Current as of: March 29, 2024 - 09:28

Andalucia

Walking in Andalucia Trip Notes

  • Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
  • Destination: Spain
  • Programmes: Walking & Trekking
  • Activity Level:

    2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate
    4 out of 7 - Moderate / Challenging

  • 8 Days: Land Only
  • Ages: 16+
  • Trip Code: TDS
  • Carbon Footprint: 14kg CO2e

Trip Overview

Walk through olive groves and rugged hills in Andalucía

Outside the golden cultural triangle of Seville, Cordoba and Granada, the rural landscape of Andalucía is breathtaking. And what better way to appreciate it than on foot? This walking holiday 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 called 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, homely cortijo (farmhouse) in the agricultural heartlands. Additionally, there’s a whole day reserved for exploring the magnificent city of Seville.

Why travel with us?

This expertly curated trip was designed to showcase the endless beauty of rural Andalucía. For that reason, we stay in a beautifully converted farmhouse called Cortijo Rosario, near the small agricultural village of Algámitas. Surrounded by ancient olive groves, sunflower fields and rolling hills, you’ll have the opportunity to see a side of Andulicia few are privileged to explore: authentic, rugged and romantic.

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.

Walking in Andalucia

At a Glance

  • Seven nights in a comfortable converted farmhouse with a pool
  • Five days centre-based walking
  • Group normally six to 15, plus UK leader. Minimum age 16 years old
  • Altitude maximum 4,121ft (1,256m), average 2,008ft (612m)
  • Travel by minibus
  • Activity Level 2 and Activity Level 4 departures available; see the Dates & Prices tab to confirm
  • Option to travel by train to your adventure

Highlights

  • 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
  • Travel to Seville, the birthplace of flamenco, to see the Giralda and Alcazar palaces

Is This Trip for You?

This trip is Activity Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate) or Activity Level 4 (Challenging) depending on dates, with five walking days. For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.

Walking is mostly on well-marked paths; this is a hilly area, so expect some easy ascents. 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.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Group

An Exodus leader will be guiding all the walks and sightseeing in the villages and smaller towns such as Setenil. However, due to Spanish legislation, Exodus leaders are not allowed to guide groups in big cities, museums and churches. In Seville you will be free to sightsee at your own pace but you may also wish to organise a private city tour with a local guide. Please request this to your leader on arrival and they should be able to book it for you (payable locally).

Adult min age: 16

Min group size: 6

Max group size: 15

Itinerary

Map TDS

Land Only

  • Start City: Algamitas
  • End City: Algamitas

Land Only Itinerary

Day 1
Start Cortijo Rosario, Algamitas

We stay 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.

Please note: There are Activity Level 2 (Leisurely/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. 

Meals included: Dinner

Day 2
Gentle walk to Villanueva de San Juan; optional tapas lunch – Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate)

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

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Penon Crag walk – Level 4 (Moderate/Challenging)

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

 

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3
Walk in the Sierra de Grazalema – Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate)

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

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Summit Terril – Level 4 (Moderate/Challenging)

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

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4
Walk to Caños Santos Monastery; walk to the white village of Setenil - Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate)

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

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Walk to Caños Santos Monastery; walk to the white village of Setenil – Level 4 (Moderate/Challenging)

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

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5
Free day in Seville; return to the cortijo after dinner – Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate) and Level 4 (Moderate/Challenging)

In the morning we transfer by private minibus to magnificent Seville. Now the capital of Andalucía, the city 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. The day is free to sightsee at our own pace. Near the city centre is the evocative Giralda, an architectural masterpiece dating to the 12th century.

Close by is the magnificent Alcazar, a complex of palaces dating from Roman times and later used by both Moorish and Christian rulers. It has fine examples of Moorish and Mudejar architecture (rivalling the Alhambra in Granada) and stunning sculpted gardens.

After the Christian reconquest, Seville became the gateway to the ‘New World’; Christopher Columbus negotiated with Queen Isabella here to fund his voyage to the Americas, bringing her back untold riches and making Seville one of the wealthiest cities in Europe. After immersing ourselves in history and culture, we enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the city in the evening, returning to the cortijo after dinner.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6
Visit El Chorro gorge and walk El Caminito del Rey – Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate)

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

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Visit El Chorro Gorge and walk the Caminito del Rey – Level 4 (Moderate/Challenging)

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

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7
Walk a circuit around the Peñon overlooking Algamitas – Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate)

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

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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

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

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8
End Cortijo Rosario, Algamitas

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.

