dossier

Secrets of Andalucia

SECRETS OF ANDALUICA - DAY BY DAY

Hotel Finca el Cerrillo AAAA, Canillas de Albaida 

Finca el Cerillo is the base for our Secrets of Andalucia walking holiday. Run by Sue and Gordon Kind along with manager - chef, Christine, and dog, Basil, it is a comfortably restored 200-year old farmhouse (it was used as an olive mill between 1805 and 1960). The Finca has twelve individually styled ensuite bedrooms, each with air conditioning, central heating and tea/coffee making facilities, hairdryers are also provided.

Day 1  Arrive in Canillas de Albaida

We meet you at Malaga airport and take you to Canillas de Albaida (1 hour).

Day 2  Three Villages Walk  10km/6mi/4hr

Heading out directly from the hotel, it’s down first through olives and almonds to the Moorish village of Archez, famous for its beautifully decorated Mudéjar church tower . It’s then a gradual climb along traditionally farmed terraces up to Cómpeta: magnificent C16 church, lively village square and some of the finest sweet wines in Spain.

Day 3  The Silk Route  12km/7mi/6hr

Today’s path traverses part of the ancient bandit mule trail used to transport silk from Cómpeta to Granada. Walking beneath the majestic peaks of the Sierra Almijara, we can often see right out towards North Africa’s Rif Mountains. It’s big bird country here too with regular sightings of griffon vultures and other birds of prey. Our final stretch takes us down through wild fennel, rosemary and lavender and back to Canillas in time for a late afternoon swim.

Day 4  Salares and the Arroyo Valley  11km/7mi/5.5hr

We head first up through olives and citrus groves to the tiny hamlet of Fogarate: this is the “real” Spain where farmers still travel by mule and harvest their terraces by hand. After a gentle descent into the verdant Arroyo valley – stunning views out across the sea towards the distant shores of Morocco on a clear day – it’s on to Salares, one of the prettiest villages in the area with flowers spilling from every balcony, patio and window box. There is an interesting church, Santa Ana, still bearing an old Moorish minaret.

Day 5  Independent exploring in Granada

After breakfast, we take you to the beautiful city of Granada where you have the day to explore at leisure. We have included entrance fees for the world-famous Alhambra Palace – possibly the most exciting and romantic of all Moorish monuments - and tickets will have been pre-booked for you.

Day 6  Sedella and The Cajula Valley  10km/6mi/4hr

Today we walk through classic Andalucian countryside - almonds, olives and orange groves - of the fertile Cajula valley. We ascend through farmed terraces to the village of Sedella set at the foot of the imposing La Maroma (2069m) the highest peak in the region before a tapas lunch in Salvador . Chance to do some last minute shopping before a lift back to the Finca in time for a couple of hours by the pool or relaxing on the Moorish terrace. Our final dinner is taken in a traditional Spanish restaurant in Cómpeta.

Day 7  Sierra Almijara  12km/7mi/5hr

After a short minibus transfer (15 mins), we head off through majestic pine woods cradled by the peaks of the Cerro Atalaya (1256m) and Cerro Verde (1326m). Our path is a riot of colour – bright red poppies, wild iris, yellow jasmine and pink oleander – and there is a good chance of spotting golden eagles soaring overhead. We picnic at the summit of  Cerro Verde - stunning 360 degree views out over the Sierra Almijara and out across the Mediterranean.

Day 8  Leave Canillas de Albaida

We take you back to Malaga airport after breakfast.

*This itinerary is based on standard 2-boot walks. In addition, on dates marked † (see dates and prices), a selection of guided 1-boot walks will also be offered.

WALKING DETAILS

Mostly along semi-shaded mule tracks. There’s the occasional steep ascent and descent, and as paths can be stony in parts, good protective footwear is essential.