Andalusia - Costa de la Luz

Arrival in Tarifa!

Tarifa is the southernmost point of the European mainland and has a fascinating and sometimes dramatic history thanks to its strategic location on the western side of the Strait of Gibraltar. The town was founded by the Phoenicians and bears traces of both Roman and Moorish influences, contributing to its rich cultural heritage.

Today, Tarifa is a lively and vibrant destination. Outside the old walled medina, pristine white Atlantic beaches stretch out, and in the town centre, a labyrinthine network of charming and varied bars and restaurants awaits, ready for you to explore at your own pace.

Your first cycling day takes you along the Costa de la Luz via quiet roads to the shifting sand dune of Punta Paloma, with views towards Tarifa and the Rif Mountains. The new cycle path connecting to EuroVelo 8 then leads you through umbrella pines and coastal dunes to the award-winning beach in Bolonia, perfect for tapas or a picnic.

Take the opportunity to visit the impressive Roman ruins of Baelo Claudia before you continue cycling up towards the cliffs of Sierra de la Plata. From there, the route descends with views over forests, sand dunes and secluded coves before you reach Atlanterra.

The evening ends in Zahara de los Atunes, a small fishing village known for its old tuna market.

32 km, +370 m

You leave Zahara and follow EuroVelo 8 along the wild and unspoilt Atlantic coast, once a military area. The route offers peaceful cycling and the chance for a morning swim on one of the deserted beaches.

Through the wetlands you reach Barbate and follow the river upstream in a calm, nature-rich environment. Barbate is an authentic fishing village where traditional life still shapes everyday routines.

You then cycle into the La Breña Natural Park with its umbrella pines and pass the historic dovecote El Palomar de la Breña.

The stage ends with a climb up to the white hilltop town of Vejer de la Frontera.

35 km, +400 m

Before leaving Vejer, be sure to visit the Alcázar, the charming Plaza de España, and enjoy a morning coffee at Corredera with its fantastic views of the sunrise over Africa.

As you cycle out of town along the Poniente ridge, lined with old windmills, wide views open up over the La Janda plain and the Atlantic coast. Next comes a delightful descent through pine forests to Cape Trafalgar – a historic site where you can enjoy the beaches, the wild sea, and the small cafés in Caños de Meca.

The ride continues along cycle paths through the beach village of El Palmar, known for its surf, before reaching the evening’s destination: Conil de la Frontera. Here, fine beaches, a charming old town, and plenty of excellent restaurants await.

37 km, +300 m

The day begins with cycling along the cliffs above Fuente de Gallo and Aceite Bay, through pine forests and past the Roche lighthouse, with the opportunity to explore secluded beaches.

The route continues through Sancti Petri and the Cádiz Bay Natural Park, with its historic salt pans and wetlands – a stop at the salt museum is recommended.

The day ends on the peninsula to the island of Cádiz, where you can cycle around the island, see the cathedral with its golden dome, Castillo de San Sebastian, and the charming streets before the evening is filled with food and flamenco.

50 km, +300 m

The day begins with a short ferry ride across Cádiz Bay to the charming fishing village of Rota. Enjoy a coffee in the harbor before cycling past Castillo de Luna, Costilla Beach, and the Corales de Rota nature reserve with its old fishing traps.

The route follows the Via Verde Entre Ríos to Chipiona, perfect for seafood and a visit to the Museo de Moscatel.

In the afternoon, you cycle along another Via Verde through farmland to Sanlúcar de Barrameda on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, known for Manzanilla wine, excellent seafood, and its proximity to Doñana National Park.

26 km, +120 m

Today’s stage takes you from Sanlúcar along the mouth of the Guadalquivir River with views over Doñana National Park and its birdlife, including pink flamingos. You cycle through rice fields, salt flats, pine forests, and continue along smooth asphalt through vineyards and famous sherry bodegas.

The day ends in Jerez, where you can explore the old town, the impressive cathedral, and enjoy a tour and tasting at a world-famous sherry bodega.

28 / 48 km, +250 / 280 m

Your journey ends after breakfast at the hotel.