The best traffic-free bike rides around the Guadalquivir

One of the most legendary climbs in the Sierra de Córdoba, well-known for both hiking and mountain biking. It's a tough, consistent climb, very popular with local cyclists and races like the Andalucía Bike Race and the Guzmán el Bueno (the latter often runs it in the opposite direction). The Cuesta del Reventón ascends towards the Ermitas de Córdoba, a classic panoramic viewpoint. It's a wide, rocky path with a steep incline, frequently used by cyclists and hikers. Approximate length: between 2.7 km (classic route) and 4.7 km depending on the mountain bike variant. Elevation gain: between 155 m and 486 m, depending on the route.

Circular route from Turruñuelos Park, Córdoba, passing through: - Torrehoria Viewpoint (19.5 km) - Torre del Beato (23.1 km) - Torre de las Siete Esquinas (24.5 km) - Bridge over the canal (29.5 km) The route begins along the Guadalmellato Canal, ascends through La Canchuela, Llanos de los Mesoneros, passes the El Cruce gas station, enters the "Fangor" forest, Torrehoria, Camino del Nuo Bajo, Torre del Beato, Torre de las Siete Esquinas, and from there descends to reach the start of the Trassierra Trail. Except for the descent from Siete Esquinas, the route, exceptionally beautiful given the recent rainfall in the mountains with runoff everywhere, follows paths without technical difficulty, making it even more appealing. It's a challenging distance but offers stunning views of the surrounding area and the city and its environs from the highest points.

Castillo de Almodóvar del Río (Hisnu-l-mudawar; "the round castle") is a castle of Arab Muslim origin in the town of Almodóvar del Río, Province of Córdoba, Spain. Previously a Roman fort, the current structure is of Arab Umayyad origin, in the year 760. During the Middle Ages, it underwent several renovations and reconstructions. Between 1901 and 1936, it was restored by the owner Raphael Desmaissiers, 12th Count of Torravala, under the technical direction of the architect Adolfo Fernández Casanova. The most important towers are the Cuadrada, the Redonda, and the Homenaje.

Located on the Caño Escaravita estate, just beyond the outlying neighborhood of Santa María de Trassierra. We found it in the western Sierra peri-urban district, next to the crossroads leading to the Ermitas and the Mirador de las Niñas, about fifteen kilometers from Córdoba. This is a zoomorphic water fountain on a pedestal from the Caliphate period, dating back to the 10th century. The sculpture represents a small elephant. Made of gray limestone from the Sierra Morena, it served as a support for the spout. The fountain is made up of three components: a water collection basin, a masonry pillar attached to it on its north side (which leads to a masonry irrigation ditch), and a rectangular pool located to the west of the canal. https://amedinacordoba.com/fuente-del-elefante/

Córdoba, on the northern bank of the Guadalquivir, is one of the three largest cities in Andalusia, along with Seville and Granada, but is quieter than the other two. The beautiful city was once the heart of Roman Baetica and later one of the leading centres of Al-Andalus. The mosque-cathedral with red and white arches symbolises the enormous wealth of Spanish-Islamic civilisation. But the Mezquita, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is certainly not the only thing the city has to offer. Churches and palaces, a maze of narrow streets and alleys, patios and balconies full of flowers: everything invites you to a romantic exploration full of surprises.

Córdoba is one of Spain's most beautiful cities, with a fascinating mix of Moorish, Jewish and Christian history. A must-see for lovers of history, culture and architecture. Córdoba is a bike-friendly city, ideal for exploring on two wheels. Many attractions are easily accessible by bike, and there are dedicated cycle paths and reduced-traffic zones.

The Medina Azahara Visitor Centre in Córdoba is an ideal opportunity to explore the remains of the once magnificent 10th century palace city. It offers comprehensive information and insight into the history and significance of this important archaeological site. In 2018, the Medina Azahara archaeological complex was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Entry is free for citizens of the European Union. Visitors from non-EU countries pay a small entrance fee.

The Castillo de Almodóvar del Río, also known as Castillo de la Floresta, is located near the town of Almodóvar del Río and is a well-preserved and lavishly restored castle. The castle was built by the Moors in the 8th century for strategic reasons and was completed in the 12th century. Due to its location on a hill, it controlled a significant section of the Guadalquivir. The mighty towers of the complex are naturally reminiscent of the fortress and the wall of the Alhambra in Granada. The impressive fortress, which towers high above the Guadalquivir River, was the filming location for the series "Game of Thrones". Guided tours are offered to visitors to the castle.