Thinking of Cadiz, means thinking of beaches, sea and mountains. But that’s not it. Cadiz is also culture, traditions and superb gastronomy. Travel by bicycle through this impressive but quiet scenery, not yet discovered by mass tourism. Enjoy excellent views, historical towns and natural parks of extraordinary beauty.

This 7-day self-guided cycling trip is an easily doable route with very little physical difficulty, following one of the great European Eurovelo Cycling Routes, Eurovelo 8. With daily stages of 20-55km and very little elevation gain, it’s designed for the casual cyclist.

ITINERARY
You will start the route exploring the city of Cadiz on two wheels. City of great historical importance, both nationally and internationally, this marvellous town is marked by its strategic location between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. You will have the chance to visit the Muralla Puertas de Tierra, its Cathedral, the Market Square, and the Tavira Tower.

The next day you will leave the town following the Eurovelo 8 trails into the Bay of Cadiz and the San Fernando Island. Riding along the salt* mines of Chiclana you will arrive to the town of Sancti Petri, a traditional town, home to fishermen dedicated to tuna fishing using the art of the almadraba. Needless to say, it is the perfect place to stop for lunch. At night we have booked you a great hotel in Chiclana de la Frontera.

Next stop is Conil de la Frontera, farming and fisherman village counting with a great cuisine. Even though it’s a well know summer holiday destination for the Spanish, if you travel here outside the summer season you will sure be impressed by its quiet coastal charm.

Don’t forget to visit the Museo de la Chanca, located in an historic building, showing exhibitions about the local fishing techniques.

And we haven’t even mentioned the beaches yet! Along the entire coast of Cadiz, you will find extended white sandy beaches against a blue transparent sea. For the next stage, that will take you to the famous Trafalgar Lighthouse, you will be riding your bike without losing the sea out of sight. Take a dip in the water or a stroll on the beach wherever you like!

The road will lead you inland to the town of Vejer de la Frontera. This picturesque village of typical Arabic architecture was officialy declared an Artistic Historical Site and is part of the Association 'The most beautiful towns in Spain'.

Apart from being absolutely precious, the town is also a true gastronomic reference on the route. Don’t leave the village without having tasted the Spanish oyster thistle, artichokes and snails collected in the area. Or try the ecological ‘retinto’ meat accompanied by delicious vegetables and legumes from the orchards around town... Guaranteed all local and fresh!

From Vejer you’ll ride all the way down to the beach of Bolonia, with its massive dune sticking out 30 meters above the sea, that was declared a National Monument. From here the Eurovelo 8 itinerary takes you back inland again, through the Natural Park ‘Los Alcornocales’, known for being the largest cork oak tree forest in Spain. The trees are preserved in a magnificent state despite its cork being still used for production purposes.

Before entering to the city of Algeciras, we recommend you to take a break at the Venta El Frenazo, a legendary place for lunch offering traditional food of excellent quality. Stomachs filled up, you’ll make your way to Algeciras following the bike lane. The trip ends in the port of town.

*Did you know our word salary originates from, indeed, the word ‘salt’? Salarium argentum, in Latin, referred to a certain amount of salt given to the Roman legionnaires as remuneration for their services(!) Back then, salt was a very precious good.