Walking Tours in spain

Secret Valleys of Ronda

*  Superb off the beaten track walks through timeless Andalucia

*  Gorgeous white villages, hidden courtyards, chestnut covered hills

*  Spectacular bird life:  eagles, buzzards, parakeets, hoopoes

*  Fragrant valleys and swaying palms;  Moorish castles and Roman ruins

*  Fabulous boutique hotel which exudes warmth, style and an eclectic fusion of Andaluz-Moroccan cuisine

This independent, single center walking holiday explores Andalucia's lovely Alto Genal – one of the best kept secrets in Spain and a magnificent landscape of dramatic limestone mountains, high cliffs and mysterious cork-shrouded valley.  Scattered throughout these valleys are scarcely trodden rural tracks and walking paths linking seven timeless white Moorish villages that cling limpet-like to the verdant hillsides, their churches and alleyways rich with history and charm.

Your base for the week is gorgeous Cartajima, the highest village in the valley, where life continues as it has for centuries.  Here you stay as guests of world traveller, yachtswoman and anthropologist, Di Beach and her partner, John, at their 7 room boutique villa in the center of the village.  The villa has been exquisitely designed in keeping with North African influences with al fresco terraces, plant-filled roof gardens and hidden courtyards with brightly colored cushions and tiny fountains.  Most spacious, beautifully appointed double bedrooms have individual balcanies (you're even provided with sketch pads and pencils!) and there is a panoramic roof terrace, with plunge pool, where you can relax with an early evening cocktail before a fine candlelit dinner.

Some of the walks start from the hotel, however, in order that you can fully explore the neighboring National Parks - the Sierra de las Nievas to the east and the spectacular Sierra de Grazelema to the west - we have included a rental car.  This also allows you to explore the famous bullfighting town of Ronda, just 20 mins drive away.

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