8-day Andalucia Cycling Holiday - Via Verde del Aceite

Arrival in Jaén, one of the lesser-known cities of Andalucia but capital of the region where the best olive oil is produced. Taste the different varieties of AOVE (Aceite de Oliva Virgen Extra) with some bread and learn how to identify the aromatic notes, with hints of tomato, fresh grass, almond, apple, and banana. Embrace the local tapas culture featuring specialities such as ajoatao and fried aubergines drizzled with honey.

Today you will be picked up at your hotel by the rental bike suppliers and taken to the start of the Vía Verde del Aceite, close to the Parador and former castle of Santa Catalina. Enjoy the privilege of crossing entire valleys and rivers with hardly any effort, using 13 bridges built for trains but now only accessible by bike.

Apart from an ocean of olive trees, you will pass the village of Martos and the abandoned train station of Vados before heading to the historical town of Alcaudete, preceded by the Castillo Calatravo on a hilltop. If you do not want to do the last 5 km of steep ascent by bike to your hotel, you can ask the bike supplier to pick you up for an extra fee (not included).

Challenge: 48 - 53 km, 225 m - 410 m ascent

After having returned to the Vía Verde, you cross the spectacular iron bridge of Guadajoz and pass some areas with small lagoons (in spring) before heading north to Baena. Take your time to visit its castle, the Olive Oil Museum or admire the street art "Art Baniana" before continuing to Zuheros. During the first 6 km, you gradually gain 100 m in altitude, but during the last 3 km you have to gain another 200 m.

You can choose to make the route less challenging by skipping the visit to Baena and following the Vía Verde straight to Zuheros.

Note: In case the hotel in Zuheros is fully booked, you continue for another 3.3 km along the Vía Verde to Doña Mencía or are taken by car to Priego de Córdoba.

Challenge: 30,6 or 40 km / 19 or 25 mi, 255 or 585 m ascent

Today you can choose to make a short loop ride to the village of Luque, just to admire its church, Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, or have an extended lunch, and then maybe go in the afternoon to the Cueva de los Murciélagos (bat cave) in Zuheros, featuring rock paintings and geological formations of exceptional interest.

If you're in for a real challenge, extend the ride to Priego de Córdoba, known as Andalucia's gem of Baroque architecture. The journey follows secondary roads and some unsurfaced country lanes through the Sierras Subbéticas Natural Park, a UNESCO Geopark renowned for its spectacular karst landscape.

Challenge: 11,4 or 57,7 km / 6.6 or 36 mi, 250 m or 1135 m ascent

Return to the Vía Verde to follow one of its most varied sections, winding gently through the rolling hills, mainly downhill. After Doña Mencía, vineyards begin to appear, reflecting the area's long-standing tradition of Montilla-Moriles wines, which include the well-known and sweet Pedro Ximénez. After Cabra, you leave the Subbética mountains behind and enter the fertile plains leading towards Puente Genil.

Challenge: 54,3 km / 33.7 mi, 125 m ascent

Today we say goodbye to the Vía Verde del Aceite and follow secondary roads linking the provinces of Córdoba and Seville. This is a different, more rural stage, with vast fields of cereals, sunflowers, and olive groves dominating the landscape, which contrast beautifully in spring. It is a perfect transition towards Écija, known as “the frying pan of Andalusia” due to its hot and dry climate. Écija’s old town centre has been declared a Historic-Artistic Site, characterised by elegant Baroque towers, domes, and stately palaces.

Challenge: 43 km / 26.5 mi, 200 m ascent

During your last day on a bike, you will follow the Vía Verde de la Campiña, a peaceful and mostly flat route that passes through landscapes of olive groves, cereal fields, and vineyards. The journey ends in Córdoba, one of southern Spain’s most remarkable cities and the former capital of the Caliphate of Córdoba, which flourished during the Middle Ages as a major centre of culture, science, and political power.

Highlights of the city include La Mezquita-Catedral, famous for its unique 'forest' of columns and blend of Islamic and Christian architecture; the Alcázar of the Christian Monarchs, with its beautiful gardens and courtyards; and the historic Jewish Quarter, renowned for its narrow streets and flower-filled patios.

Challenge: 56 km / 34.8 mi, 200 m ascent

After breakfast, your cycling tour ends. But do book an extra night in Córdoba if you want to have time to visit all the monuments. We strongly recommend booking the guided night tour of the Mezquita, where history comes to life while different parts of the cathedral are illuminated.