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Walking in Andalucia

Name: Walking in Andalucia
Brand: Exodus
SKU: TDS
Availability: LimitedAvailability
Rating: 4.7 (162 reviews)

162 reviews

Overview

Discover a heaven for walkers in southern Spain, where life is simple and the landscapes are breathtaking

Outside the golden cultural triangle of Seville, Cordoba and Granada, the rural landscape of Andalucía is breathtaking. This hiking adventure in Spain takes us through rugged hills, sunflower fields and olive groves, while also visiting the limestone peaks of Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, El Chorro gorge, and the cliffside walkway of El 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 cortijo (farmhouse) in the agricultural heartlands, which is reserved exclusively for our groups. Additionally, there’s a whole day reserved to explore the magnificent city of Seville.

Please note: There are Activity Level 2 (Leisurely & Moderate) or Activity Level 4 (Moderate & Challenging) departures for this trip. Please check the Dates & Prices tab to confirm the Activity Level rating for each departure before booking as these do not run simultaneously. For a day-by-day schedule for each Activity Level, see the itinerary tab.

Key Information

Travel Style Classic: The quintessential Exodus adventure, pairing iconic sights and cultural discovery with comfortable stays: Classic
Activity: Walking & Trekking
Activity Level: Easy & Moderate
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you.
Trip Code: TDS
Ways to Travel: Classic, Guided Group
Countries: Spain
Carbon Footprint: 20.9kg CO2e per person per day
Pace: Approximately three or four hours walking per day on Level 2 (Easy/Moderate) departures and four to seven hours on Level 4 (Moderate/Challenging) departures.
Terrain: Low altitude and good paths on Level 2 weeks. Steeper, more challenging terrain and higher altitude on Level 4 weeks.

What's Included

All accommodation: 7 Comfort nights (Cortijo Rosario)
All breakfasts, four picnic lunches and six evening meals
Immersive itinerary with all transport (minibus) and listed activities, including five days of centre-based walking
Expert tour leader to enhance your adventure
Group arrival and departure transfers available

Positive Impact

We donate to our Foundation and rewild 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller. Find out more about how our adventures support nature and people to thrive.

Don't Forget To

Request a single room if required, purchase travel insurance and arrange any visas and vaccinations. Speak to your sales representative about the differences between the Activity Level 2 and Activity Level 4 departures.

Highlights

Discover the rural beauty of Andalucía with our expert tour leader

Stay in Cortijo Rosario, our exclusive converted farmhouse with a pool

Visit El Chorro gorge and walk the spectacular Caminito del Rey

Trek through Sierra de Grazalema, the first national park in Andalucía

Explore the abandoned Caños Santos Monastery and the white village of Setenil

Visit Seville to explore the culture-rich capital of Andalucia

Itinerary

First Destination: Algamitas
Next Destination: Algamitas

Accommodation:Cortijo Rosario
Meals included:Dinner

Accommodation:Cortijo Rosario
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:Cortijo Rosario
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:Cortijo Rosario
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:Cortijo Rosario
Meals included:Breakfast

Accommodation:Cortijo Rosario
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:Cortijo Rosario
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Meals included:Breakfast

First Destination: Algamitas
Next Destination: Algamitas

Begin your adventure at Cortijo Rosario in the heart of the Andalucían countryside, around 62mi (100km) from Malaga. Our converted farmhouse is just a short walk from Algamitas, a peaceful traditional village far from big towns or cities. It’s the ideal chance to experience the real Spain, while still offering easy access to the best walking spots and towns such as Olvera, Setenil and Seville, which we’ll visit during the week.

Around 6pm, say hola to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.

Your tour leader then ensures a big Andalucían welcome over dinner.

Want more time in Andalucia? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

Please note: There are Activity Level 2 (Easy/Moderate) and Activity Level 4 (Moderate/Challenging) departures for this trip. This itinerary provides a day-by-day schedule for each Activity Level. Please check the Dates & Prices tab to confirm the Activity Level rating for each departure before booking. During each week, there will only be one Activity Level (2 or 4) which means these will never run simultaneously.

Accommodation:Cortijo Rosario
Meals included:Dinner

Activity Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate) departures: Gentle walk to Villanueva de San Juan • Optional tapas lunch

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 in 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 Andalucían atmosphere. Once back at the cortijo, enjoy free time by the pool or with a drink on the lovely outdoor terrace. We then have dinner and stay overnight at the cortijo.

