Guided walking in unspoilt Andalucia

• Walking Holidays
• Day walks and Village Tours
• Painting Holidays
• Other Activities
• Accommodation and Food

Walking Holidays

The ideal walking holiday is one week in length, beginning on a day of the week that suits your travel arrangements. We specialise in providing guiding for group holidays for up to 10 walkers. However, we can accommodate larger groups, and include non-walking partners should it suit your other half better to simply relax in the sunshine. If you are just one or two people looking to join a mixed group this may also be possible Contact Us.

Walk Descriptions

Day 0: On arrival at the village and after an opportunity to get settled into our hotel there will be a short, introductory walk (2hours) to introduce you to the village, its history and the facilities you will find useful during your stay.

Day 1: Our first route is designed to get you walking on the types of slopes and surfaces which you will be enjoying for the rest of the week. It will involve walking through terraced agricultural land growing citrus fruits, avocado, figs, olives and almonds. There are stunning views of the village before descending to a fascinating natural phenomenon, where a river is born from a cave, and springs burst from the ground. Finally, there will be a chance to see one of Spain’s oldest hydro-electric power stations. Walk back up to the village.

Day 2: Today takes us into the unique Pinsapo forest, the reason for the creation of the Natural Park. We begin by walking through grape and sweet chestnut and past ancient lime kilns, before entering pine forests. If we are lucky we may see wild boar or mountain goats. At 1100m we enter the Pinsapo level and after a stop to explore a cave we climb upwards into the central part of the Pinsapo forest. After seeing a snow and ice storage well we will emerge on a high platform with views all the way to the Mediterranean. Transport back to the village.

Day 3: We travel to the nearby village of El Burgo from where we walk alongside the river Turron before ascending to the top of a beautiful central ridge between 2 valleys. We then hold our height for several kilometres affording splendid views to both sides. As the ridge ends we descend to the river once again and return to El Burgo past some wonderful dams which flow fiercely in springtime. Transport to and from El Burgo

Day 4: Normally a rest day when we explore the ancient mountain town of Ronda, famous for its gorge, sheer cliffs, Arab palaces, bullring and associations with Ernest Hemingway. There is an option to return to Ronda later in the week for local walking. See Other Activities for details of other rest day options.

Day 5: Another beautiful village in the park is Casarabonela. We begin today’s walk here. After exploring this lovely Moorish village we climb through forests where bee eaters fly overhead and camomile and thyme grow at the side of the track. Once we reach a high track we have views all the way to the Mediterranean. We then walk to the village of Jorox past the cut faces of working marble quarries. This walk may also be done in reverse. Transport out and back.

Day 6: We enter the Natural Park again, this time from the wild camping area of Los Sauces. From here we climb into the peaks of the Sierra De Las Nieves, on a gentle and well constructed mule track. Griffin Vultures and Eagles often soar overhead. The twisting and picturesque trail affords wonderful views to all sides, especially the abandoned convent of Our Lady of The Snows. Then there is a descent into the Yunquera valley through the spectacular Barranco De Arca gorge. As a fitting end to our week’s holiday we walk all the way to the door of our hotel and well deserved refreshment in the Plaza Mayor (main square). Transport out, walk back.

Day 7: Transport to the airport to meet your flight.

These walks are just a few of our large selection. The walks, and their order, may be changed so that we can take advantage of interesting local events and avoid the need for fruitless walking in the event of poor weather.

Level of difficulty

WalkSpain offers bespoke holidays to suit the interests of groups and the capabilities of individuals within those groups. Unlike the larger companies we try not to compile groups of strangers with mixed levels of ability. Ideally we want you to come in your own pre-formed groups in which strengths, weaknesses and personalities are well known to you. Of course we can build holidays for individuals as well, so as a rough guide, potential routes start at 8km/5miles and extend to 18km/11miles and there is a choice of 30 walk options. Ascents and descents vary but are kept to a minimum and once the height is gained we endeavour to hold it for as long as possible. The surface of tracks ranges from well maintained mule/foot tracks about 1m/3ft wide, to forestry maintenance tracks of 3m/10ft wide. The golden rule of walking is “If you are not enjoying it, then the level of difficulty is not correct” help us to help you by compiling groups of similarly able people and tell us exactly what you want.