgettable overnight experience amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada.

Optional: For those eager to delve deeper into the world of Iberian ham, we offer a guided tour in Trevélez to visit a traditional ham drying house known as the "Secadero." Here, you can gain insight into the fascinating ham production process and its historical significance, culminating in a delectable tasting of Iberian ham accompanied by local red wine.

Accommodation: Hotel: Finca de los Llanos. Capileira.

https://www.hotelfincalosllanos.com/

Meal Plan: Breakfast / Picnic Lunch

Cycling Distance: 50 Km

Ascent: 450 m

Descent: 1.350 m

Difficulty level: Easy

As we bid farewell to the captivating Alpujarras, our journey takes a new turn as we embark on a vehicle transfer to the charming village of Nigüelas, the highest settlement in the Lecrín region, perched at an elevation of 930 meters and often referred to as the "Balcony of the Valley."

Our final day of cycling introduces us to the enchanting Lecrín Valley, a landscape characterized by a harmonious blend of pine forests, fertile cultivated land, and a mesmerizing tapestry of citrus and orange groves, almond orchards, and olive oil plantations. Our route leads us around the picturesque Béznar Reservoir, the heart of the valley, nourished by several rivers originating from the Sierra Nevada. Along the way, we'll journey through villages that have gracefully preserved their Moorish essence over the centuries.

Our cycling adventure continues as we make our way towards the village of Pinos del Valle, where a stunning panoramic view awaits. We'll then pedal onward, tracing the path of the Old Road Granada-Motril, passing through a dramatic canyon renowned for its rock-climbing opportunities.

Our final leg of the journey brings us to Salobreña, a picturesque village perched atop a colossal rock, crowned by an ancient Moorish castle. Here, you'll have time to explore the historic part of the village, take a refreshing swim, or unwind at one of the local bars.

Our adventure concludes as we head to our ultimate destination, Granada.

Optional: For those interested in delving into the world of olive oil, we offer a guided tour in Nigüelas, where you can visit the oldest olive oil mill in Europe. Gain a deeper understanding of the culture of olive oil with an introduction to olive oil tasting, a unique experience that showcases the rich heritage of this precious liquid gold.

Meal Plan: Breakfast / Picnic Lunch

http://www.alqueriamorayma.com/