
Walking in Andalucia
Romantic countryside, rugged hills and Moorish villages of Andalucia on foot
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Reviews 50 Reviews5/5
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Vacation Style Holiday Type
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Walking
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Activity Level Leisurely / Moderate
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Group Size Small Group
Outside the golden cultural triangle of Seville, Cordoba and Granada, the rural landscape of Andalucia is breathtaking, and what better way to appreciate its diversity than on foot. The walks take us through rugged hills, picturesque fields of sunflowers, olive groves, the limestone peaks of Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park and the stunning El Chorro Gorge & Caminito del Rey. In this corner of Europe the excesses of modern life do not seem to have taken root and our home for the week is the perfect example: a rustic, homely cortijo in the heart of the agricultural countryside. During the week, a whole day is reserved for exploring the magnificent city of Seville. For those looking for more of a challenge, our departures graded level 4 feature longer walks on steeper terrain.
* All breakfasts, 5 picnic lunches and 6 evening meals are included
* 7 nights accommodation in a comfortable converted farmhouse with pool
* Airport transfers (at designated times)
* Caminito del Rey walk
- Flights
- Single Accommodation (available on request, inquire for supplement)
Highlights
- Stay in a converted farmhouse with a swimming pool
- Discover the fascinating Moorish history of white villages
- Experience the real and authentic Spain
- Walk the stunning Caminito del Rey
- 7 nights in a comfortable converted farmhouse with pool
- 5 days centre-based walking
- Group normally 4 to 15, plus leader. Min age 16 yrs
- Altitude maximum 1256m, average 612m
- Travel by minibus
- More challenging walking available on selected departures (inquire for dates)
- Day 1 Start Cortijo Rosario, Algamitas.
- Day 2 Gentle walk through rolling olive groves to neighbouring village of Villanueva de San Juan; optional tapas lunch to soak up the Andalucian atmosphere.
- Day 3 Fantastic walk in the Sierra de Grazalema, Andalucia's first national park and UNESCO Biosphere reserve- Leisurely/Moderate departure (level 2)
- Day 4 Walk to the abandoned Caños Santos Monastery and enjoy stunning views; walk to Setenil, a unique 'Pueblo Blanco' with homes built into the side of a gorge -Leisurely/Moderate (level 2)
- Day 5 Introduction to the magnificent city of Seville with free time to explore; return to the Cortijo after dinner- Leisurely/Moderate (level 2) & Moderate/Challenging (level 4) departures
- Day 6 Visit El Chorro Gorge and walk the Caminito del Rey- Leisurely/Moderate departure (level 2)
- Day 7 Walk a circuit around the impressive Peñon overlooking Algamitas- Leisurely/Moderate departure (level 2)
- Day 8 End Cortijo Rosario, Algamitas.

Cortijo Rosario
Our main base for the week is Cortijo Rosario, a beautifully converted farmhouse reserved exclusively for our groups. Situated in the heart of the romantic Andalusian countryside, the Cortijo overlooks the small village of Algamitas and is within reach of Seville and the charming town of Ronda.
Together with its neighboring sister village Villanueva, Algamitas is known as the ‘forgotten village’: modern development has more or less passed them by and life goes on as it has for generations. Little English is spoken in the villages, as the tourism boom on the coast has not affected the lives of these people, who are welcoming and keen to meet newcomers. The main income of the community is agriculture, with olives the main crop along with cereals, wheat and sunflowers. This rural location really offers a fascinating insight into the ‘real’ Andalucia.
All rooms have en suite facilities and there is a bar, lounge, outdoor dining area as well as a lovely pool. There are also two friendly dogs owned by the manager of the Cortijo that like to lie on the patio in the sun. There is free, unlimited Wi-Fi available in the bar and sitting room areas.
Cortijo Rosario is renovated to a high standard whilst retaining its traditional heritage. As such, the farmhouse should not be considered a luxury villa or hotel. Towels are changed once during the week and rooms are serviced every other day.
There is one single room available, which can be guaranteed with a supplement prices starting from USD$186 payable in advance on booking. We may be able to confirm another single room closer to departure, which will be prices starting from USD$341 for a twin room as single occupancy. Please contact our sales team to check if this is available no more than two weeks before departure. Weather permitting, on every departure the catering team at the Cortijo will demonstrate how a true paella is made with the tips you normally don’t get from recipe books!
All breakfasts, 5 picnic lunches and 6 evening meals are included.
Breakfast: Continental buffet-style breakfast with local fruit and yoghurt.
Lunch: Packed lunches are provided for the day walks, usually filled with cheese/cold meats. On some days it is possible to enjoy some authentic Tapas in local villages.
Dinner: All food is freshly prepared from locally grown seasonal produce, and the meals come with complimentary wine as well as tea/coffee. A selection of soft and alcoholic drinks are available at the bar (payable locally).
Vegetarians are generally well catered for at the Cortijo Rosario. Please advise us on booking if you have any special dietary requirements.
This trip is Activity Level 2 (leisurely/moderate) with 5 days of walking.
