Walking in Andalucia

from $1,949.00

Romantic countryside, rugged hills and Moorish villages of Andalucia on foot

Reviews 50 Reviews

5/5
Vacation Style Holiday Type
- Walking
Guided
Activity Level Leisurely / Moderate
Group Size Small Group
4 - 15

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All about the Walking in Andalucia.

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.

The tour package inclusions and exclusions at a glance

What is included in this tour?Items that are included in the cost of tour price.

* 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

What is not included in this tour?

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.

Our trip starts at Cortijo Rosario, located in the heart of the authentic Andalucian countryside, approximately 100km from Malaga. Our converted farmhouse is just a short walk from Algamitas, a peaceful traditional village far from the hustle and bustle of the big towns or cities. This location is ideal as it gives the chance to experience the real Spain, whilst still offering very easy access to the best walking areas and Andalucian towns such as Olvera, Setenil and Seville which we’ll visit during the week.**
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.

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.
Day 3 Fantastic walk in the Sierra de Grazalema, Andalucia's first national park and UNESCO Biosphere reserve- Leisurely/Moderate departure (level 2)

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.
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)

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.
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

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.
Day 6 Visit El Chorro Gorge and walk the Caminito del Rey- Leisurely/Moderate departure (level 2)

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.
Day 7 Walk a circuit around the impressive Peñon overlooking Algamitas- Leisurely/Moderate departure (level 2)

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
Day 8 End Cortijo Rosario, Algamitas.

End Cortijo Rosario, Algamitas.

Where you stay

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!

Eating and Drinking

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.

Is this trip for you?

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.

Overall Rating

5/5

Reviewed On 25/06/2020

5/5

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!

Reviewed On 25/06/2020

5/5