Walking in Andalucia

Today we take a guided walk on the trails and paths around the Cortijo and on to the neighbouring village of Villanueva. The countryside surrounding Algamitas is picture-perfect, covered with olive trees, beautiful farmland and rolling hills. During the walk, our leader will give us a good overview of the rural lifestyle and traditions of this part of the world, which are largely based around the production of olive oil. An optional tapas lunch in the village gives us a chance to soak up the authentic Andalucian atmosphere. Once back at the Cortijo, we have some free time to relax by the pool or enjoy a drink on the lovely outdoor terrace. We then have dinner and stay overnight at the Cortijo.Walk Profile: Distance- 12km/7 miles, approx. 6 hours walking including stops.

Our private bus will drive us high into the Grazalema Mountains over the Pass of the Doves. Designated a UNESCO Biosphere reserve in 1977, the Sierra de Grazalema was declared the first natural park in Andalucia in 1984 and is one of Spain’s most ecologically outstanding areas. The park is famous for its spectacularly rugged limestone landscape of cliffs, gullies, caves and gorges. We walk up past this fantastic scenery and down into the white Village of Benaocaz.Walk Profile: Distance- 9km/ 5 miles, approx. 4-5 hours walking including stops.

Today we set out from the Cortijo Rosario, walking through Algamitas farmland to the abandoned monastery of Canos Santos, where we will have lunch. In the afternoon we follow the Ruta de los Molinos along the river that runs through the famous white village of Setenil de las Bodegas. Built under the overhanging ledge of a gorge, Setenil is not only famous for its peculiar architecture but also for its bars, restaurants and food shops which are ranked as the best in the region. We have free time to discover Setenil and later return to the Cortijo by private minibus. Walk Profile: Distance- 16km/ 10 miles, approx. 5-6 hours walking including stops.

In the morning we transfer by private minibus to the magnificent city of Seville. The day is free to sightsee at our own pace. Now the capital of Andalucia, Seville was one of the first conquests of the Moors. After the fall of the Cordoba Caliphate in the 11th Century, under whose direction it previously lay, it became the most powerful city in ’Al Andalus’. Near the city centre is the evocative ’Giralda’, an architectural masterpiece dating back to the 12th Century. Close by is the magnificent ’Alcazar’, a complex of palaces dating back from Roman times and later used by both Moorish and Christian rulers. It has fine examples of Moorish and ’Mudejar’ architecture, rivalling Granada’s ’Alhambra’, and stunning sculpted gardens. After the Christian re-conquest Seville became famed as the gateway to the ’New World’; Christopher Columbus negotiated here with Queen Isabella to fund his epic voyage to the Americas, bringing her back untold riches and making Seville one of the wealthiest cities in Europe. After immersing ourselves in Seville’s history and culture during the day, we enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the city in the evening. We return to the Cortijo after dinner.

A short drive takes us to the El Chorro Gorge where we are dropped off at the Guadalhorce Dam and reservoir where we begin our walk. The walk will take us to the start of the amazing Caminito del Rey, which offers some of the most spectacular scenery in Spain. The Caminito del Rey is a narrow cliffside path hanging 100m above the waters of the river Guadalhorce. Originally built around 1905 and improved around 1921 it fell into disrepair and over the past decades, the path became known as ‘the most dangerous path in the world’ or even the ‘walk of death’. The new Caminito del Rey was re-constructed and reopened to the public on 28 March 2015, with the route and design of the path keeping as closely as possible to the old one but now respecting high safety standards. Due to overwhlemingly positive feedback, as of 2017, this walk is an included activity and your leader will be walking this path with the group.After we finish the walk along the Caminito del Rey, there will be the chance to relax and have a little rest by the reservoir.Walk Profile: Distance- 8km/ 5 miles, aapprox. 3 hours walking.

Today we walk a circuit around the impressive Penon Crag that looms over the Cortijo Rosario. El Penon is the highest point in the province of Seville – 1130m above sea level, offering dramatic views of the landscape around Algamitas and neighbouring villages, hills and farmland. On the way back from the Cortijo we stop for some drinks in a lovely panoramic terrace.Walk Profile: Distance- 11km/ 7 miles, approx. 5 hours walking including stops

End Cortijo Rosario, Algamitas.