The White Villages Route of Andalusia

This land of contrasts, where desert landscapes and lush valleys, snow-capped mountains and agricultural plains yellowed by the summer heat, monumental churches and sumptuous Arab buildings, seafronts plagued by mass tourism and hinterlands where time seems to have stood still, lively Christian traditions and frenzied gypsy flamencos, does not leave its passing visitors indifferent. But Andalusia is above all a country within its host country, where despite its recurring economic problems, a really relaxed attitude prevails, which makes it a good place to live. In such a state of mind, everything is an excuse for a fiesta, and there are countless local festivities. There is no doubt that the good humour of the Andalusians will be contagious!

This cycling odyssey is therefore a concentrate of all the best that Andalusia has to offer, taking you in turn to discover its most grandiose landscapes, its exceptional architectural heritage, the diversity of its traditions or its renowned culinary know-how.

Far from its coasts disfigured by concrete, an enchanting Andalusia will thus open up, where through small backroads you will discover its bucolic countryside dotted with olive groves and cereal fields, its wind-swept ridges, its typical karst cliffs, its crystal-clear lakes, its dense forests, its green pastures and its countless small villages of cute white-dressed houses, which are the hallmark of the entire region. If there were to be one constant on this trip, it would be these perched villages with whitewashed houses and winding streets, whose charm can apparently drive you crazy. In these often remote countryside, where the race for modernity seems doomed to failure, you will take a real leap in time, and it is thus not uncommon to come across one or the other shepherd with his flock in the detour of a bend.

If the countryside is ideal for progressing by bike, the route is sometimes also quite rugged, and it may therefore be wise to opt for an electric bike in order to enjoy your trip, especially if you aren't used to cycling or doing other physical activity on a regular basis. In the evening, you will fortunately always find all the comfort you need to get back in the saddle the next day!

Highlights

• The beauty and the variety of the landscapes
• The perched white villages, typical of the region
• A rich architectural heritage, mixing Islamic and Christian influences
• The communicative joie de vivre of the Andalusians
• Charming accommodations all along the route
• Easy to combine with a citytrip to Seville / Granada, or a few days of idleness on the Costa del Sol.