Flamenco Gravel - 5 days of unforgettable gravel riding in Andalucía

A gravel bike parked on a cliff overlooking a stunning landscape in Southern Spain. A promotional image for the

Five days of unforgettable gravel riding

6th to 13th April 2025

Ride from the sea into the heart of the Badlands, experiencing some of the best gravel riding imaginable! Our route begins in the ultra-modern city of Málaga, crossing the Sierra Nevada through olive and almond groves to Granada. From there, we head north into the breathtaking Gorafe Desert, famously known to cyclists as the 'Badlands.

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View of the Camino Pilgrim route stretching into the distance, with the Sierra Nevada mountains in the background, as seen on a gravel bike holiday during Hidden Tracks Cycling's Flamenco Gravel trip in April 2025.

Gravel rider cycling along a white dust track in spring, capturing the essence of a Spanish gravel bike ride on Hidden Tracks Cycling's Flamenco Gravel trip in April 2025

Canyon in the Gorafe Desert, Spain, with a gravel bike in the foreground, highlighting the rugged terrain of a Badlands gravel adventure on Hidden Tracks Cycling's Flamenco Gravel trip in April

Gravel bike track running through almond groves with the Sierra Nevada mountains in the background, part of the guided bike ride on Hidden Tracks Cycling's Flamenco Gravel trip in April 2025

HIGHLIGHTS

Gravel rider gazing at the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains, part of an off-road cycling adventure on Hidden Tracks Cycling's Flamenco Gravel trip in Spain

Epic Gravel Travel

There’s a wide variety of gravel to ride, with long descents, climbs, and stunning views—plus plenty of empty roads to explore!

Badlands!

Discover the Gorafe Desert, also known as the Badlands, with its breathtaking landscapes and some of the best gravel riding in the world.

Gravel cyclist riding along a rough track through scrubland with mountains in the background, part of a guided bike adventure on Hidden Tracks Cycling's Flamenco Gravel trip in spring

Customisable Daily Routes

Choose daily between fast-paced guided gravel rides or moderate self-guided mixed-terrain routes with van support. All groups meet for lunch, allowing flexibility to switch routes.

Traditional Andalusian plate of barbecued meats, a delicious highlight of the bike experience in Spain on Hidden Tracks Cycling's Flamenco Gravel trip in spring.

Authentic Spanish Flavours

Enjoy authentic Spanish food at every stop; most village cafés serve a Menu del Día—delicious home-cooked meals.

Goat herders with black goats along a white dusty track, embodying traditional Andalusian culture during the bike experience in Spain on Hidden Tracks Cycling's Flamenco Gravel trip in spring

Discover Genuine Spain

Experience traditional Spain! Venture away from the coast to discover authentic culture, charming villages, and genuine hospitality that embody the true essence of Spanish life.

Day 1

Travelling to Malaga.

Arrive in Málaga and check into a comfortable 3-star hotel, just minutes from Málaga Railway Station and a quick 20-minute metro ride from the airport.

Once you've sorted your bike, we'll meet up for drinks before dinner.

Gravel track descending into a valley, part of an off-road adventure on a Spanish guided bike trip with Hidden Tracks Cycling's Flamenco Gravel trip

Day 2

Malaga to Alhama de Granada

80km | 2500 m

It's a 75 km ride that begins on the seafront bike path, before climbing up through the stunning Monts de Granada to our lunch stop.

Scrubby landscape with a clear blue sky outside Granada, showcasing rural Spain by gravel bike on Hidden Tracks Cycling's Flamenco Gravel trip

Gravel bike track lined with vibrant poppies alongside a white dusty path, capturing the beauty of rural Spain on Hidden Tracks Cycling's Flamenco Gravel trip

In the afternoon, the routes wind through olive and almond groves, with the majestic Sierra Nevada as a backdrop, leading us toward Alhama de Granada.

Snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains in the distance, with olive groves in the foreground, part of the stunning landscape on Hidden Tracks Cycling's Flamenco Gravel trip

Day 3

Alhama de Granada to Granada

90/75km | 1200/750m

A relaxed day of riding along the Alhama River valley, following gentle gravel tracks and quiet roads, leading to a lunch stop in the tranquil village of Obeilar.

Gravel riders cycling through olive groves on a farm track, enjoying an off-road bike adventure on Hidden Tracks Cycling's Flamenco Gravel trip

Scrubby landscape under a clear blue sky with the Monts de Malaga in the distance, ideal for a bike adventure and exploring by gravel bike on Hidden Tracks Cycling's Flamenco Gravel trip.

After lunch, stronger riders can tackle the foothills of the Sierra Parapanda, while others may opt for a shorter, flatter route into Granada, allowing extra time to explore.

White gravel track running through lush green farmland, with a clear blue sky overhead, offering a scenic cycling route on Hidden Tracks Cycling's Flamenco Gravel trip

Day 4

Granada to Guadix

64/70 km | 1600/1700m

Start the day winding through the medieval streets of Granada to join the Pilgrim Route. After some steady climbing, the route splits: the gravel option features challenging climbs and sections of hike-a-bike, while the road route offers a smoother ascent to Puerto de Blancares. Both groups reunite there for a picnic lunch.

Gravel path winding up a shallow valley near Granada, offering a scenic cycling route through the rugged Spanish landscape on Hidden Tracks Cycling's Flamenco Gravel trip.

The Alhambra Palace in the background, with a gravel rider on a scenic route, showcasing the rich history and stunning landscapes of Spain during Hidden Tracks Cycling's Flamenco Gravel trip.

