Vuelta a España 2026 / Week 2: Murcia and Mountains of Andalusia

Day at leisure in Madrid. If you would like any assistance in booking extra nights, tours or activities to make the most of your time in the city, please contact your Bike Spain travel advisor.

Here, our van will pick us up and transfer us to Cartagena, the start point of our first cycle route, and of tomorrow’s Vuelta stage!

Our route takes us into the wild landscapes of the Sierra de la Muela, climbing steadily through arid hills and protected natural parkland, with dramatic views over the coastline before a long, flowing descent toward the sea. We’ll finish in Puerto de Mazarrón, where our van will pick us up and take us to our first hotel in Lorca.

Lorca is a historic town in the Region of Murcia, known for its imposing medieval castle and rich Baroque heritage, set against a rugged inland landscape.

Tonight, we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner together at the hotel.

We’ll start the day with a transfer to Totana, where the ride begins with gentle, rolling terrain that gradually opens into wide valleys framed by dry hills and distant peaks.

The road then turns upward toward the Alto de Morrón, a challenging and atmospheric climb that will define today’s Vuelta stage. Long, steady gradients wind through remote terrain, offering climbers and breakaway riders the opportunity to make their move.

A sweeping descent takes us back into Lorca, with dramatic views of the castle rising above the valley. We’ll settle into the VIP finish area, and cheer on the peloton as they cross the first stage finish line of our tour.

Our route begins from Poblado Oeste in Almería, a famous Western movie set, originally built for spaghetti Westerns. Here we can take selfies with our carbon fibre steeds among the Wild West streets and saloons, before beginning the day’s ride.

The route heads inland, gradually climbing through the arid yet striking terrain toward Verefique, where the steady gradients and wide, open vistas provide a perfect rhythm for serious climbing.

From Verefique, the road continues to rise relentlessly toward Calar Alto, the highest peak in Almería province. the highest point in Almería. With steep gradients, high-altitude exposure, and expansive desert panoramas, the final kilometres are likely to be decisive in today’s Vuelta stage.

We’ll catch our breath in the VIP finish area, where we can enjoy sweeping panoramic views over the Tabernas Desert and surrounding mountains. After cheering the peloton across the finish line, we’ll transfer to our next hotel in the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage City of Granada.

Challenge yourself against one of Europe’s highest and most demanding road networks, where endless asphalt ribbons climb through pine forests into stark high-alpine terrain, with long, uninterrupted gradients and ever-increasing altitude.

In the afternoon, we’ll transfer to Loja to catch today’s exciting stage finish!

In the morning, we’ll travel to Jaén by van, and begin a classic Andalusian route through sun-drenched olive groves and rolling hills. Our first climb of the day is Puerto de Locubín, a steady ascent through scenic valleys and forested sections.

From Locubín, the stage builds toward the formidable Alto de La Pandera, a legendary La Vuelta climb with long, sustained gradients and wide-open mountain panoramas. The relentless ascent will demand strategic riding, endurance, and tactical positioning, ensuring a dramatic showdown for the stage finish!

After conquering the mountain, we’ll head to the VIP area to enjoy a classic high-mountain Vuelta finale, framed by the stark beauty of Andalusia’s Sierra Sur.

Once the peloton has crossed the finish line, we’ll transfer to our final hotel in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Córdoba.

In the evening, we’ll celebrate our last night in true Spanish style with an exciting flamenco show.

Arrival airport: Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas (MAD)

Direct flights to Madrid are available from a number of destinations worldwide.

Departure: Córdoba is very well-connected by high-speed train to Madrid, Barcelona and destinations within Andalusia. Please contact your Bike Spain Tours travel consultant if you would like assistance in booking extra nights in Córdoba, Madrid or Barcelona, or in organising your onward travel plans.