This stage marks an important change in the Washington Irving Bike Route. Leaving the open Campiña of Seville, the landscape gradually becomes more varied as the route approaches the foothills of the sierras and crosses into the province of Malaga. The day ends in Antequera, the historic crossroads of Andalusia and the traditional gateway to the old Kingdom of Granada.
The ride passes olive groves, low limestone hills, the salt lagoon near Fuente de Piedra and the vineyards of Mollina before descending into the fertile plain that surrounds Antequera. It is one of the more varied and rewarding stages of the early part of the route.
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Osuna’s monumental centre accompanies the rider for the first kilometres. Just outside the town, before joining the road towards Granada, the Iberian-Roman archaeological remains of ancient Urso can be seen on the right. From here the Campiña begins to change character: larger formations of olive groves appear, and the low limestone hills that mark the start of the Sierra del Becerro become useful reference points on the horizon.
At the foot of these hills the route passes the Fuente de Santiago, which marks the beginning of the climb over the hills of Guichón and de La Cruz. From the higher ground Lora de Estepa comes into view. The path then crosses a wide valley scored by the Yeguas and Salado rivers. After fording the Salado the route reaches La Roda de Andalucía, once a frontier and customs point and traditionally regarded as the geographical centre of Andalusia.
A gentle ascent through the foothills of the Sierra de las Yeguas leads out of the province of Seville and into the province of Malaga. The landscape changes noticeably. Near Cerro del Palo, holm oaks, lentisc, tamarisk and marsh plants surround the Laguna Salada (Salt Lake), an important stopover for flamingos, cranes and other migratory birds. The lagoon of Fuente de Piedra lies hidden just behind a small ridge and is one of the natural highlights of the entire Washington Irving route.
Continuing along the valley the route reaches the village of Humilladero, set at the foot of the sierra of the same name. It was from here that Prince Ferdinand organised the siege of Antequera, and a cross was later erected to commemorate the victory. Shortly afterwards comes Mollina, a village that has expanded from its original position in the Sierra de la Camorra down to the plain. The surrounding land is rich in vineyards that produce the well-known wines of the Malaga region.
The final stretch crosses a fertile, sunlit plain of market gardens before reaching the easternmost foothills of the Baetic mountains. The distinctive karst landscape of El Torcal rises ahead, marking what was for centuries the entrance to the Kingdom of Granada. Nestled between these limestone formations and the Guadalhorce river lies Antequera, dominated by its fortress and the Torre del Homenaje.
Antequera has long been a strategic crossroads. In 1883 it was the meeting place for the assembly that laid the foundations of the first Andalusian regional movement, a significant moment in the modern history of the region.
This stage begins in Osuna. Most cyclists arrive after completing the previous day’s ride from Marchena. If you are starting here from the Costa del Sol, a rental car or private transfer is the most practical option.
Useful for reaching Osuna from Malaga Airport or the Costa del Sol, especially if you are travelling with a bicycle.
Hire a car at Malaga Airport
Direct transfer from Malaga Airport or your hotel to Osuna, with vehicles that can carry bikes.
Book a transferRegular buses connect Seville and Malaga with Osuna and Antequera. From the Costa del Sol the usual combination is a train or bus to Antequera or Seville, then a local service to Osuna if you prefer not to start from the previous stage.
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