Spanish Square (Plaza de Espana) in Sevilla at sunset, Andalusia, Spain

Self-Guided Cycling in Andalucia: Seville to Cadiz

Expert Local Guides

Award Winning Adventures

Nature First Adventures

Support Local Communities

7 Days from

USD 2,449

incl. Taxes

Cycling

Ways to Travel :

Self-Guided Holidays

Activity :

Cycling

Activity Levels :

3 out of 7 - Moderate

Ages :

14+

Trip Code :

C06AD

Discover one of Spain's most iconic areas by bike

It could be argued that Andalucia is the most quintessentially Spanish part of the Iberian Peninsula. Defined by its Moorish architecture this land of contrasts boasts fertile land, historic hilltop towns, stunning beaches and excellent local food. This moderate self-guided cycle takes you from the magical city of Seville, along small country roads and through Mediterranean woodland to the town of Arcos, one of Andalucia's most dramatically positioned pueblos blancos (white villages). From here you take a journey into the heart of the Flamenco traditions of Jerez - famous for its sherry wines, before ending in Cádiz; thought to be the oldest city in western Europe.The accommodation is in spectacular traditional and modern hotels of the region, and the food is plentiful, fresh and delicious.

Highlights

Authentic accommodation in Parador hotels and an Andalucian hacienda
Tapas and flamenco in the streets of Jerez
Spectacular sandy beaches of Cadiz

Key Information

6 nights premium hotels with en suite facilities, most with pools (seasonal)
5 days cycling
Undulating cycling - 82% paved, 18% unpaved (some rough tracks)
E-bike hire available on request (supplement applies)
Self-guided holiday. Min. age 14 yrs

Countries visited: Spain

What's Included

All breakfasts included
All luggage transfers between hotels
Route notes and maps
High Quality Bikes

What's Not Included

Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request) - compulsory supplement
Solo traveller supplement (where only one person is travelling on a departure date)
Visas or vaccinations
Arrival & departure transfers when making a land only booking (available for a supplement)

5 Days of Cycling

Terrain:

Undulating cycling. 82% paved, 18% unpaved (some rough tracks)

Day 2

50 km / 31.1 miles

Day 3

68 km / 42.3 miles

Day 4

60 km / 37.3 miles

Day 5

56 km / 34.8 miles

Day 6

62 km / 38.5 miles

Responsible Travel

At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.

Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here…

Itinerary

Make your own way to Seville. We recommend arriving early or arranging extra nights to ensure you spend as much time as possible in this magical city of international fame. Its culture, history and folklore make this an exceptional tourist destination. Legend tells us that the city was founded by Hercules and its origins are linked with the Tartessian civilisation. Now it is the capital of the Andalucian region and most widely known for its ornate Alcázar castle complex, built during the Moorish Almohad dynasty, and its 18th Century Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza bullring. The Gothic cathedral is home to the tomb of Christopher Columbus and a famous belltower; the Giralda. The birthplace of Flamenco is generally accepted to be this area of Andalucia, and Seville is the perfect place to enjoy an evening show alongside your traditional cuisine.

Leave the city using its extensive network of cycle tracks. Head north-east to reach a dedicated cycle route on a good dirt road beside the river Guadaíra. Cycle amongst flat landscapes of cereals and sunflower plantations, you will pass several small towns before you reach the historic walled town of Carmona, which boasts several churches, palaces, and an imposing Arab fortress. There are some sections of rough dirt track on this day.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Leaving picturesque Carmona you ride south, a delightful route along quaint country lanes overlooked by sunflowers and olive groves. Today's ride takes you through several small, traditional towns where you can enjoy a refreshing drink in one of the many bars along your route. Finish in the small town of Montellano with its pink marble buildings and natural monuments; perfect for an evening of relaxation.

Meals Included: Breakfast

From Montellano you can see the mountains of Grazalema far in the distance. Today you will experience some hills, but not mountains, as the cycle takes you into pristine Mediterranean forest. Most of the cycling is along very quiet country roads, except for a section (about 8km) along a 'Via Verde' (a disused railway line now used as a cycle lane). You will cycle past the typically Andalucian town of Puerto Serrano; a good place to stop for lunch. You end in Arcos de la Frontera; one of Andalucia's most dramatically positioned pueblos blancos (white villages).

