A RIDING TOUR FROM ALGARVE, PORTUGAL TO ANDALUSIA IN SPAIN
This motorcycle tour will follow the roads of southern Portugal and southwestern Andalusia. It will take you from the suggestive coasts of the Algarve to the historic Andalusian cities, following many winding and panoramic roads, just the ones that motorcyclists like so much. It is a ring itinerary that has to be followed counterclockwise with departure and return from/to Lisbon, Portugal, or Cordoba in Andalusia, Spain, at your choice.
Lisbon is a city of great charm boasting millenary history, important architecture, art, and historic buildings. You will discover many characteristic attractions in the city such as the houses with colored walls built on the seven hills where the city expands or the clattering trams that go up and down along the streets. Also, the Lusitanians are lively people, therefore, you will enjoy your visit to Lisbon.
Leaving the capital, ride your bike south along the ocean, until you will reach the Lighthouse of Cabo de São Vicente. From this very scenic point located on a precipice, you will enjoy stunning views over the wild waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Here begins Algarve. This Portuguese region is famous above all, for the endless stretches of golden sandy beaches, for the scenic stacks in the sea near the coast, for the picturesque fishing villages and for the characteristic red-colored high cliffs that plummet into the Atlantic Ocean. Follow with your motorcycle the files of our Roadbook package, and you will get to dozens of wonderful beaches and cliffs, including Benagil beach. Nearby is located the most famous and most photographed cave in the Algarve. It is a natural arch that hides inside a beach on which the sun's rays fall through a hole in the vault. Then, keep on riding. Lagos and Portimao are two towns where you can overnight.
Left behind this beautiful coast, in a few tens of kilometers, you will cross the border between Portugal and Spain thus entering Andalusia. Some more kilometers and here you are in Seville. The capital of Andalusia is a city of unique charm: it is elegant, ancient, and proud. The huge cathedral with the famous Giralda is a treasure to be discovered, while the ancient Jewish quarter of the city, the Barrio Santa Cruz, offers enchanting places surrounded by flowers scented with orange trees.
Then ride south first and take the road beloved by motorcyclists, the one that crosses the Sierra de Grazalema where endless bents, curves, and breathtaking views follow each other!
From Sierra de Grazalema in a short time, you will reach Ronda crossing wild mountains dotted with many charming villages featuring white painted houses. The city of Ronda is divided into two parts by the El Tajo de Ronda, the deep gorge carved into the rock by Tajo river, which makes this city one of the most visited places in Andalusia.
Then ride your motorbike further south, touching the Sierra de las Nieves up to the Costa del Sol. It is a tourist paradise with sandy beaches, hotels, and lots of fun. Have a stop and visit the enchanting Marbella and, if you are a nightlife fan, Torremolinos will welcome you with thousands of clubs of all kinds open day and night.
This motorcycle tour between the Algarve and Andalusia continues to Malaga. Do not miss Mirador del Castillo de Gibralfaro, a 14th-century castle, one of the most visited monuments in Malaga: you will enjoy spectacular views of the city and sea.
Then following the Montes de Málaga road have a stop at the Mirador de La Unidad where you will enjoy some more superb panoramas. Also, you can stop at the majestic Fuente De La Reina, located along the winding road that leads to Puerto del León, 940 meters above sea level. A little further on you will reach the ancient city of Antequera where you can visit the interesting "Archaeological Dolmens of Antequera".
A few more kilometers riding your motorbike and you will reach Cordoba. It is a pedestrian city so park your bike when arrive. After riding it is a pleasure to walk a bit through the intricate labyrinth of the ancient city. In the center of this maze stands Mezquita, an ancient mosque transformed into the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Then enter the Judería (the former Jewish quarter) featuring nice squares and flowered courtyards. Archeological lovers can stop about 8 km west of Cordoba, at the Medina of Azahara, the most important archaeological site in Andalusia.
Not far from Cordoba you will enter the Sierra Norte de Sevilla. Have a stop at Cerro de Hierro the natural monument of characteristic shapes and colors, and at the beautiful Cascatas del Huesna formed by a succession of small waterfalls called Las Chorreras.
Another natural attraction you should visit along this motorcycle tour is located near Aracena: it is the cave Gruta de las Maravillas, which is as beautiful as its name!
Then you will have more fun riding your motorcycle on the winding roads of Sierra de Aracena before getting back to Portugal and reaching Lisbon.