Hidden Valleys of Cordoba Self-Guided Walk

Midway between Cordoba and Granada, in the heart of Andalucia, the tiny white village of Zuheros sits high on the northern border of the Sierra Subbetica - a beautiful range of hills and National Park. The area is a dramatic limestone massif, weathered over millennia into a series of valleys and peaks, making it fantastic walking country.

The walks are all in or around the National Park on farm tracks, country paths and along the 'Via Verde', a panoramic disused railway line, once used to transport the olive harvest. Views open out to river valleys, tumbling waterfalls and olive groves against the backdrop of mountain sierras and hillsides sprinkled with red peonies and orchids. Routes take you to the tiny villages of Zagrilla Alta and Luque with their quince orchards and castle, and the stunning cave above Zuheros where Roman and Bronze age remains have been discovered.

Responsible Travel

At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.

Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here…

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

Vaccination

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.

Eating and Drinking

Andalucía’s base their cuisine on traditional fresh fayre. Onions, tomatoes and peppers feature liberally, simply cooked in olive oil and served as a starter seasoned with local herbs and accompanied by good fresh bread. Dinner often consists of Fish (pescado) or meat (carne) served grilled or deep-fried in olive oil. A good alternative for vegetarians is ensalada de garbanzos y tomate - a delicious salad of chickpea and tomatoes. Local specialities depend on the region: in the mountains, you’ll be offered delicious hams and game, down by the coast seafood will be more prominent.

The town of Jerez is the home of sherry production and most villages also produce good cheap country wine known as Mosto, some of the better ones being Aljarafe and Los Palacios (Seville province), Costa Albondon (Granada province) and Villavicosia (Córdoba province). Sangria is a wine and fruit punch, it makes a refreshing drink.

Weather

Spring generally enjoys pleasant daytime temperatures (12-23ºC) and a little cooler in the evenings. There is the chance of some rain, which then offers views of beautiful spring flowers. Summer months are hot and dry with daytime temperatures of around 21-35ºC, dropping to between 17 and 25ºC 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.

Weather Charts

Is this trip for you?

Average daily distance on move on days: 16.4km ( 10.4 miles). Please note that these are the average distances for the shorter walks , however on three of the days there is the option to extend the walk.
No. of days Walking: 5
Terrain:  This holiday has walking on farm tracks, narrow paths and over green countryside. There are great views but no dizzy heights. Walking boots are essential. As some of the paths are poorly defined, we also pprovide GPS files (.gpx) for this holiday.

Vehicle Support: This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to walk independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodations, provide you with a map and route notes so that you can walk at your own pace.

It is important that you are happy reading maps and following route notes, we make these as accurate as possible and they are regularly checked. 

As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There may be others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The route notes contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the local representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.