Distance: 7.5mi (12km); Ascent: 1,083ft (330m); descent: 1,083ft (330m); approximately six hours walking including stops

Accommodation:Cortijo Rosario
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Activity Level 4 (Moderate/Challenging) departures: Penon Crag walk

Enjoy a full day’s walk from our base at Cortijo Rosario to the impressive summit of Penon Crag, which towers above Algamitas. We take a circular route up to the campsite and then climb, quite steeply in places, over rocky terrain to the summit at 3,678ft (1,121m). Later, return to the campsite and head back to the cortijo by a different route.

Distance: 10mi (16km); Ascent: 2,788ft (850m); descent: 2,788ft (850m); approximately six hours walking including stops

Accommodation:Cortijo Rosario
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Activity Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate) departures: Walk in the Sierra de Grazalema

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 Andalucía in 1984 and is one of most ecologically outstanding areas in Spain.

It is best-known for having a 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.

Distance: 5.5mi (9km); Ascent: 892ft (272m); descent: 1,788ft (545); approximately four to five hours walking including stops

Accommodation:Cortijo Rosario
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activity Level 4 (Moderate/Challenging) departures: Summit Terril

Our walk takes us to the summit of Terril, which at 3,704ft (1,129m) is the highest point in the Seville province. We take transport to the start of the walk – about 10 minutes from Cortijo Rosario.

Our route climbs steeply onto the long ridge of Terril. Here, the gradient eases but the terrain is quite rocky and uneven in places. From the summit on a clear day, we have a fantastic view over the rolling plains of Seville. We retrace our steps along the wide, rolling ridge before descending to the south and picking up a sandy track back to Algamitas.

Distance: 10.5mi (17km); Ascent: 1,837ft (560m); descent: 2,789ft (850m); approximately six hours walking

Accommodation:Cortijo Rosario
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activity Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate) departures: Walk to Caños Santos Monastery • Walk to the white village of Setenil

Today we set out from Cortijo Rosario, walking through Algamitas farmland to the abandoned monastery of Caños Santos, where we will have lunch. In the afternoon, follow the Ruta de los Molinos along the river that runs through the white village of Setenil de las Bodegas. Built under the overhanging ledge of a gorge, Setenil is not only known for having standout architecture but also for bars, restaurants and food shops, which are the best in the region. We have free time to discover Setenil and later return to the cortijo by private minibus.

Distance: 7.5mi (12km); Ascent: 902ft (275m); descent: 902ft (275m); approximately five to six hours walking including stops

Accommodation:Cortijo Rosario
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activity Level 4 (Moderate/Challenging) departures: Walk to Caños Santos Monastery • Walk to the white village of Setenil

We set out from Cortijo Rosario through Algamitas, passing through varied farmland before reaching our lunch spot close to the abandoned monastery of Caños Santos.

In the afternoon we follow a network of old drovers’ routes to the fascinating white village of Setenil, where little houses sit under the overhanging ledge of a gorge. We return by private bus to Cortijo Rosario.

Distance: 10mi (16km); Ascent: 1,476ft (450m); descent: 656ft (200m); approximately five to six hours walking including stops

Accommodation:Cortijo Rosario
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

At 9am, we transfer (1hr 40min) by private minibus to Seville, the magnificent capital of Andalucía and one of the first conquests of the Moors.

Our drop-off/pick-up point is on Menendez Pelayo, opposite the Jardines de Murillo and a 10-minute walk from the cathedral and Royal Alcázar.

The day is free to sightsee at your own pace, though we’ve found most choose to explore the Royal Alcázar, a palace complex dating from Roman times and later used by both Moorish and Christian rulers. A booking link for tickets (€15.50) will be shared by your tour leader after the welcome briefing. As tickets often sell out, we recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment. Admission is typically around midday.

The tour leader can also book you a tapas-tasting menu at Pasaje Bar nearby (normally for around 2.30pm) or a early evening flamenco show at La Casa de Flamenco or Casa de Guitarra. Other sights you might like to visit include the cathedral, Metropol Parasol and La Casa Palacio del Conde de Lebrija.

During your exploration of Seville, make sure to pick up some dinner to eat on the bus back to the cortijo. We typically arrive around 8.30pm and the kitchen is closed, though there are restaurants open in the village.

Accommodation:Cortijo Rosario
Meals included:Breakfast

Activity Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate) departures: Visit El Chorro gorge and walk El Caminito del Rey

A short drive takes us to El Chorro gorge, where we are dropped off at the Guadalhorce Dam and reservoir to begin our walk. We’ll head to the start of El Caminito del Rey, a narrow cliffside path hanging 328ft (100m) above the Guadalhorce river. Originally built around 1905, and improved around 1921, it fell into disrepair, earning it the moniker ‘the most dangerous path in the world’ or even the ‘walk of death’.