A gateway with a dusty track leading through, framed by mountains in the background, part of a scenic cycling route on Hidden Tracks Cycling's Flamenco Gravel trip

Enjoy a glorious, seemingly endless descent along sweeping gravel paths toward Guadix, with the option to switch to ultra-smooth, quiet roads if you prefer.

Guadix, a peaceful town rich in ancient history and Roman ruins, is the perfect setting for our stay tonight in a charming 16th-century Mini Palacio

The Camino Pilgrim route stretching across the mountains, offering a scenic cycling route through the stunning Andalucian landscape on Hidden Tracks Cycling's Flamenco Gravel trip.

Gravel track winding down into the Gorafe Desert, offering a scenic cycling route through the rugged Spanish landscape on Hidden Tracks Cycling's Flamenco Gravel trip.

Day 5

Guadix to Villanueva des las Torres

90 km | 1400/1500m

Welcome to the Badlands!

Your first glimpse of the desert comes as you ride along the old railway line, with the scenery and experience only improving with each kilometer.

Keep an eye out for the remote monastery, a pilgrimage site since 900 AD. The morning ride wraps up at the hotel, be sure to grab some lunch before the afternoon ride.

Gravel bike handlebars in the foreground with a canyon and Badlands landscape in the distance, part of a scenic gravel bike ride on Hidden Tracks Cycling's Flamenco Gravel trip.

This afternoon's ride through the Gorafe Desert is one to remember. Its stunning landscape, known as the 'Badlands,' earned its nickname from the spaghetti westerns filmed here in the 1960s and '70s, you might even expect to see Sioux warriors on the hilltops.

This is gravel riding at its finest, with epic descents, challenging climbs, and plenty of tricky off-camber sections!

Gravel rider cycling up a track through stunning red rocks, with the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains in the background, part of a scenic cycling route on Hidden Tracks Cycling's Flamenco Gravel trip

@charliecycleguide looking over the russet canyons of Spain's Badlands on Hidden tracks Cycling's Flamenco Gravel bike holiday.

Day 6

Villanueva de las torres to Granada

80km | 700m

A blissfully easy day, winding down on smooth, empty roads that showcase the stunning scenery. It’s all about enjoying the ride, with just a touch of gravel thrown in before we reach Granada.

Gravel track running along a valley, flanked by wildflowers, on a scenic cycling route during Hidden Tracks Cycling's Flamenco Gravel trip in Spain

Two gravel bikes leaning against an old rustic stone wall in Andalucia, set against the backdrop of the scenic Spanish landscape during Hidden Tracks Cycling's Flamenco Gravel trip.

Granada - Malaga

The ride ends near the bus/train station, where we'll meet up with the van. Leave your bike in the van and catch the next bus or train to Malaga.

We are staying in hotel minutes away from the Malaga's bus and train stations and the van will bring you bikes to you.

We'll gather in the hotel for a celebratory drink before dinner.

Day 7

Breakfast is included with your stay, and check-out is at 11am. For those with late flights, the hotel offers secure bike and luggage storage.

Route map

Route Map Key

Explore the interactive map to see all the ride options

Black - Expert route. Red - Challenging route. Blue - Moderate route

Green Bike - Night Stop

Orange Bike - Lunch Stop with option to change ride grade.

For distance, elevation and percentage gravel click on each route

Learn more about our ride grades.

Accommodation

In Málaga and Granada, we stay in 3 or 4-star hotels. In smaller towns and the desert, accommodations are more eclectic.

In Guadix, we'll stay in a charming mini palace, and our desert resort even has thermal baths to soothe tired muscles!

Terrace overlooking expansive olive groves, with stunning views of the surrounding landscape, part of a scenic cycling route on Hidden Tracks Cycling's Flamenco Gravel trip

Simply furnished rustic hotel room, offering a comfortable and authentic stay during Hidden Tracks Cycling's Flamenco Gravel trip

The magnificent hall of the mini Palacio in Guadix, showcasing its stunning architecture, part of the cultural experience on Hidden Tracks Cycling's Flamenco Gravel trip

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The nitty gritty

Tour dates: 6th to 13th April 2025

The cost per rider is £1750 (on shared room basis) which includes five days supported and guided gravel riding, with mechanical support, all accommodation with breakfast and luggage transfers between stops.

Price excludes flights, airport transfers, lunches and dinners and bus fare from Granada to Malaga on Day 6.

A non-refundable £200 deposit will secure your place, balance due 8 weeks before the tour starts.

Single room supplement is available for £300.00 per rider.

Icon of cycle riding up hill surrounded by red border, indicating a Hidden Tracks Cycling Challenging or red grade ride or Gravel GPX Route.

Is this ride for me?

Challenging (50-90km)

These longer rides are suitable for most 'Club' level riders competent riding off-road for several hours at a time.

Routes will be gravel paths with some steeper climbs, descents, gullies and loose gravel.

Suitable for MTB, gravel, cyclocross bikes and off-road e-bikes.

Some sectors are self-guided or pass through remote areas, riders need to have and know how to use a bike-specific GPS system, such as Garmin or Wahoo.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR GRADES

WHATS INCLUDED

ACCOMMODATION

All accommodation in comfortable hotels and pensions.

Breakfast

Breakfasts is included.

LUGGAGE TRANSFER

All baggage will be transferred between hotels.

Icon depicting that this Hidden Tracks Cycling Gravel adventure is fully guided.

Guided and Self-Guided Options

The gravel rides are guided by Charlie, an experienced British Cycling-qualified ride leader. The road-based options are self-guided but include van support for assistance.

Icon confirming that this Hidden Tracks Gravel ride is supported with a mechcanic

Supported Ride

Rides are accompanied by a van driven by a trained bike mechanic who can address nearly any trail-side issue.

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ANY QUESTIONS

Send me an email or give me a call 07930406610

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