Walking in Andalucia

Day 1
Fly to Malaga; transfer to Cortijo Rosario, Algamitas.

Fly to Malaga and transfer to 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, total ascent 330m and descent
330m,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, total ascent 272m and descent
545,approx. 4-5 hours walking including stops.

Day 4
Walk to the abandoned Caos 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- 14km/ 09 miles, total ascent 275m and descent
275,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
Sevilles 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, total ascent 175m and descent
275m,approx. 3 hours walking.

Day 7
Walk a circuit around the impressive Peon 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 to
the Cortijo we stop for some drinks in a lovely panoramic terrace.

Walk Profile: Distance- 13km/ 8 miles, total ascent 470m and descent 470m,
approx. 5 hours walking including stops

Day 8
Transfer to Malaga; fly to London.

Those on the group flight will be transferred to Malaga for the group flight
back to London.