The new Caminito del Rey was reconstructed and reopened to the public in 2015, with the route and design replicating (as much as possible) the old one, but with higher safety standards. After, there will be a chance to relax and rest by the reservoir.

The Caminito del Rey ticket is included in the cost of the trip and will be arranged by us upon booking. However, please be aware that for reservations made less than 90 days prior to departure, there may be a supplement to pay to guarantee entrance as ticket numbers are limited. We will be able to check this upon booking and confirm the amount of the supplement if it applies.

Distance: 5.5mi (9km); Ascent: 574ft (175m); descent: 902ft (275m); approximately three hours walking

Accommodation:Cortijo Rosario
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activity Level 4 (Moderate/Challenging) departures: Visit El Chorro Gorge and walk El Caminito del Rey

See Day 6 of Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate) itinerary description for further details.

Accommodation:Cortijo Rosario
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activity Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate) departures: Walk a circuit around the Peñon overlooking Algamitas

Today we walk around the impressive Peñon Crag, which looms over Cortijo Rosario. El Peñon is the highest point in the Seville province, 3,700ft (1,130m) above sea level, offering dramatic views of the landscape around Algamitas and the neighbouring villages, hills and farmland. On the way back to the cortijo, we stop for drinks on a lovely panoramic terrace.

Distance: 9mi (14km); Ascent: 1,542ft (470m); descent: 1,542ft (470m); approximately five hours walking including stops

Accommodation:Cortijo Rosario
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activity Level 4 (Moderate/Challenging) departures: Circular walk from Montejaque, in the heart of the Grazalema Natural Park

We drive from Cortijo Rosario by private bus to the attractive white village of Montejaque, which sits in the heart of Grazalema Natural Park where our circular walk begins.

The trek takes us into hidden valleys with some of the most spectacular karst rock formations in the area. This is limestone country, and the rocky path can be slippery when wet so good ankle support is recommended.

Distance: 11mi (18km); Ascent: 1,591ft (485m); descent: 1,591ft (485m); 6hr 30min of walking

Accommodation:Cortijo Rosario
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our final breakfast is the perfect chance to reflect on the many highlights of this unforgettable Andalucian escape. Once you’re full up, bid a fond hasta pronto to our hosts, who may well feel more like family by now, before starting your return home. If you would like additional time in Andalucia please speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Meals included:Breakfast

Dates & Prices

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Accommodation

Cortijo Rosario, a converted farmhouse in the Andalucían countryside

Our base for the week is Cortijo Rosario, a converted farmhouse reserved exclusively for our groups. In the heart of the romantic Andalucían countryside, in the Seville province, the cortijo overlooks the small village of Algamitas and is within reach of Seville city and the charming town of Ronda.

Together with its neighbouring sister village Villanueva, Algamitas is known as the forgotten village: modern development has more or less passed 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 welcoming community. The main income is agriculture, with olives the predominant crop along with cereals, wheat and sunflowers. This rural location really offers a fascinating insight into the real Andalucía.

All rooms have private bathrooms. The bar, lounge, outdoor dining area, and the year-round (unheated) pool are communal spaces for all guests to enjoy. There are also two friendly dogs and a cat owned by the manager that like to lie on the patio in the sun.

Cortijo Rosario has been renovated while retaining its traditional heritage. It is not a luxury villa or hotel, but all rooms are unique and have different sizes, as per the original structure of the building. Towels are changed once during the week and rooms are serviced every other day.

Amenities

Pool
Bar
Lounge
Outdoor dining area
Wi-fi
Honesty bar

Worth knowing

There is one single room available, which can be guaranteed on a ‘first-come, first-served’ basis with a supplement payable in advance on booking.
We may be able to confirm double rooms for single use closer to departure. Please contact our sales representative no more than two weeks before departure to check if this is available.
Due to the remote location, special dietary requirements must be declared and requested at the time of booking.
The road track to the hotel is due to undergo renovation works in the coming months. Please note that the current condition is currently problematic for some transfers, so a short walk to the hotel may be required.

Essential Information

Trip Expert

Michael Newcomb

Expert Leader: Spain

Introducing Michael Highly experienced and extremely knowledgeable, Michael is a firm favourite with Exodus clients.

This trip is Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate) or Activity Level 4 (Moderate & Challenging) depending on dates, with five walking days. For more information on our trip gradings please visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.

Walking is mostly on well-marked paths; this is a hilly area, so expect some easy ascents. Altitude maximum 4,121ft (1,256m), average 2,008ft (612m). Walking hours stated in the itinerary are given as approximates only. Timings 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 two hours.

