Cycling Distance: 49 Km

Ascent: 560m

Descent: 660 m

Difficulty level: Moderate

Leaving Guadix, we enter the BADLANDS, a landscape shaped over a million years as the large lake that once covered this area drained away.Upon reaching Benalúa, we can enjoy stunning viewpoints over the Fardes River valley.

Next, we head towards FACE RETAMA, a site sacred to Christianity. According to legend, Saint TORCUATO was martyred here by the Romans. Saint Torcuato, along with seven other apostolic men, traveled from Rome to preach Christianity, which was then unknown in the Iberian Peninsula. This area also features caves that, according to archaeological studies, might have been a Paleo-Christian hermitage dating back to the 4th century.

Continuing onward, we visit a Nazarí tower in GUAJAR, offering fabulous views of the Sierra Nevada. This tower once guarded the border with the Christian kingdoms to the north.

We then traverse desert Ramblas, arriving at the Alicún Spa, a place known for its fascinating geological formations and medicinal mineral waters, inhabited since at least the Neolithic era.

Our journey concludes in the unique desert town of GORAFE, a place inhabited since ancient times.

Hotel: Cuevas Algarves de Gorafe

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch (Picnic)

Cycling Distance: 49 Km

Ascent: 990 m

Descent: 1010 m

Difficulty level: ModerateBottom of Form

Today’s 49 km Ride: Gorafe to Freila Circular Route. This stage, with a moderate to high difficulty level, takes us through gravel terrain deep into the heart of the Gorafe desert. We'll embark on the renowned circular route, exploring the striking Colorados area, which evokes the rugged beauty of the Colorado Desert in the United States, along with fascinating geological formations.

Next, we’ll traverse the desert to reach the BACOR oasis, a town distinguished by its network of caves. Among these, the Black Cat Museum, a captivating cave-museum created by a local artist, is a must-see.

The stage concludes in FREILA, once a border city of the Muslim Kingdom of Granada, where we’ll be treated to an extraordinary sunset.

HOTEL : Casa-Cueva Vico

Cave House Vico - Casa Cueva Vico - Web Oficial

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch (Picnic)

Cycling Distance: 43 Km

Ascent: 1060 m

Descent: 1170 m

Difficulty level: Moderate

We'll start our journey in Freila, navigating gravel roads until we reach the pavement, traveling a couple of kilometers before arriving in Zújar.

In Zújar, we will prepare for the ascent to Jabalcón Peak, the heart of the Granada Geopark. From the summit, we'll enjoy panoramic views of the entire Geopark, with a special focus on the Negratín Reservoir, allowing us to envision the area's evolution over millions of years.

After descending Jabalcón Peak, we will circle around it, approaching the edge of the Negratín Reservoir. We’ll cross the reservoir at its tail and enter a steppe-like terrain, heading towards Benamaurel. Here, we’ll observe the ancient caves known as Hafas de Benamaurel, dating back to the 11th century (an ancient cave fortification inhabited since the 11th century).The tour continues with a stop in Benamaurel to witness the historic Hafas,

Hotel: Cueva El Murallón Benamaurel

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch (Picnic)

Cycling Distance: 55 Km

Ascent: 530 m

Descent: 570 m

Difficulty level: Moderate

Today's journey takes us on a 55 km ride from Benamaurel to Orce, a historic gem in Europe. followed by a visit to the First Settlers Interpretation Center in the town of Orce, which provides information about the earliest hominid settlements on the European continent. Ride a bicycle through the historic Iberian city of Tútugi and the Argaric settlement of Castellón Alto in Galera.

In Orce we'll explore the natural spring of Fuencaliente, located just 2 km from the town center, offering a refreshing flow of water at a constant 18-20 degrees Celsius. Additionally, we’ll visit the Cerro de la Virgen, 3 km from Orce, where ancient ruins reveal a walled village with burials spanning from 2,500 BC to the mid-seventeenth century, providing a fascinating glimpse into the area's long and diverse past.

The gastronomy in this region is noteworthy, especially the Segureño lamb, which has a protected designation of origin.

Hotel: Hotel Rural La Morata

Meal Plan: Breakfast / Lunch Picnic

Cycling Distance: 39 Km

Ascent: 590 m

Descent: 566 m

Today's 39 km ride takes us from Orce to Huéscar, This stage follows in the footsteps of ancient settlers and civilizations that inhabited this region millennia before Christ.

Starting in Orce, we trace the path of the earliest inhabitants, reaching an archaeological site where hominid remains over a million years old have been discovered. From there, we continue on a scenic route to Galera, where we will explore two ancient cities. The first, Tútugi, dates back to around the 5th century BC and is the precursor to the modern town of Galera, where we'll visit its interpretation center. Next, we'll head to the Castellón Alto site, an Argaric settlement that dates back several millennia.

Before our final stretch to Huéscar, we'll take a detour along the ancient settlers' path to witness the unique geological formations known as paleosemites. Finally, we'll ride upstream to the historic town of Huéscar, where we'll visit its Main Church, a perpetual jubilee temple reminiscent of Toledo's cathedral.

Difficulty level: Easy / Moderate

Hotel: Cuevas La Atalaya

Meal Plan: Breakfast / Dinner

Cycling Distance: 40 Km

Driving Distance: 145 Km

Ascent: 232 m

Descent: 298 m

Difficulty level: Moderate

On the final leg of your journey, enjoy a picturesque 40 km ride from Huéscar to Castril, where the scenic landscapes of Granada continue to captivate. Explore the charming village of Castril, known for its stunning natural surroundings and historic sites. After soaking in the beauty of this tranquil area, you’ll drive back to the vibrant city of Granada, bringing your tour full circle. Reflect on your adventure as you return to where it all began, enriched by the diverse experiences and stunning vistas of the Altiplano.

Today we bid you farewell as our journey ends. While our journey may end here, the memories, experiences, and the essence of Andalusia will forever linger in your heart. We thank you for choosing to explore this remarkable region with us, and we look forward to the possibility of welcoming you back on another captivating journey in the future. Until then, safe travels and may your adventures continue to flourish.

Meal Plan: Breakfast