Self Guided Southern Spain mtb tour - Ronda to Malaga - mtbAdventures

Cross Country mountain bike tour through Southern Spain: Ronda to Malaga

In this self guided tour you will explore the beautiful trails in Andalusia: from Ronda all the way to Malaga.

From € 675 p.p.
7 or 6 days
5 or 4 riding days
Level: intermediate
Self guided

Fantastic week – route, communication and planning was all spot on – riding was tough but hugely rewarding.
Highly recommend Thijs and his team
G. Porter

Get ready for a thrilling ride through Andalusia – a region full of contrast and character in Southern Spain near Malaga. This multi-day tour takes you from the rugged trails around Ronda to the scenic tracks near Mijas, close to the coast. Along the way, you’ll move through a changing landscape: peaceful forest paths, rocky gravel roads, and technical singletracks high above deep gorges and clear reservoirs. You’ll pass through white villages like El Burgo, Ardales, and Mijas, ride beneath the cliffs of El Chorro, and cross two impressive mountain ranges: the Sierra de las Nieves and the Sierra de Mijas. The journey ends near Malaga, with the Mediterranean Sea not far ahead.

You’ll be riding mostly off-road, with each day bringing a fresh mix of terrain, pace, and scenery. From smooth, flowy singletracks to loose gravel stretches, and now and then a solid climb or speedy descent. The adventure kicks off with a loop from Ronda. The perfect warm-up to get into the rhythm and dial in your bike. Plus, it gives you time to check out Ronda itself, with its Moorish charm, steep gorges, and epic viewpoints.

From day two, the route takes you deeper into the backcountry, heading toward a new overnight spot each night. You’ll ride through shifting landscapes, from forested hills to open mountain views. Bring your own MTB or go for a full rental setup; whatever suits your style. The tour is self-guided, but you’ll find plenty of local stops along the way for a coffee break, a good lunch, or a cold drink in the heart of a white village.

Trip details

Day 1: Arrival in Ronda

Your adventure kicks off in Ronda — a town that’s all about charm, history, and jaw-dropping views. Wander through the old streets, check out the dramatic El Tajo gorge, and grab a drink on one of the buzzing plazas. Today’s all about settling in and getting into the vibe. Tomorrow, the real ride begins with a loop through the wild countryside around Ronda.

Day 2: Ronda loop (the extra day)
(32 km / 1150 m+)

Your first ride is a scenic warm-up loop around Ronda. You climb to 880 meters, with early views of the Sierra de Grazalema setting the tone. A fun, technical section leads you toward the ‘Cueva del Gato’, before cruising back along the river through peaceful terrain. Wrap up the day with a well-earned drink on the relaxed Plaza Ruedo Alameda.

Day 3: Ronda to Ardales
(48 km / 1150 m+)

Today you head straight into the wild. Climbing up gravel roads, you reach the remote sheep farm of Lifa, then drop into the rugged beauty of the Sierra de las Nieves. A coffee break in the sleepy village of El Burgo gives you a boost before rolling on through wide, open landscapes. You finish the day in Ardales, a laid-back white village tucked near turquoise reservoirs.

Day 4: Ardales to El Chorro
(30 km / 1000 m+)

This day is packed with trails and killer views. You start by skimming past the reservoir, then dive into a short but rocky trail that blends flow and technical riding. A solid climb follows — but it pays off with a long descent into El Chorro, where dramatic cliffs dominate the skyline. After lunch at your hotel, one final forest descent caps off the ride. Your base for the night? Right at the foot of the gorge.

Day 5: El Chorro to Alhaurín el Grande
(53 km / 900 m+)

Today’s a linking stage — but far from boring. You roll out along quiet gravel tracks and winding rural roads through a sun-soaked valley heading toward Málaga. Expect white villages, citrus groves, and plenty of open space. Your day ends in Alhaurín el Grande, a chilled spot at the base of the Sierra de Mijas, perfect for recharging.

Day 6: Alhaurín el Grande to Mijas
(31 km / 1140 m+)

Your final day brings a solid challenge: nearly 1200 meters of climbing through the Sierra de Mijas. It kicks off with a steady ascent before dropping into the trails. You’ll hit long climbs, quick descents, and epic views over the Mediterranean. The ride wraps up in the whitewashed village of Mijas, where a cold drink and that end-of-tour high are waiting for you.

Included