While most departures are rated Activity Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate), we also offer trips with Activity Level 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 fit 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, while maintaining traditional heritage, so the farmhouse should not be considered a luxury villa or hotel.

Key information

Start hotel: Cortijo Rosario, Carretera De Pruna, Algamitas, Sevilla, 41661
Phone: +34 642 30 13 41
Recommended arrival time: Between 4pm and 6pm at the start hotel, there will be a welcome briefing around 6pm once everyone has arrived. This is followed by dinner.
Airport: Malaga (AGP)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately a 90-minute drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:

Take the group transfer

We provide one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times.

Make your own way

It’s possible to reach the Cortijo Rosario by public transport, but the journey is complicated. We therefore recommend joining the group transfer where possible. If not, you can book private transfers through your sales representative. Bookings must be made at least two weeks before departure. The cost for a private transfer from Malaga Airport to Cortijo Rosario is approximately €170 per vehicle (one to four clients). If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Catching your return flight

There’s a group departure transfer to the airport that’s scheduled to align with a chosen flight. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales consultant to arrange an alternative transfer.

Consider taking the train

Reach this trip by train from the UK or across Europe and lower your carbon footprint. Our partner, Byway, can take care of the planning and booking.

Spain

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Spain. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/spain
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/spain
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Spain.html

All breakfasts, four picnic lunches and six evening meals are included.

Breakfast: Continental buffet breakfast with local fruit and yoghurt.
Lunch: Packed lunches are provided for most day walks, usually filled with cheese/cold meats. On some days it is possible to enjoy authentic tapas in local villages.
Dinner: All food is freshly prepared from locally grown seasonal produce, and the meals come with complimentary wine, tea and coffee. A selection of soft and alcoholic drinks are available at the bar (payable locally).

Vegetarians are generally well catered for at Cortijo Rosario.

Please note that due to the remote location of the accommodation, it is not always possible or ideal for the local staff to make last-minute menu changes. It is, therefore, crucial you advise us on booking if you have any special dietary requirements.

Spring generally has pleasant daytime temperatures ranging from 12C to 23C (53F to 73F), with evenings being a little cooler. There is the chance of rain, which then offers views of beautiful spring flowers. Summer months are hot and dry with daytime temperatures around 21C to 35C (70F to 95F), dropping to between 17C and 25C (62F to 77F) at night. Autumn brings cooler weather, although it is still fairly dry. The possibility of rain is more likely in winter months but temperatures stay mild in the daytime, becoming cooler after sunset.

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

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Trip Notes

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CAD 3690

8 Days Excluding Flights

1-844 520 1090 dates & prices

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Walking in Andalucia

Overview

Discover a heaven for walkers in southern Spain, where life is simple and the landscapes are breathtaking

Key Information

What's Included

Positive Impact

Don't Forget To

Highlights

Itinerary

Activity Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate) departures: Gentle walk to Villanueva de San Juan • Optional tapas lunch

Activity Level 4 (Moderate/Challenging) departures: Penon Crag walk

Activity Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate) departures: Walk in the Sierra de Grazalema

Activity Level 4 (Moderate/Challenging) departures: Summit Terril

Activity Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate) departures: Walk to Caños Santos Monastery • Walk to the white village of Setenil

Activity Level 4 (Moderate/Challenging) departures: Walk to Caños Santos Monastery • Walk to the white village of Setenil

Activity Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate) departures: Visit El Chorro gorge and walk El Caminito del Rey

Activity Level 4 (Moderate/Challenging) departures: Visit El Chorro Gorge and walk El Caminito del Rey

Activity Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate) departures: Walk a circuit around the Peñon overlooking Algamitas

Activity Level 4 (Moderate/Challenging) departures: Circular walk from Montejaque, in the heart of the Grazalema Natural Park

Dates & Prices

Need flights or extra nights? Book through us and fly with confidence

Book Your Flights With Us

Accommodation

Cortijo Rosario, a converted farmhouse in the Andalucían countryside

Essential Information

Trip Expert

Key information

Getting to the start hotel

Catching your return flight

Consider taking the train

Spain

Reviews

Best trip with the Best Views!!

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Walking in Andalucia

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Walking in Andalucia

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Walking in Andalucia

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Walking in Andalucia

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Thoughts on Group Leader

Very enjoyable and relaxing level 4 walking trip, spring a good time to go

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Walking in Andalucia

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Walking in Andalucia

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Walking in Andalucia

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic week in Andalucia

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

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