4.0
(2)
84
riders
8
rides
Gravel biking around Villanueva De Córdoba offers access to Europe's largest dehesa, characterized by an expansive "mar de encinas" or sea of holm oaks. The region, nestled within the Comarca de Los Pedroches and Sierra Morena, features rolling hills and a network of unpaved tracks. These natural landscapes provide varied terrain for no traffic gravel bike trails, allowing for exploration through Mediterranean forest environments.
Last updated: July 2, 2026
25
riders
98.9km
08:27
1,540m
1,540m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
9
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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3.0
(1)
6
riders
84.4km
06:41
1,230m
1,230m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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In the center of the town of Villanueva de Córdoba, we find the church of San Miguel Arcángel, which is the oldest temple in the city, started in 1553 and later renovated during the 18th century after the damage caused by the famous Lisbon earthquake.
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This settlement located in the Sierra de Cardeña y Montoro Natural Park is a nucleus of traditional architecture whose present is far from its origin, as most of the houses are intended for rural tourism. It is a Starlight reserve within an absolute haven of peace.
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Although the exact date of its construction is unknown, tradition indicates that it was built in the mid-15th century, possibly thanks to a woman from Los Pedroches who promoted the construction of the first hermitage. According to legend, the image of the Virgin was found by a shepherd from Pedroche in a holm oak near the sanctuary at the beginning of the 15th century.
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The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Luna is one of the most emblematic sites in the Los Pedroches Valley, deeply linked to the religious and cultural traditions of Pozoblanco and Villanueva de Córdoba. The sanctuary is located in the Dehesa de la Jara, in the municipality of Navarredonda, a natural holm oak grove characteristic of Los Pedroches. It is situated 15 km from Pozoblanco and 10 km from Villanueva de Córdoba.
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Although the exact date of its construction is unknown, tradition indicates that it was built in the mid-15th century, possibly thanks to a woman from Los Pedroches who promoted the construction of the first hermitage. According to legend, the image of the Virgin was found by a shepherd from Pedroche in a holm oak near the sanctuary at the beginning of the 15th century.
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The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Luna is one of the most emblematic sites in the Los Pedroches Valley, deeply linked to the religious and cultural traditions of Pozoblanco and Villanueva de Córdoba. The sanctuary is located in the Dehesa de la Jara, in the municipality of Navarredonda, a natural holm oak grove characteristic of Los Pedroches. It is situated 15 km from Pozoblanco and 10 km from Villanueva de Córdoba.
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Cardeña is a town in the north of the province of Córdoba with a population of just over 1,400 inhabitants, at an altitude of 821 meters above sea level. The municipality of this beautiful town includes the small towns of La Venta del Charco and Azuel. The population trend, as in most towns in Spain, has been declining, with a loss of almost 500 inhabitants since 1979. It's worth stopping by its bakeries selling bread and typical local pastries, as well as traditional cured meats, and of course, enjoying a few beers while enjoying its gastronomy.
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Cardeña is a small but historically and naturally important municipality in the region. It is located in the northeast of the province of Córdoba and is part of the Parque Natural Sierra de Cardeña y Montoro, a protected natural area. Cardeña is an ideal place for a break by bike, good food and nature worth seeing. Perfect for a bike tour with a culinary break in picturesque surroundings! The region was sparsely populated for a long time and was strategically used as a border area between Christian and Muslim dominions in the Middle Ages. During the reign of Charles III (1759-1788), Spain encouraged the settlement of remote areas. As a result of this colonization policy, several small villages were created in the Sierra Morena, including Cardeña.
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There are 5 dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails listed in this guide for Villanueva de Córdoba. These routes offer a range of distances and elevations, primarily focusing on the unique dehesa landscape.
You'll primarily encounter the expansive 'mar de encinas' or sea of holm oaks, which is Europe's largest dehesa. This means rolling hills and a network of unpaved tracks and paths, offering varied terrain perfect for gravel cyclists. The region is known for its unspoiled beauty within the Comarca de Los Pedroches and Sierra Morena.
The trails in this guide range from moderate to difficult. For example, the Hermitage of the Virgen de Luna – Sanctuary of the Virgin loop from Guadamora Alta is rated moderate, while longer routes like the Hermitage of the Virgen de Luna – Dehesa de Los Pedroches loop from Villanueva de Córdoba are considered difficult due to their distance and elevation gain.
Yes, all the routes featured in this guide are circular, allowing you to start and end your ride in the same location. This includes routes like the Sanctuary of the Virgin – Hermitage of the Virgen de Luna loop from Villanueva de Córdoba-Los Pedroches, which offers a comprehensive tour of the area's natural beauty.
Many routes pass through the stunning dehesa landscape. You can also encounter significant natural and cultural landmarks. For instance, the Hermitage of the Virgen de Luna is a cultural highlight often visited, and the Guadalmellato Reservoir and Dam provides a tranquil setting for nature enjoyment. The Sierra de los Puntales also offers scenic viewpoints.
The region is ideal for gravel biking for much of the year. Spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant temperatures for cycling. The dehesa landscape changes with the seasons, providing unique visual appeal. While winter can be suitable, summer months might be very hot, so early morning or late afternoon rides are recommended then.
Villanueva de Córdoba is well-equipped for outdoor enthusiasts. Many routes start directly from or near the town, where public parking is generally available. For routes starting further afield, such as the Conquista – Minas del Horcajo loop from La Ruda, you can usually find parking in the smaller villages or designated areas near the trail access points.
While the routes in this guide are rated moderate to difficult, the extensive network of unpaved tracks in the dehesa means there are often easier, flatter sections suitable for families with some cycling experience. For dedicated family-friendly options, look for shorter, less elevated paths within the dehesa, though specific easy routes are not highlighted in this particular guide.
Many of the natural trails and paths in the dehesa are suitable for dogs, especially if kept on a leash to protect local wildlife and livestock. However, always check local regulations, especially when passing through private land or protected areas. Ensure your dog is fit enough for the distance and terrain, and carry enough water for both of you.
The komoot community highly rates the area, with an average score of 3.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the immersive experience of cycling through Europe's largest dehesa, the tranquility of the traffic-free paths, and the breathtaking scenery. The sense of exploration and the connection with nature are frequently highlighted as key attractions.
Villanueva de Córdoba, as the main town, offers various cafes, restaurants, and accommodation options that cater to visitors. The local gastronomy, particularly the 'Iberian pig' and organic olive oil, is a highlight. Smaller villages along some routes may also have local bars or shops for refreshments.


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