Meals Included: Breakfast

From Arcos you pedal across undulating terrain, following the river Guadalete downstream along quiet country roads. Mediterranean woodland and agricultural land characterise the landscape. There are many small villages to stop along the way for a welcome break! The town of Jerez holds worldwide acclaim for its sherry and brandy production, but is equally famous for its fine horses and Flamenco music and dance.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Heading south today, you reach the sea and the ancient city of Cádiz. The ride will take you into the stunning small town of El Puerto de Santa Maria, where there are many restaurants tempting you with the fish catch of the day. Cádiz is the oldest city in western Europe, with monuments such as the grandiose structure of the Cathedral Nueva, and the red brick building of the Gran Teatro, along with the stunning beaches are enough to encourage any visitor to fall in love with it. Your ride will end along the beach cycle paths, and lead you to your last Parador for one final night of luxury.

Meals Included: Breakfast

You trip ends after breakfast in Cádiz. If you have time it is possible to arrange additional nights here, or there are regular trains back to Seville taking around 1h 35mins, where you can also arrange additional nights.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Essential Info

Visa

Spain

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Spain. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/spain
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/spain
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Spain.html

Vaccination

Spain

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus and rabies. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Eating and Drinking

All breakfasts included.
Food is a hugely important part of southern Spain and a key part of Andalucian life is eating out. Dishes will comprise of some of the best locally grown produce. Olives, almonds, lemons and oranges are used in cooking, or in refreshing salads. Along the coastline you can be sure of fresh seafood and fish and the Serrano ham is a speciality from the mountain villages. Tapas originated in Andalucia, and in many places you will often receive small snacks served free with your drinks in a bar.
Typical Andalucian dishes include; Gambas al Ajillo (prawns in garlic and chilli oil), Paella/arroz, Coquinas (clams) served with garlic, parsley and white wine, Calamares (squid), Tortilla Espanola, and churros (strips of deep fried dough) which are often eaten with hot chocolate, perfect in the early hours after a night out!

For this trip there is the possibility to upgrade to half board. Please see the 'extra expenses' section for more information.

Weather

Spring generally enjoys pleasant daytime temperatures (12-23ºC) and a little cooler in the evenings. There is the chance of some rain, which then offers views of beautiful spring flowers. Summer months are hot and dry with daytime temperatures of around 21-35ºC, dropping to between 17 and 25ºC at night. July and August are especially hot and if you choose to travel in these months it is better to start your cycling as early as possible to avoid the midday heat. Autumn brings cooler weather although it is still fairly dry. The possibility of rain is more likely in winter months but temperatures stay mild in the daytime, becoming cooler after sunset.

Weather Charts

Self-Guided Cycling in Andalucia: Seville to Cadiz

Is this trip for you?

Cycling conditions
This is a self-guided cycling trip for those who like to cycle independently, but with back up to take out the hard work and planning. We arrange your accommodations, provide you with a map and route notes so that you can cycle at your own pace, while your bags are transported from one hotel to the next.
Activity Level: 3 (Moderate)
Please see the introductory pages of the cycling holidays brochure or our website for more important information on classification and grading.
Average daily ride: 59km (37 miles).
No. of days cycling: 5
Terrain & route: Undulating cycling with some smaller climbs. The majority of the cycle routes are on paved roads but there are some section of dirt road and some short sections of rough dirt tracks, on which care needs to be taken.
Vehicle Support: A representative will be there to meet you, make sure the bikes are all set up and will be on call throughout the trip should you need.

It is important that you are happy reading maps and following route notes, we make these as accurate as possible and they are regularly checked. Where possible we stick to cycle tracks and quiet roads to make the journeys as pleasant as possible, however, on occasion we have to use busier routes.

As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There may be others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The route notes contain an emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the local representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.

Families
Self-guided cycling holidays are a perfect option for families as they offer the freedom for you to take your holiday at your own pace. You can stop as and when you want and need, at the cafes and restaurants that suit your family and the sites that interest you. As a guide we have suggested that 14 years is the minimum age for this trip, but as it is self-guided and you will be leading your own family we will ultimately leave this decision up to you. The daily distances are all published in the trip notes along with a description of each days cycling so you have a good idea of what to expect. On this trip, children should be expected to ride on roads with traffic. If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact one of our experts. The principle idea is that these holidays can be as flexible as you like, with logistical support but no group or leader to dictate the daily activities.