EPIC Trans Andalusia

EPIC Trans Andalusia

Sensational rides, challenging climbs, traffic-free roads and the best weather in Europe

The quintessential Spain, Andalusia is famous for flamenco, fiestas, bulls and “pueblos blancos”, but it’s also home to some of the most stunning and challenging rides in Europe.

Overview

Details

Next Departure

May 3rd 2025

From

USD $4,895

Duration

8 days / 7 nights

Non-Rider Friendly

No

Rental Bike

USD $550

Ride Program

Total Distance

Total Elevation

Daily Av. Distance

Daily Av. Elevation

Overview

Andalusia ticks all the boxes for a classic Thomson trip — stunningly beautiful rides, challenging climbs, great hotels, traffic-free roads and the best weather in Europe.

Your journey starts in the Sierra Nevada, travels westwards through the ancient cities of Antequera and Ronda, and concludes on the Mediterranean Coast in Estepona. Along the way, you’ll conquer the Carretera de la Cabra (Goat’s Path climb), considered by many to be one of the most dramatic climbs in Spain. Other highlights include the Puerto de las Peñas Blancas, the Puerto de las Palmas, the dramatic limestone formations of the classic Vuelta a España climb to El Torcal, and a fabulous ride through El Chorro Gorge with breathtaking views of the world-famous Caminito del Rey.

Join us and experience the essence of Southern Spain on this challenging and stunningly beautiful ride from the Sierra Nevada to the Mediterranean Coast in Estepona!

 

Tip: The EPIC TRANS and TRANS trips are fully interchangeable, so you can enjoy the classic TRANS route one day and switch to the EPIC the next, or vice versa. The two trips run side by side, with everyone staying in the same hotels, sharing the same staff, and having breakfasts and dinners together. The ONLY difference lies in your choice of daily route: TRANS is slightly shorter with less elevation, while EPIC offers a longer ride with more climbs.


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EPIC Trans Andalusia
It was a superbly arranged trip: great scenery, challenging routes, excellent road conditions, low traffic, superb hotels, dedicated and caring support from staff, camraderie In ...

Alejandro Catania, UK — 2019

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EPIC Trans Andalusia
Wow... Wow... Wow.... y'all do it right.... Even though the climbs are Crazy..... thats what i sign up for.... and you didn't let me down.... ...

Joey Baird, USA — 2019

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EPIC Trans Andalusia
The Andalusia trip was another fantastic Thomson adventure. The support was excellent with a great crew of van drivers and ride guides - they catered ...

Bob Goland, USA — 2019

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Cycling helmet, sunglasses and shoes illustration

Itinerary

Day Description Distance Elevation Hotel
01 Welcome to Andalusia Alcadima Hotel
02 Sierra Nevada and the Alpujarras White Villages Alcadima Hotel
03 Carretera de la Cabra (The Goat's Path) Bbou Hotel La Viñuela
04 Over the Puerto del Sol to Antequera Hotel Finca Eslava
05 Through the Sierra de las Nieves to Ronda Hotel Catalonia Reina Victoria
06 Sierra de Grazalema Loop Hotel Catalonia Reina Victoria
07 Puerto de Peñas Blancas and finish on the Mediterranean Hotel Kempinski
08 Adios!
Daily Averages
Itinerary View Itinerary View
Map View Map View
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02
03
04
05
06
07
08

Itinerary Detail

Day 1

Distance

Elevation


Welcome to Andalusia

Your trip starts at Malaga Airport where our staff will meet you before the transfer to your hotel in Lanjarón.

After lunch, orientation meeting and bike build-up you’ll head out for your first ride in Andalusia. Our warm-up ride features one of the most beautiful climbs in the region, the 8km (5 miles) climb to Cáñar. 20 switchbacks later you’ll reach the summit and after a quick coffee stop in the local cafe, enjoy the stunning views of the Alpujarra valley as you descend back to Lanjarón.

Day 2

Distance

Elevation


Sierra Nevada and the Alpujarras White Villages

A magnificent ride today through the Alpujarras region in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. The region is famous for its white villages and our route takes us through many of the most picturesque villages, including Trevélez which, claims to be Spain’s highest village at 1,476m (4,850ft).

