SPAIN FAQ’s & Practical Information:

How do I get there, where are you located & what are the times for airport transportation?  

Guests arrange their own flights to Málaga Airport. Málaga Airport is the closest international airport to our village of Torrox.  We meet you at the airport and take you to your accommodation in the village. It is only about one hour's drive from the airport to the village. 

Transfers from Malaga normally leave the airport at around midday on the day of arrival (usually no later than 1pm) and return to Malaga at around 10:00am on the departure day. Transfers can be arranged at other times for a small additional cost.

What should I pack and what equipment do I need to bring with me?  

For our hiking trips, our most important item is, of course, a pair of comfortable hiking boots with ankle support and a sole that provides grip, as some of the terrain can be rugged at times. It can be cold - especially high in the mountains - so you should bring some warm clothing, particularly in early Spring and late Autumn.
And, just in case . . . a lightweight rain jacket. We hope you won't need it. Mostly we will be hiking in dry weather, in warm sunshine, so casual, comfortable, summer clothes will generally suffice. A hat and sunscreen is essential. A small backpack for carrying lunch is also recommended and you might consider a walking stick, as some of the ground is a bit rough.

Is the accommodation comfortable?

Very.  Accommodations are in a private traditional village house, not a hotel, and although the houses are typical Spanish village houses, they have been modernized and are well equipped. They are equipped with full kitchens, washing machine, iron & ironing board and hairdryers. Most of our houses have English TV and/or DVD (please specify your requirements when booking). There are usually 2 people to a house although we have some houses that will accommodate 3-4.  You will be sharing a house but will have your own private bedroom and bathroom.

And all our houses have a terrace with wonderful views over the village, the mountains in the background or the Mediterranean sea!  

We are within eight minutes drive of the beach to which a regular bus service operates. The village also has a really lovely square with a range of bars and restaurants.
(Please note that all our houses are non-smoking).
Click to see accommodation photos here.

Will I be sharing?

Yes.  As noted above, you will be sharing a private house but will have your own bedroom and bathroom.  There are usually 2 people to a house although we have some houses that will accommodate 3-4.   The houses are very comfortable and have full amenities.
Click to see accommodation photos here.

What is the electrical voltage for my appliances, such as my camera? 

Electricity in Spain is 230 Volts, alternating at 50 cycles per second. If you travel to Spain with a device that does not accept 230 Volts at 50 Hertz, you will need a voltage converter.  See here for information.

Is there access to the Internet?

There is an Internet cafe in town.  Please ask the local hosts the current opening and closing times as this changes.

Do I have to be fit?

You will need to be reasonably fit, but we want our guests to enjoy rather than endure their vacation so that you do not need to be super-fit. Our hikes are graded mostly 'moderate' so you don't have to be super fit but there are some more strenous hikes but the views are worth it!

What are the grade of the hikes?

The hikes all start from different parts of the Axarquia - the name given to the region to the east of Malaga. All the hikes start within one hour's drive of the village of Torrox. Transport is by 4 X 4 vehicle or mini bus from Torrox Pueblo. The walks are up to 5 - 6 hours duration at a pace that allows you to appreciate the beauty of our surroundings.

GRADES OF HIKES

1. Easy hike, less than 7 Km, less than 900 ft of height gain

2. Gentle hike, between 7Km and 15Km, less than 1000ft of height gain

3. Medium hike, between 7Km and 13Km, height gain between 900ft and 2000ft

4. Challenging hike, between 15Km andd 21Km, height gain over 2000ft

5. Difficult hike, over 20Km, height gain over 2200ft

Please note that sometimes a shorter walk with a lot of height gain will include some steep sections, which may make the hike appear more difficult than a longer hike with gentle inclines.

With large groups (10+) we will often split the group into easier and more challenging hikes. More details on request.

We are always happy to provide a less strenuous program for those who wish an easier option.  More details on request.

What happens if I injure myself on a hike?

Our guides are trained in first-aid. They also carry mobile telephones so that help can be contacted if necessary.

Are there many single people on your trips?

Yes. We particularly welcome single people on our friendly and inclusive tours.

What is the average age of people who go on your trips?

