Walking in Andalucia

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.

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. 

Meals Included: Dinner

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. 

Meals Included: Dinner

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

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 2,789ft (850m); descent 2,789ft (850m); approximately six hours walking

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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

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

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

Meals Included: Breakfast

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