Meals included: Breakfast

Ascents, descents and distances

All ascents, descents and distances listed above have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. Please note, different GPS measuring devices can give differing results, particularly on winding paths or in mountainous terrain. Measurements stated throughout these trips notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group.

Accommodation

Cortijo Rosario, a converted farmhouse in the Andalucían countryside

Walking in Andalucia

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 and there is a bar, lounge, outdoor dining area, and a lovely pool open year-round (not heated). 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.

Single supplement from USD 322

Food & Drink

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.

Transport

A private minibus will be used for all transfers and organised excursions.

Weather & Seasonality

Spring generally enjoys pleasant daytime temperatures – 12C to 23C (53F to 73F) – and a little cooler in the evenings. 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.

Joining Instructions

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
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 an Exodus transfer

Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. 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 flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales consultant 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.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Algamitas
Location end: Algamitas

What To Take

Essential Equipment

  • Walking shoes or boots with ankle support for walking
  • Comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing
  • Small backpack (25-30 litre capacity)
  • Large refillable water bottle
  • Waterproofs (essential for October to May departures)
  • Sun hat and sunscreen

Please note, tap water is safe to drink in the area, which means all you need to do is refill your bottle at the hotel. Please add this to your packing list as this will save on wasteful plastic bottles.

Optional Equipment

  • Swimwear (there is a pool at the cortijo)
  • Umbrella
  • Walking poles (recommended)

Practical Information

Passport

All travellers must have a full passport for Exodus tours; generally, this should be valid for six months after the date of your scheduled return home. Requirements change often and other regulations may apply, so be sure to check with the nearest embassy of the country you intend to visit.

Visa

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

Vaccinations and Health

Spain

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus and rabies. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

If you’re a UK citizen, please note that your UK-issued European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) are still valid and offer the same cover as the Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC) in the EU. This gives you medical care at a reduced cost, and in some cases for free, in many European countries, but should not be considered a substitute for adequate insurance. Once your EHIC has expired, replace it with a GHIC.

Local Time

Spain's time zone: Europe/Madrid (UTC +01:00)

Electricity

Spain's electricity: Plug type F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz

Money

Spain's currency: Euros (EUR)

ATM Availability

Cashpoints are available in Algamitas and in Seville. Most places take major credit cards, except Cortijo Rosario.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

For lunch in Seville, you should allow about €15 in a modest restaurant. If you wish to take part in the optional tapas lunches the leader will arrange a kitty to cover the cost. Entrance fees to monuments and museums are not included (some are free on the production of an EU passport) and we suggest you allow approximately €20 for this in Seville. You will also need cash to pay your bar bill at Cortijo Rosario.

 

Tipping

Although optional, a tip for the leader at the end of the trip is greatly appreciated. As a guideline we recommend to allow €15-€20 per leader per week. It is also customary to leave a tip for the driver and the local staff at the cortijo. This can be handed in to your leader at the end of the trip. For the local staff we recommend a budget of approximately €20 per person.

People, Places & Planet

Tourism can be a real help to local communities, providing income, positive cultural exchanges and a financial incentive to protect their natural environment. Ours is a ‘total approach’ to responsible tourism, covering everything from the way we plan and operate our trips to the practices of Exodus as a company. 

On this trip, we spend the nights in a family run farmhouse, Cortijo Rosario that employs several people from the village and provides homemade food using locally produced and sourced goods wherever possible. Located amongst the olive groves and hills of central Andalucia, Spain’s poorest region, it is virtually untouched by tourism hence, our visit will provide economic benefits to the local community.

Water is especially important and whilst we must stay hydrated, it is also vital to not cause too much waste from single use plastic bottles. Hence, we provide large water containers so that clients can refill their reusable water bottles.

In March 2019, Exodus Travels launched the Exodus Travels Foundation where we support initiatives all around the world. But it cannot exist without travellers who care. Get involved or learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus here

Important Information

Your safe participation 

When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary. 

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity. 

By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred. 

How to Book

  1. Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
  2. Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
  3. Complete your booking and payment

When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.

After booking

You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.

Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.

Trip Note validity

These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

Licensing

Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.