Walking is mostly on well-marked paths, yet this is a hilly area and some easy ascents should be expected. Walking hours stated in the itinerary are given as approximates only. Timings stated include lunch and photo stops and will vary depending on the pace of your group.
The majority of drives are short except for the journey to Seville, which is approximately 2hrs.
Whilst most departures have a physical rating of 2 (leisurely/moderate), we also offer three weeks with an Activity Level of 4 (moderate/challenging) which allow us to ascend the higher peaks and walk on more challenging terrain for longer hours. It is important to be assured of your fitness on these departures.
Please note all activities are optional and a rest day may be taken at any point should you prefer to relax at the Cortijo.
Cortijo Rosario is renovated to a high standard whilst maintaining its traditional heritage, so the farmhouse should not be considered a luxury villa or hotel.
Package Confirmed Dates | Trip Status Trip Status | Price (PP) Excluding Flights | Price (PP) Including Flights | |
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February 20, 2021
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Available |
$1,949.00 |
N/A |
|
April 3, 2021
|
Available |
$1,949.00 |
N/A |
|
April 24, 2021
|
Available |
$1,949.00 |
N/A |
|
May 8, 2021
|
Available |
$2,049.00 |
N/A |
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May 22, 2021
|
Available |
$2,049.00 |
N/A |
|
May 29, 2021
|
Available |
$2,049.00 |
N/A |
|
June 5, 2021
|
Available |
$2,049.00 |
N/A |
|
June 19, 2021
|
Available |
$2,049.00 |
N/A |
|
September 4, 2021
|
Available |
$2,049.00 |
N/A |
|
September 18, 2021
|
Available |
$2,049.00 |
N/A |
|
September 25, 2021
|
Available |
$2,049.00 |
N/A |
|
October 9, 2021
|
Available |
$2,049.00 |
N/A |
|
October 23, 2021
|
Available |
$1,949.00 |
N/A |
|
November 6, 2021
|
Available |
$1,949.00 |
N/A |
|
December 19, 2021
|
Available |
$1,949.00 |
N/A |
A WEEK IN ANDALUCIA
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The visit to Seville was fantastic. We spent it wandering around the town, visiting the impressive Royal Palace and having a relaxing lunch on one of the shady squares. The walk to and over the Pass of the Doves was for me the highlight of the walks.What did you think of your group leader?
The group leader was excellent. He was friendly and easy going and full of knowledge. He was at all times aware of people's abilities, being attentive and helpful where necessary.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Bring plenty of sunscreen and a hat, and don't forget your swimming things!Is there anything else you would like to add?
For this holiday we stayed in the Cortijo Rosario. It is good to stay in one centre, as you don't have any packing and re-packing to do. The Cortijo has very friendly and efficient staff. We had some very nice food, which was locally sourced and home cooked. On the last night we had a cooking demonstration on how to cook Gazpachio and a Paella and how to make a delicious Sangria. The walks are leisurely and moderate and always end in a local cafe with a nice beer or the superb 'tinto de verano' they serve there. On coming back to the Cortijo, you can fall straight into the swimming pool and cool off!WALKING IN ANDALUCIA
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Looking down into El Chorro gorge and watching the griffon vultures soaring near the cliff opposite was fantastic. All our walks took us through remarkable scenery, and the wintry weather on occasions added an extra dimension.What did you think of your group leader?
Excellent - he made sure everyone felt included and kept an eye on anyone who was lagging at all, or who was nervous of free-wandering cattle with huge horns! He knew all the best places to stop for a break, both picnics and cafes, and how he stretched our kitty to cover so much refreshment is a mystery.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Mid winter might seem an odd time to visit Spain, but actually it was very good and we had mainly bright sunny weather (and some frosty mornings). The temperature was very pleasant. The dramatic storm overnight on Christmas Eve/Day was quite an experience, along with the power cuts, but it made no difference to our comfort in Cortijo Rosario.Is there anything else you would like to add?
Our accommodation was the best! What a brilliant hotel, with the most excellent staff and proprietors. We were so well and warmly looked after in every respect. The food was delicious and imaginative. Christmas lunch was a triumph, not least because it was prepared during a succession of power cuts, so how they managed with the lights constantly going on and off was amazing. For the guests, it was really cosy in the sitting room in front of the log fire in the darkness. The location is quite spectacular and well off the beaten track. The range of walks was well varied so we got a taste of all kinds of scenery and locations. And our group - such an interesting and friendly group of people of all ages from a very wide range of backgrounds.Clive Shaw
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Seeing the sunrise over the mountains from the terrace in the morning and eating our breakfast there as well.walking in andalucia
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
looking down into El Chorro gorgeWhat did you think of your group leader?
Alexis was excellent-laid back but at the same time concerned always as to the welfare of the group. He was also very sociable.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
relax and enjoy!Is there anything else you would like to add?
NoAmazing Andalucia!
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
We loved visiting Ronda and Seville - great addition to our hiking!What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader was very knowledgeable, professional, enthusiastic, friendly and caring. An example to anyone that wants to become a holiday guide.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
We thoroughly recommend the location if you want to be closed to nature and keep active.Is there anything else you would like to add?
We had a great time and are still in touch with some guys from our group, loved every minute!