Tip: after an initial 9km (6 mile) descent, the first 35km (22 miles) are mostly uphill. Don’t push too hard on this first part of the ride, save something in the legs for the second climb – it’s a tough one!

Day 3

Distance

Elevation


Carretera de la Cabra (The Goat's Path)

A tough but strikingly beautiful ride today. With a total elevation of over 3,000m (10,000ft), it’s definitely one for the mountain goats. And fittingly, the highlight of the day is called the Goat’s Path, locally known as the Carretera de la Cabra.

Tip: The views as you climb the Goat’s Path are really magnificent. Forget about Strava, enjoy this fantastic climb – and stop and take a few photos.

Day 4

Distance

Elevation


Over the Puerto del Sol to Antequera

A classic Thomson ride today with a couple of really special climbs. The Puerto del Sol is an absolute joy to ride: zero traffic, over 20 switchbacks in the final 5km (3 miles), fantastic views and a pretty steady grade of between 6 and 9%. An icon of La Vuelta a España, the climb to El Torcal is your final climb of the day, followed by a 20km (12 miles) descent to our hotel in Antequera.

Tip: On the descent of El Torcal, take time to admire the limestone rock formations which are recognised as some of the most dramatic in Europe.

Day 5

Distance

Elevation


Through the Sierra de las Nieves to Ronda

A fabulous ride today through wondrously diverse terrain, culminating in the magnificent Puerto del Viento climb in the Sierra de las Nieves. This is one of these days to just take it easy, enjoy the traffic-free roads and admire the scenery. This is quintessential Andalusia with beautiful green valleys, dramatic canyons and several “pueblos blancos” (white villages) along the route.

Tip: be sure to stop at Km 35 (22 miles) for a photo op of the El Chorro Canyon and the incredible Caminito del Rey – one of the world’s most spectacular pathways.

Day 6

Distance

Elevation


Sierra de Grazalema Loop

A stunning ride today through the Sierra de Grazalema! Two magnificent climbs, the Puerto de las Palomas and the Puerto del Boyar, dramatic mountain scenery throughout the ride, some of Andalusia’s most beautiful “pueblos blancos” and very little traffic. One of our Top 5 rides of the year.

Tip: you’ll ride through the beautiful town of Grazalema three times. On the 3rd occasion, have a coffee on the main plaza, it’s well worth the stop!

Day 7

Distance

Elevation


Puerto de Peñas Blancas and finish on the Mediterranean

Quintessential Andalusia today with this magnificent “pueblos blancos” route through the best of Andalusia. The ride concludes with an impressive 20km (12 miles) descent to the Mediterranean Coast in Estepona – and the end of your fantastic journey across Andalusia.

 

Tip: when you get to the Puerto de Peñas Blancas, if you’re feeling up for it, take the single-lane road that continues to climb for an additional 5km to Los Reales viewpoint. From the viewpoint you’ll be treated to incredible vistas of the Mediterranean coast, 40km off in the distance.

Day 8

Distance

Elevation


Adios!

Unfortunately, your journey across Andalusia has come to an end.

 

Our private shuttle will drop you off at Malaga Airport.

Map & Profile

Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow Cáñar
from Órgiva
7.4% 1
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow Trevélez
from Órgiva
3.9% 1
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Puerto de Torvizcón
from Torvizcón
6.5% 2
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow Carretera de la Cabra
from Jete
3.8% 1
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Alto del Navazo
from Balneario de Alhama de Granada
4.6% 2
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow Puerto del Sol
from Periana
5.2% 2
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow El Torcal
from Villanueba de la Concepcion
7.3% HC
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow Puerto del Viento
from El Burgo
4.7% 2
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow Puerto de Boyar
from Grazalema
5.8% 3
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Puerto De Las Palomas
from Zaharra de la Sierra
6.9% HC
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow Puerto Jimena de Libar
5.8% 2
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Puerto de Peñas Blancas & Los Reales
from Venta San Juan
4.6% HC
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
No major climbs today

