Spain by bike, from Murcia to Granada

From Murcia to Granada by bike through the last Nasrid kingdom of Spain

This start of the bicycle tour in Andalusia takes you to discover the Andalusian white villages (“pueblos blancos”). Heading west, you will enter the Geopark of Granada to discover unsuspected geological treasures. The final stage will require you to pass the highest point of your stay at an altitude of 1,297 m, to finish in front of the Alhambra after a vertiginous descent of 20 km.

Points of interest during the stay :

• Medieval villages
• The desert and canyons of Gorafe
• Cave dwellings in Guadix and Benamaurel.
• Sierra Nevada mountain peak
• Grenade

Day 1 : Arrival in Murcia

For your first day of cycling, you will have the opportunity to take a bike ride to the Sanctuary of Fuensanta.
Overnight in Murcia.

Day 2 : Lorca - La Parroquia - Vélez Blanco - 48 km (4h30)

Go on a bike ride towards “Vélez Blanco”! Transfer to Lorca (50 minutes) where you will have time to visit its historic district as well as its fortress! This tour will help you understand the geographical and historical context of the ancient medieval border between the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada and the Christian Kingdom of Murcia. On the way to Vélez Blanco you will discover the Corneros river as well as the ruins of the fortress of Xiquena. Once in Vélez Blanco, take the time to visit its magnificent historic district.
Overnight in Vélez Blanco.

Day 3 : Vélez Blanco - María - Orce - Galera - 44 km (4h14)

Go for an intense cycling stage up the 8 km long Col de María. Take the opportunity to discover the small village of María. The rest of your walk will be easier with a long descent that will take you to the Altiplano of Granada, this region of Granada is dotted with stately villages steeped in history, archaeological sites and caves! Passing through the town of Fuente, you will get a glimpse of the 2,000 cave inhabitants of the province of Granada! Continue your journey to Orce, a small village founded by the Arabs and world famous for its archaeological sites.
Stop off at the Los Primeros Pobladores Museum! Continue your bike trip in Spain to Galera with a small detour to the hot springs of Fuencaliente!
In Galera, discover different tourist sites: the archaeological site of Castellón Alto, a marvelous example of the Argaric culture, the Galera museum as well as the Tutugi necropolis which is a fine example of Iberian culture.
Overnight in Galera.

Day 4 : Galera - El Castillejar - Benamaurel - Baza - 50 km (5h)

The first part of your journey will take you through the beautiful valley of the Guardall River following ancient canals to the village of Benamaurel known for its many cave dwellings. To reach Baza, you will follow the Nogueral canal towards Lake Negratin and then branch off towards the foot of Mount Jacalcón! Baza has an important Iberian and Muslim archaeological heritage. This village has beautiful corners where you can enjoy its monumental and historical heritage such as the Church of Santa María and the towers of the Alcazaba. Take advantage of your afternoon to stroll through the old quarter and enjoy the many bars and restaurants.
Overnight in Baza.

Day 5 : Baza - Baúl - Gorafe - Baños de Alicún - Fonelas -Guadix - 62 - 84 km (6h - 8h)

Be ready for the big step of this trip! It will be the longest but above all the most spectacular! (possibility of an initial transfer which shortens the stage by 22 km).
After 22 km on the Green Way of the Sierra Baza, you cross the deep canyon of Baúl to then head towards the canyons and landscapes of Gorafe where you can admire a nature prized for its multicolored eroded landscapes and its concentration of megalithic remains ... On the way, you will see the many dolmens that dot the heights of the Gor River canyon around the Mirador del Puntal! After a well-deserved break, several geosites will follow one another: the Alicún thermal baths, the Toril Travertine canal and the black badlands of the Fardes river! You will reach Guadix and its beautiful cathedral by cycling up the Fardes valley.
Overnight in Guadix.

Day 6 : Guadix - Beas de Guadix - Marchal - La Peza - LosBlancares pass - Quentar - Granada - 57 km (6h)

For your last day of cycling, join the Sierra Nevada piedmont, a mountain range attached to the Betic Cordilleras, towards Grande. Cross the breathtaking crevasses of “Marchal and Baños”. Then enjoy a magnificent panorama of the peaks of Sierra Nevada that you will not lose sight of throughout the morning! After visiting the charming village of La Peza, here is the last difficulty of your stay: the ascent of the Col de Los Blancares of 9 km with its 1,297 m altitude! The reward is only more magnificent and tasty ... A descent of 22 km will await you before arriving in Granada.
Overnight in Granada.

Day 7 : End of your tour in Spain

Transfer to Murcia. Possibility of spending an extra night in Granada.

General informations :

• 7 days and 6 nights
• Standard version accommodation comfort level: 4* hotels or charming guest rooms and one night in 2* hotel
• Child rates: contact us

The dates :

Departure every day from March to November 2024

• High season (including Holy Week): 24/03 to 31/03 and 15/06 to 15/09

Included :

• Self-guided online tour
• 6 nights in a 4 * hotel, hospedería and pension with breakfast in a shared double room.
• Luggage transfer.
• The return trip from Granada to Murcia.
• Roadbook

Not included :

• Entrances and visits to monuments and museums
• Return transport
• Lunches and dinners not included
• Bike rental.

The options :

• VTC or electric bike rental
• Private transfer Alicante - Murcia
• Transfer Alicante - Murcia by train or bus
• Insurance

Levels :

1 2 3 4 5 6
 
 
Weather :

temperate Mediterranean climate, in most of its territory, with hot and dry summers. High temperatures in July and August.
 
Technicality :

Cycling: 48 to 84 km per day or 4 to 8 hours of cycling.
 
 
Meals :

- Breakfasts: generous (coffee, tea, chocolate, milk, butter, bread, jam, orange juice)
- Lunch: not included
- Dinner: not included.
 
The bike :

- Rental bike: 1 hybrid-mountain bike or electric bicycle (see conditions and prices), equipped with front suspension, rear bags, helmet, reflective vest, repair kit, padlock.

Documents required for the rental of the bicycle:
- Identity card or passport
- Deposit (credit card or cash: € 250. The deposit will be returned with the bicycle.)

- Personal bike: Hybrid bikes and mountain bikes are excellent. Remember to check your bicycle before setting off. At the end of your tour, you will need to pick up your bike.
 
Assistance :

- Assistance in the event of a breakdown (except for punctures for which we do not intervene).
 
Roadbook :

We will provide you with detailed maps and a description of the routes, sent to your home before departure. We will also give you the vouchers for the hotel and the restaurant.
 
Transport :

- By train: around 12h with 2 connections. Information from SNCF
- By car: Murcia is 1611 km from Paris and a 16 hour drive on the motorways.
- By plane: Airport in Murcia
 
 
Cancellation insurance :

In order to guarantee the reimbursement of costs in the event of cancellation of your stay, you can take out cancellation insurance. To learn more about insurance, click here.