I’ve wanted to visit Andalucia for more than 20 years and this trip did not disappoint. It was, to me, the perfect blend of rural walking and city time- with my favorite moments being the pastures and small villages, learning about olive production, local plants, and life in Algamitas. The Cortijo is lovely, and though simple, had everything we need (including a pool!) The staff were all incredibly friendly and helpful and Felipe, the manager, was especially thoughtful in taking care of everyone. My traveling companion and I both have dietary/medical restrictions and Felipe and the wonderful kitchen staff went to great lengths to ensure we had what we needed (we know gluten free pasta, bread and cereal can’t be easy to come by in a rural area, and that making a separate version of a meal is a lot of work), but made it seem effortless. Our guide, Miguel, is funny and personable and knows so much about the area: archaeology, geology, plant life, birds, and people- and he clearly makes a great effort to know the neighbors in the village and connect with people. He also runs a tight ship to keep people safe and cared for! He also goes to great lengths to make sure his groups have a great time and get to do the things they want to do. I thought the walking was the right challenge for a level 2- the biggest variable was the sun and heat, but he made sure we were hydrated and prepared. We didn’t have any rain, but that would also make for a different kind of challenge. And we lucked out with a group of lovely, funny, caring fellow-travelers. This trip was to celebrate my friends’ and my 40th birthdays this year, and it was exactly what we wanted it to be!
Walking Holidays in Slovenia
Slovenia Walking Holidays
Top 5 Hiking Trails on Slovenia Walking Holidays
Pokljuka Plateau: This alpine plateau stands in the Triglav National Park and stretches for almost 20 kilometres squared. Its diverse karst surface is home to pretty valleys, grassland and pine forests, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers to go walking in Slovenia. As well as colourful wildflowers carpeting the ground, you’ll find shepherd’s huts, alpine cows grazing in the pastures, and an array of birdlife hovering overhead. If it’s wildlife and tranquillity that you crave, the Pokljuka Plateau is the place to explore.
Lake Bohinj: Reflecting the rugged mountain peaks on its shimmering, emerald surface, Lake Bohinj is ridiculously pretty and is less crowded than Lake Bled during the summer months. It has a real authenticity about it and the views from here are jaw-dropping. The path around the lake lets you get back to nature as you walk below the circle of mountains that fringes its shores. In the warmer months, you can take a dip in the gin-clear water or simply relax and breathe in the fresh mountain air. At the western end of the lake, you’ll also find the cable car which takes you up to Vogel for some of the most extraordinary views over the Julian Alps.
Karavanke Mountain Range: This chain of limestone mountains stands on the border of Slovenia, Austria and Italy and is home to more than 1,200 species of flora. Walking in Slovenia is unparalleled and the Karavanke Mountains offer some of the best trails in the country. Winding along alpine peaks, along valleys and waterfalls and below giant gorges, you’ll discover indigenous animals and learn about the region’s cultural heritage along the way. There’s a wide choice of trails suitable for both easy hikes and more demanding climbs. On our Lakes and Mountains tour of Slovenia, we head up to Golica mountain, known for its fields filled with wild white daffodils.
Martuljek Gorge: This beautiful gorge can be found at the end of a forest trail inside Triglav National Park where a series of waterfalls tumble down the steep sides. There are two walking routes that lead you to the waterfalls, each following quiet forest tracks where you’ll meet some of the local wildlife. En route, there are several viewpoints where you can rest and take in the scenery, including the Lipovceva Hut which sells homemade soup and fruit juices from the open kitchen.
Lake Bled: The most famous of all Slovenia’s lakes is Lake Bled, spanning approximately 6km in length within Triglav National Park. The views surrounding its shoreline are to die for and you can complete the circular walking route in around 1.5 hours, allowing for plenty of time to stop and take photographs. At the glacial lake, you’ll see its small island and castle, and there are many beautiful hiking trails that start from here. Alternatively, you might just want to sit by the banks and absorb the scenery or go for a dip at one of the several swimming spots.
Rebecca Cox Walking in Andalucia
Sophie Harrowes Hike Morocco's Anti-Atlas MountainsHaving booked somewhat last minute, we were anxious approaching our first multi day trek, mostly about our fitness (particularly for me as an energetic 57 year old weekend walker without any training regime), but also about travelling with strangers for 8 days. We need not have been. It was hugely challenging, especially with the unseasonably hot weather (34-36C), but the demanding ascents/descents and long days were achievable and gave us a huge sense of achievement at the end of each day. Campsites were amazing, from dusty village to green (but mostly dry) oasis and awe-inspiring mountain plateau. We barely saw a soul during the days and only small numbers of villagers at night. Seeing the little group of green tents already set up below us as we made our final descent of the day and knowing that the wonderful Exodus team would have a absolutely delicious dinner on, a brew and biscuits (or sometimes pancakes straight from the pan) on arrival was a fantastic reward at the end of each day’s walking. It was a real privilege to be looked after by such experienced, dedicated and kind people – and a hardworking mule. We always felt safe and our guide Mohamed ensured that the pace was regulated to push us onwards, but give decent rests. Lunch was a welcome reward each day, and quite extraordinary given the environment to have a hot dish and a beautiful spread of salads and fresh bread with mint tea. Shade was our one issue during the day, this is a dry landscape that is suffering as a result of climate change. But our team always found lunchtime shade and encouraged us to lie down and rest on carpets after we had eaten our meal! Our group were great, lots of different characters and ages, from multiple countries, travelling as couples, friends or individuals; everyone looked out for each other and the conversation was endless and enriching. We felt exceptionally lucky to have made our last minute decision – it was 100% one of our best ever trips.
Karen de Nobrega Tuscany Walks & Chianti WinesI thoroughly enjoyed this trip. It was a great blend of walking through the beautiful Tuscan countryside, tasting organic wines, sampling delicious local foods, and getting a bit of Renaissance and medieval history with visits to Sienna, Florence, and San Girmignano.
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