Andalusia - Melting Pot of Cultures in the South of Spain

Viva España! This morning, we were still greeted by drizzle at departure, but now my plane is already soaring over the sun-drenched Costa del Sol. At Málaga Airport, we are welcomed with a warm "Bienvenido". Curious, I look around for my fellow travelers and start making first connections.
Our journey to Ronda first takes us along the coast of the shimmering Mediterranean Sea on the Costa del Sol. But soon, our bus leaves the well-known and bustling areas behind, winding its way up into the lush green mountains. Near Ronda, we arrive at our hotel for the next two nights.
The shared dinner at this secluded hotel, nestled among olive groves, is a wonderful start to our Andalusian round trip and e-bike adventure. (A)

After breakfast on the cozy terrace of Molino del Arco, our tour guide gives us an introduction to the secrets of the e-bike. Turns out, it’s even easier than I expected!
The first cycling stage of our Andalusian round trip starts at the outskirts of Ronda and takes us 43 km into the green hills of the Sierra de las Nieves. I’m thrilled to experience an entirely new way of cycling—effortlessly gliding along without having to struggle.
After a lunch break in the white village of El Burgo, those who wish can continue cycling through the stunning surroundings. Meanwhile, I explore El Burgo with some of my fellow travelers and later reunite with the rest of the group after their ride. In the free afternoon, I take the opportunity to explore Ronda’s sights, including the breathtaking gorge and Spain’s oldest bullfighting arena. (FM)

Mild climate and plenty of fresh air – I slept so deeply! And that’s a good thing because today, on our e-bike tour, we’re in for one of Spain’s most spectacular cycling routes: the Via Verde de la Sierra. This 37 km trail follows an old railway line, winding through remote, rugged mountain landscapes. Along the way, we pass four viaducts and 30 tunnels! High above the towering rock peaks, vultures circle in the sky. But there's no prey in sight—thanks to our e-bikes, no one is running out of energy on this trip. Our day’s ride ends at the old train station of Puerto Serrano, where we enjoy lunch before continuing by bus to Seville, the capital of Andalusia. There, we check into the centrally located Hotel Don Paco, our home for the next two nights. (FM)

The entire morning, we explore Andalusia’s much-celebrated capital by e-bike. I’ve been to Seville before, but seeing the old town from the saddle gives me a completely new perspective. As we slowly approach, the famous Giralda towers higher and higher before us. Winding through the narrow alleys of the historic Jewish Quarter, we experience its lively atmosphere up close. In the free afternoon, after visiting the 1992 Expo site, I stroll with two fellow travelers from our group towards the Guadalquivir River. (F)

Today, we take the bus from Seville to Écija, the City of Towers. Our bikes are ready for the next stage—31 magnificent kilometers along another Via Verde.
The landscape is vast and rolling, dominated by shades of green and red, interrupted by vibrant sunflower fields. During an overenthusiastic sprint, bad luck strikes—I get a flat tire. What a nuisance! But our tour guide is quick to help, and within minutes, my hair is once again blowing in the wind.
Our destination for the day is Córdoba and its many sights. We visit the former Caliph’s residence together, starting from our Hotel Maimonides. Particularly magical in the evening light: the unparalleled Mezquita Cathedral, with its thousands of marble columns, orange trees, and water basins. (FM)