The best cycling routes around National Park Sierras Subbéticas

The National Park Sierras Subbéticas offers a diverse range of touring cycling routes. You'll find options for various skill levels, including 1 easy route, 3 moderate routes, and 10 more difficult routes, catering to both casual riders and experienced cyclists.

Yes, the park features accessible routes suitable for families and beginners. The Zuheros Castle and Village – Doña Mencía Station loop from Doña Mencía is an easy 7.3 km trail that takes about 27 minutes to complete, passing through charming white villages and olive groves. The Vía Verde de la Subbética (Aceite Greenway) also offers generally flat and accessible sections.

For experienced touring cyclists, the park offers several challenging routes. The Sierras Subbéticas and Aceite Greenway Loop is a difficult 53.0 km trail with significant elevation changes. Another demanding option is the Plantío Tunnel – Steam locomotive - Mikado loop from Zuheros, a 40.2 km path exploring rugged landscapes and geological features.

The park's unique karst landscape means you'll encounter spectacular limestone formations, deep gorges, and impressive caves. Notable natural attractions include the Bat Cave near Zuheros, and the Limestone formations and caves in the Bailón Canyon. You might also spot waterfalls like Chorreras de la Fuenseca.

Yes, many routes in the Sierras Subbéticas are designed as loops. Examples include the Sierras Subbéticas and Aceite Greenway Loop, the Plantío Tunnel – Steam locomotive - Mikado loop from Zuheros, and the Zuheros Castle – Zuheros Castle and Village loop from Zuheros. These circular routes allow you to start and finish in the same location.

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are generally the best times for touring cycling. In spring, the park is vibrant with blooming orchids and wild herbs. Autumn offers pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summers can be very hot, while winters are mild but can have cooler temperatures, especially at higher elevations.

The park is rich in wildlife, particularly birds. It hosts one of southern Spain's largest breeding colonies of griffon vultures, along with various eagles like booted, Bonelli's, short-toed, and golden eagles. You might also spot wild boars, mouflon, and wild cats. The diverse ecosystems created by rivers and olive groves support a wide array of species.

Absolutely. The touring cycling routes often pass through or near picturesque white villages such as Zuheros, Cabra, Priego de Córdoba, and Doña Mencía. These villages offer cultural exploration with Moorish-era castles, Baroque churches, and local gastronomy, providing excellent stops for rest and refreshment. For instance, the Castle of Priego de Córdoba – Carcabuey Castle loop from Villa Turística de Priego connects two historic castles.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 140 reviews. Reviewers often praise the unique karst landscapes, the well-maintained Vía Verde de la Subbética, and the opportunity to cycle through extensive olive groves and charming white villages. The variety of routes, from easy greenways to challenging mountain paths, is also frequently highlighted.

Beyond the natural beauty, keep an eye out for geological formations like the Poljé of the Nava de Cabra. The Vía Verde de la Subbética itself is a landmark, featuring old train stations repurposed into bars and restaurants, and impressive viaducts and tunnels from its railway past. The highest peak in Córdoba province, La Tiñosa, also offers panoramic views.

There are 14 touring cycling routes available in the National Park Sierras Subbéticas, offering a range of distances and difficulty levels to suit different preferences and fitness levels.