Climbs

Day 01
Day 02
Day 03
Day 04
Day 05
Day 06
Day 07

Climbs

Category Climb Day Difficulty Length Ele. Gain Av. Grade
1 Cáñar (from Órgiva) 01 73 7.4%
1 Trevélez (from Órgiva) 02 68 3.9%
2 Puerto de Torvizcón (from Torvizcón) 02 69 6.5%
1 Carretera de la Cabra (from Jete) 03 60 3.8%
2 Alto del Navazo (from Balneario de Alhama de Granada) 03 36 4.6%
2 Puerto del Sol (from Periana) 04 48 5.2%
HC El Torcal (from Villanueba de la Concepcion) 04 84 7.3%
2 Puerto del Viento (from El Burgo) 05 48 4.7%
3 Puerto de Boyar (from Grazalema) 06 45 5.8%
HC Puerto De Las Palomas (from Zaharra de la Sierra) 06 87 6.9%
2 Puerto Jimena de Libar 07 46 5.8%
HC Puerto de Peñas Blancas & Los Reales (from Venta San Juan) 07 77 4.6%
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Dates & Prices Illustration

Dates & Prices



Date Booking Status Availability Price / Per Person Single Supplement Non-rider Discount
2025
May 3 - 10
Taking Bookings
Places Available
USD $4,895
USD $850
USD $920
Book this trip
Oct 4 - 11
Taking Bookings
Places Available
USD $4,895
USD $850
USD $920
Book this trip
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Waiting List


Sign up to the waiting list for this departure, to be notified if a space becomes available. Please fill out the information below:



    Trip Hotels

    Alcadima Hotel

    Bbou Hotel La Viñuela

    Hotel Finca Eslava

    Hotel Catalonia Reina Victoria

    Hotel Kempinski


    What's Included

    What's Included What's Not Included
      Accommodations & Meals arrow
    • 8 days / 7 nights fully accompanied trip
    • All accommodations
    • All breakfasts
    • All but 1 dinner
    • Sit-down lunch on the 1st day
    • Picnic lunches during the rides
    • Transportation arrow
    • Pick up and drop off at Malaga Airport
    • All transportation during the trip
    • All luggage & bike box transfers
    • Cycling Support arrow
    • 1 x Support Van & 1 x Ride Leader per 8 guests (approx.)
    • Experienced bike mechanic
    • Park Tools Toolkit
    • Daily ride gpx files provided
    • Nutrition during the ride arrow
    • Energy bars, gels and sports drink
    • Variety of snacks and local specialties for picnic lunches
    • Bottled water
    • Post-ride recovery food
    • Airfare
    • Travel and personal insurance
    • Additional hotel expenses i.e. phone charges, mini-bar, gratuities
    • Staff gratuities
    What's Included
      Accommodations & Meals arrow
    • 8 days / 7 nights fully accompanied trip
    • All accommodations
    • All breakfasts
    • All but 1 dinner
    • Sit-down lunch on the 1st day
    • Picnic lunches during the rides
    • Transportation arrow
    • Pick up and drop off at Malaga Airport
    • All transportation during the trip
    • All luggage & bike box transfers
    • Cycling Support arrow
    • 1 x Support Van & 1 x Ride Leader per 8 guests (approx.)
    • Experienced bike mechanic
    • Park Tools Toolkit
    • Daily ride gpx files provided
    • Nutrition during the ride arrow
    • Energy bars, gels and sports drink
    • Variety of snacks and local specialties for picnic lunches
    • Bottled water
    • Post-ride recovery food
    What's Not Included
    • Airfare
    • Travel and personal insurance
    • Additional hotel expenses i.e. phone charges, mini-bar, gratuities
    • Staff gratuities

    Travel details - airport departures

    Pick-up/Drop-off Info

    Arrival

    Pickup Location Time

    Malaga Airport

    9:00am

    OR

    Malaga Hilton Garden Inn

    View website arrow

    9:00am

    Departure

    Drop Off Location Time

    Malaga Airport

    9:00am


    Rental Bikes

    Specialized Aethos Expert

    Frame

    Aethos FACT 10r Carbon

    Groupset

    Di2 Shimano Ultegra

    Weight

    699g (size 56)

    Wheels

    Roval C38

    Chainrings

    52/36T

    Cassette

    11-34t (12-speed)

    Sizes

    49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61

    USD $550

    View Details


    EPIC Trans Andalusia

    Let us introduce you to some of the most sensational riding in Europe. Andalusia - quintessential Spain