Mountain E Bikes
Use of high standard Mountain E Bikes
Wonders of the Sierra de Aracena
Experience the wonders of the Sierra de Aracena on two wheels
Centrally located hotel
Experience a centrally located small and simple “Pueblo Blanco” village hotel
Join us on a fantastic week of cycling discovery, exploring one of Spain’s most beautiful and unspoilt mountain regions. The Sierra Aracena spanning Northern Andalucia, is a land of gorgeous woodland, rolling hillsides and crystal-clear streams. Our four hand-picked selected rides using fantastic e-mountain bikes will certainly give you a wonderful experience cycling around this delightful region.
Grade – Medium
Extras
Arrive at Seville Airport. Transfer to our rustic traditional accommodation in the centre of Aracena village where we have our welcome drink and enjoy our first evening meal at a nearby restaurant.
This week of cycling is a perfect way to explore the beautiful Sierra de Aracena on two wheels, passing through quaint “Pueblo Blancos” white villages and discovering the outstanding mountain scenery and landscapes. This holiday is specially designed to experience the “traditional” Andalucian sierra with all its charm by e-mountain bike.
Today we pick up our bikes near to our hotel and after a thorough e-bike demonstration and briefing we start our first fantastic day of cycling. From Aracena, we ride along lovely bridle paths used long ago by mule drivers and smugglers. We cross the beautiful countryside where our route takes us past oak forests, different types of Mediterranean shrubland, streams and rivers leading to the lake reservoir of Aracena. Along the way we stop off at various viewpoints such as Puerto Moral where the views open up over the spectacular mountainous landscapes of this sierra. While we are here, we can take advantage and visit the small and charming botanical gardens full of aromatic plants and a traditional mill.
After breakfast we start our day of cycling from Aracena where our route takes us along tracks through forests of chestnut trees, holm and cork oaks, incidentally the fruits are the base of the important traditional economy along with the black iberian pigs who wander around looking for acorns.
Take a well earned rest in the lovely village or discover the region further with an excursion. Why not visit Seville and explore this historical and beautiful capital of Andalucia (private transfer without guide): 40 € / pers. (approx. payable locally)
After breakfast we transfer to the start of today’s cycling route at Almonaster la Real, one of the quaintest white villages in the Sierra. Here we will see the magnificent hilltop mosque dating from the 10th century overlooking the village and valley. From here, we will ride our e-bikes along traditional trails that have been used for centuries to take animals and spread news from village to village. We continue to cycle through a number of villages and towns. Santa Ana la Real where we will find the lime kilns linking the towns past to the mining in Rio Tinto. Álajar, another of the Sierras prettiest villages overlooked by the towering Peñas de Arias Montañas with its dramatic rocky outcrop with its church and belfry.
Take a well earned rest in the lovely village or discover the region further with an excursion. Perhaps visit the Cave of the Wonders, the ham museum and the castle of Aracena: 15 € (approx. payable locally)
Today we start in Aracena and ride our e-bikes along traditional trails and local roads (we will cycle on a major road for about 1 km only) towards Zufre, known as the balcony of the Sierra de Aracena Natural Park.Zufre is often described as “a white village hidden amongst the clouds and nature”. We will experience breath-taking views overlooking the mountain range and the picturesque reservoir lake. Zufre is also one of the most interesting towns in the Natural Park with itsrich cultural heritage.
After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer back to the airport for our flight home
The Los Castanos Hotel is a centrally located traditional two-star hotel in the beautiful town of Aracena. The hotels Andalusian style and design is typical of the region and is perfect to experience the real Andalucia and a great base for our cycling tour around this beautiful area of Northern Andalucia.
Facilities include cafe/bar, reception, cosy lounge area, free Wi-Fi throughout.
The traditional simple style rooms include twin/double bed, private bathroom, Wi-Fi, TV, air-conditioning, hairdryer, safe.
A full 10-year passport is required, valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay.
A visa is not required by holders of passports endorsed “British Citizen” for stays of upto 90 days in any 180-day period.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct visa, a valid passport and any other travel documents for your holiday. All information provided relates to British citizens who hold or are entitled to apply for a British passport. For the most up-to-date visa information please visit; Spain Foreign Advice
If you are not a British citizen and do not hold a British passport, you must make your own enquiries as to the applicable requirements. Alternatively, you can apply for your Visa with our preferred partner the Travel Visa company by selecting the following link; Travel Visa Company.
Compulsory vaccinations: None.
