Authentic Andalusia by bike: olive groves and Spanish villages

Arrival at any time in Jaen. Take time to discover this city, which has a vast historical and cultural heritage, such as its imposing baroque cathedral or the 11th century Arab baths.

You start the day along the railway line, then cycle through the world's largest olive grove, which boasts no fewer than 66 million olive trees. You'll enjoy magnificent views of the Sierra de la Grana mountains and Pico Jabalcuz. You will then enter the 333-meter-long Caballico tunnel and continue downhill through the olive grove. Shortly after, you will see the first metal viaducts that characterize the “Vía Verde del Aceite.” Finally, you will arrive in Torredonjimeno, whose historic center has been recognized as a site of cultural interest. You continue your journey up to Alcaudete (49km) or Zuheros (74km), depending on your accommodation.

Starting from Alcaudete, the day begins along the greenway in the heart of the Laguna Honda Nature Reserve. You’ll then cross no fewer than two viaducts to reach Luque, a small village where old railway buildings have been converted into shops and restaurants. In Zuheros, take the time to visit one of Spain’s most beautiful villages before getting back in the saddle for the few kilometers that separate you from Doña Mencía.

This stage first takes you through a landscape surrounded by flowering trees and fruit trees, until you reach the geographical center of Andalusia: Cabra. This town has many historical and architectural remains. As you cycle towards Lucena, you will once again be accompanied by olive trees along the way, before finally arriving in Puente Genil.

You start this new day on the banks of the Cabra-Genil Canal, before reaching the banks of the Genil River. This new stage marks a change in landscape, as you arrive in a drier region, but also one that is different in terms of culture. Finally, you arrive in Écija, a city rich in cultural and artistic heritage.

This last stage will take you to Córdoba in the province of Seville, through fields of grain and olive trees. After a zigzag route through hills covered with almond trees, you will reach the most beautiful part of this stage, on the banks of the Guadalquivir and Guadajoz rivers. Finally, via the Miraflores Bridge, you will cross the Guadalquivir to enter Córdoba and end this fantastic adventure near the world's only cathedral-mosque.

Departure after breakfast or extension.