Guided walking in unspoilt Andalucia

Other Activities

If you are joining us for a week or more then we find at least one day off walking is important. There are lots of interesting places to go and our guide, David, will accompany you to ensure you get the most out of any of the trips you select.

Here are four possibilities within a short distance of Yunquera.

1. Ronda

Ronda is the jewel in the crown of inland Andalucia. Founded by the Celts as the village of Arunda it was later turned into a small city by the Romans. It was then further developed by the Moors, who left many magnificent palaces and their steam baths. Ronda sits on a small plateau 200m above the surrounding countryside. The two main parts of Ronda are joined by one of the most famous bridges in the world. Built around 1740 it is 90m above the base of the gorge and has its share of gory tales to tell.

The bullring in Ronda is the second oldest in Spain but probably the most famous. It was here that bullfighting, on foot, as distinct from on horseback, was born. Its inventor, Pedro Romero, is remembered in September of each year during a bullfighting fiesta when period costumes are worn. To say it is popular is an understatement, a seat in the shade costs around €900! The standard day trip to Ronda consists of an hour’s introductory tour and then an opportunity to seek out the elements which interest you most. The many shoe shops seem to be a particular favourite! We usually have lunch in a local restaurant.

2. Malaga

Founded by the Phoenicians around 1000BC, as Malaca, this beautiful city is often overlooked because of its proximity to the Costa De Sol. When they see Malaga’s perfectly preserved Roman theatre and Moorish castle with its curtain wall, visitors quickly change their preconceived ideas about this beautiful Mediterranean city. The older streets are paved in marble and are reminiscent of Venice.

Malaga has many noteworthy museums. The best known is probably the museum which honours the work of its most famous son, Pablo Ruis Picasso, after whom its airport is named. There is another museum at his birthplace in the Plaza De Merced. Malaga also has all the facilities of a major provincial capital city. Looking out over the port from the hill of Gibralfaro it is easy to see why Malaga has become one of the foremost ports of call for Mediterranean cruises. Lunch is normally taken in a local bodega or restaurant.

3. The Dolmens at Antequera

In Antequera, less than 5 mins from the Malaga to Seville highway, is one of the most impressive Neolithic sites in Europe. This is is a megalith which is thought by some experts to predate Stonehenge. The area was named by the Romans, who called it Antikaria, roughly translated as “The Old Place” The term megalithic comes from the Greek words “mega” meaning great, and “lithos” meaning stone. It is an appropriate term for the Antequera Dolmens which are enormous. Some of the roof slabs are in excess of 180 tonnes! Of course this begs the question “How did stone age people build like this so many thousand years ago?” Nobody knows, but we are sure that your visit will inspire you to join the debate. A visit to the dolmens may be combined with seeing the flamingos within one day.

4. Flamingos at Fuente de Piedra

There is no better indication of the start of Spring than the arrival of thousands of pairs of European Flamingos to the lake at Fuente De Piedra. These beautiful birds come to Andalucia to breed. They gracefully parade seeking a partner, with complex twirls and sudden darts in different directions. Some people believe that the Andalucian gypsies may have called their dance Flamenco after these intricate movements. Only 3 breeding sites exist in Europe: Fuente de Piedra, the Camargue in France and Kulu Golu in Turkey. The total European population is estimated at up to 35,000 breeding pairs, with almost half of these living in Turkey. Fuente De Piedra can boast the majority of the other half. Whether or not you are a keen birdwatcher this pink ballet should not be missed!