All clients are responsible for acquainting themselves with up to date health information of the countries being visited and where necessary take the required precautions. We recommend that you check with your doctor prior to departure as this information can change. You can also visit the travel health website for more information; Travel Health Spain
The transfer time from Seville Airport to our accommodation is approximately 1hr 30 mins approx. ( depending on traffic and road conditions)
Four guided cycling days with full demonstration are included in the programme. Your cycling guide will advise you in resort of the daily programme and route. The cycling programme is graded as Easy to Medium and you can expect to cycle between 32 to 37 km per day (19.8 to 23.3 miles) with some ascents/descents, uneven track terrain and medium altitudes involved. Lunch items are not included to be purchased at own cost before the rides commence
Below are the distances for each cycling day, however please bear in mind these are approximate and subject to change due to local conditions.
White Villages and the Aracena Lake
Length: 33,1 Km / 20,5 mi
Difficulty: Easy
Cycling Time : 5 hours approx
Valleys & White Villages
Length: 32 Km / 19,8 mi
Difficulty: Medium
Cycling Time: 5 hours approx
From Almonaster La Real to Aracena
Length: 35 Km / 21,8 mi
Difficulty: Medium
Cycling Time – 5 hours approx
Transfer Time – 35 minutes apprx
Aracena to Zufre
Length: 37.4km/23.3miles
Difficulty: Medium
Cycling Time – 5 hours approx
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in your chosen activity holiday. If you are unsure as to whether the cycling itineraries are within your capabilities, please contact the office to discuss this matter, thus making sure you appreciate the routes and tracks that you will be cycling. Even though the bikes used on this cycling week are e-mountain bikes, a level of fitness is still required.
You could be cycling across uneven ground and unmade surfaces in some areas and extreme care must be taken, especially if wet. Please appreciate the route and content of the holiday may change at the time and at the discretion of the guide/organiser, should conditions require. Solo’s Holidays cannot be held responsible for personal injury, accident or damage to property whilst on these cycling based holidays other than incidents arising out of the company’s negligence. The guide has the right to refuse to guide the cycling day with anyone not properly attired.
Breakfast sample menu at Hotel Los Castaños includes: coffee or tea, toast, bread (jam, butter or Spanish style with tomato, olive oil). Selection of pastries, fruit, yoghurt, juices, hams and dry sausages.
Evening meal sample menu – Set menu 3 course meal with complimentary glass of wine, beer or soft drink (evening meal taken at nearby traditional restaurant).The evening meals will be either individual choice from set menu or set traditional sharing platters Spanish style.
It is of paramount importance that you have the correct attire when cycling for enjoyment, comfort and safety. It is essential to wear padded cycling shorts/trousers that are comfortable. We strongly recommend wearing a suitable cycling helmet on your tour. We recommend bringing your own helmet for comfort and safety however, helmets will be available with the e-bike hire. We also highly recommend taking and wearing cycling/biking short or long gloves. You will also need to bring a small adapted rucksack suitable for bike riding to keep all your essentials such a food, drink, first-aid kit, clothing etc
Whilst we would hope for good weather during your holiday, it is of course impossible to guarantee this. We would therefore recommend you travel with clothing suitable for all conditions, and suggest you use the following checklist as a guideline of what to take:
We suggest a Group Collection to cover transfer drivers, and hotel staff of €20 per person. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). As is customary, ‘the hat’ will be passed around for the driver and guide on all optional excursions. For any meals that are and not included in your itinerary, or taxi fares, your Tour Leader can advise of an appropriate % to add on.
There will be plenty for you to see and do during your own leisure time during the course of your holiday, full details of which will be given out at your Information Meeting by your Tour Leader. Please note that prices shown are approximate and may vary according to numbers. Full details will be given at your Information Meeting. All tours must be paid for in euros only. Your Tour Leader will help arrange these for you and explain where you will need to go but may not necessarily accompany you.
Euro
| Month(s) | Highest temperature | Lowest temperature |
|---|---|---|
| January - February | 15 °C | 6 °C |
| March | 20 °C | 9 °C |
| April | 24 °C | 11 °C |
| May | 27 °C | 13 °C |
| June | 32 °C | 17 °C |
| July - August | 36 °C | 20 °C |
| September | 32 °C | 18 °C |
| October | 26 °C | 14 °C |
| November | 20 °C | 10 °C |
| December | 16 °C | 7 °C |
I was so nervous about embarking on my first Solos Holiday, but I shouldn’t have been – it was the best thing I have ever done!
Wow! Got to see the famous shipwreck beach in Zakynthos with Solos. Can’t wait to discover more of their destinations!
Our tour leader Monica was exceptional! Had such a good time and will be rebooking with Solos. Thanks for a great holiday!
Had the best time with Solos! Discovered beautiful destinations and met some lifelong friends.