We have people of all ages on our hikes. Typically, our clients tend to be in their 40s, 50s, and 60s but everyone is welcome.

Are your photography and painting trips suitable to all skill levels?

Yes!  Both beginners & advanced are welcome!

Are vegetarians catered for?

Absolutely!  There is a vegetarian option every night and for lunch.

Are towels provided?

All linen is provided. Laundry and hairdryer facilities are provided in the houses.

Can I bring along somebody who does not wish to hike?

Certainly, and we will provide full information about places to visit, shopping etc.

Would I have to start very early in the morning?

Our hikes start approx 10:00 in the morning.

Are any evening activities organized?

Dinner is taken as a group each night except when you are free to choose your own (with our help if necessary!).

Is there a contact telephone number in Spain?

Yes, all contact information will be provided prior to start date.

I don't speak Spanish, will that be a problem?

Not at all.  Our local hosts speak English and are also fluent in Spanish.  And all of our classes (painting and photography classes) are taught in English.

What is the weather/temperture in the area?

We have great weather here in Torrox.  Click here for local weather information.

Are you near the beach?

Yes, our village of Torrox Pueblo is just 4 km from Torrox Costa which is on the beautiful Mediterranean coastline. 

Tell me more about the village of Torrox Pueblo.
        
TORROX is a Mediterranean village with narrow, winding, medieval streets, whitewashed homes nestled into the hillside, colorful flower boxes spilling over whitewashed walls, old ladies sitting in wooden chairs gossiping, and children playing in the streets – this is the lovely traditional Spanish village where you stay and enjoy the best climate in Europe with over 300 days of sunshine each year.
 
Torrox is situated in the most beautiful part of Spain with green hills, white villages, huge nature reserves (one-fifth of Andalucian territory is under environmental protection), orchards of orange and olive trees and snowcapped mountain ranges with spectacular views of the Mediterrean Sea.

Can you offer suggestions for what to do on my free day?

Absolutely.  There is much to do in the area.  We can help you upon arrival but here are some of our suggestions:

Relaxing Massage

1 Day Cooking Class: Price is 35 Euros. Click here for information.

Organized trip to Granada (subject to availability)

Trip to Bodega Bentomiz (subject to availability)

Local bus trips to Malaga, Frigiliana or Nerja and Nerja Caves. Please note that day trips to Cordoba and Sevilla are not really feasible due to the distances involved.

Day at the beach - we are just 4 km from Torrox Costa which is on the Mediterranean coastline

Will I be receiving information prior to my trip?

Yes, you will receive a complete information packet (sent via email) approx 2 weeks prior to your trip.  The packet will provide you with all the necessary information you will need including your scheduled airport pick-up time, what to pack, the proposed itinerary and the address of the house you will be staying in during your trip.

Read what some of our most recent clients have said: 
 
                "We enjoyed most the weather, good walking, friendly group, excellent hosts. I've never been so well looked after on a walking holiday and we have been on quite a few over the years." - Tom & Carol 

        "I loved the walks and the company.  I've been three times already and I'll be back ..." - Janet

                 "I enjoyed the friendliness. Felt at home straight away. The welcome spread through the whole group very quickly and we enjoyed the camaraderie within it." - Jill & John

       “The program was absolutely amazing. Could not fault it in any way. The hosts were outstanding, full of local knowledge, more like friends, scenery breathtaking, company lovely, food to die for, don't want to go home.” - Julie 

                    "One of the best trips of my life – truly great. Varied walking through lovely valleys, great company, great food and wine, perfect weather – and all very well organized” - Don 

        "I am reborn! Simply the best holiday I have ever been on" – Karen

                    "Beautiful scenery, good company , excellent food (including excellent vegetarian food) and well-organized walks all made for a fantastic holiday. Prepare to laugh a lot!"

Click here for more traveler testimonials

What's Included:  Your accommodations in traditional village house (you will have your own private bedroom in a shared house), food and drink as indicated on itinerary, guides, transport during the tour, airport transfers (during arrival and departure days and during specified times, otherwise a private taxi for a small fee will be arranged), entrance fees where applicable.

**Pricing may change due to international currency fluctuations.

Please note there are different FAQ's for the Spain Culinary Vacation. Click here.