8-day guided Hikes (see below for 5-day winter breaks)

Andalucia is one of the warmest regions of Europe. It has a temperate, Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters with irregular rainfall.

The areas where our hikes are situated offer varied terrain, wonderful views of the coasts and the mountains and a variety of flora and fauna.

This is a most beautiful part of Spain, with a view of spectacular mountain areas, comprising of terraced hillsides and fertile, well-watered valleys. It has orchards of orange and olive trees watered by a unique Moorish irrigation system that was developed over a thousand years ago.

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 car from Torrox Pueblo. The hikes are up to 5 - 6 hours duration at a pace that reflects the relaxed life-style in Andalucia. 

The aim of the program is to provide the walker with a good range of terrain and scenery with spectacular views of mountains, sea and white villages. As the region is hilly and dominated by two ranges of mountains - the Sierra Tejeda and Sierra Almijara, there will be some rugged surfaces and uphill climbs, so and walking boots and sticks are recommended.   
 
As we always have two guides, each walk can be tailor-made to cater for all levels of walking ability. Our flexibility ensures that everyone gets the most enjoyment out of the experience. 

Sample Itinerary -

DAY 1: WELCOME TO ANDALUCIA!

We will meet you at Malaga Airport and transfer you to your house in Torrox Pueblo by private transport.

After settling into your accommodation, you will join the other guests for a welcome lunch followed by an orientation tour and introduction to the history of village.
Transfer time to village: 45 mins
Evening : dinner at local Restaurant



Day 2:  Torre de Maro, Cortijo de Malteza & Stone Arch 

9.5 km (6m), 1100 ft, Grade 2/3. Varied hiking taking in the tower of Maro, views of the coast along the clifftops, then inland through quiet unspoiled countryside via the Arroyo de los Colmenarejos (dry river valley named after the beekeepers who still use this area for honey making). Pass under a natural stone arch and climb to a remote ruined farm with lovely views of higher peaks and down to the sea - a perfect picnic spot! Return via river valley.
Evening : dinner at local Restaurant 


 
Day 3: Periana Railway

13Km(8m), 900ft, Grade 2/3. Walk high above white village of Periana along disused railway track, through scenic open countryside alongside impressive crags. Superb views of Lake Vinuela and Axarquia's highest peak, La Maroma (c. 7000ft).
Evening : dinner at local Restaurant

 
Day 4 : Free Day - there are many fun things to do with your free day.  Here are some options:

ENJOY A CULTURAL DAY IN MALAGA         SUNBATHE AT A NEARBY BEACH                   ENJOY A COOKING CLASS

Day 5: Rio Torrox (via Coscoja ridge)

12km (7.5m), 1250ft, Grade 3. Rural hike through lush fertile Rio Torrox valley, watch out for olive trees, almond, orange, lemon, nispero, chirimoya, banana, avocado and a wide range of vegetables. Steep climb to a ridge with reward of spectacular 360o views, including the Sierra Almijara, La Maroma, Frigiliana, Nerja, and of course the sea.

Drop down to village for a late lunch at Maria's Cortijo, and then back to the village via an ancient cattle route.

Lunch - 9 course meal consisting of local home made cuisine, prepared and served by Maria and her friends.

 
Day 6: Maro & Canyons

11.25 Km (7m), 2050 ft, Grade 3. Walk through picturesque village of Maro, then up a narrow, forested canyon to a remote ruin with fabulous sea and mountain views - our lunch stop! Climb to foot of high sierras, descend through pine forest and second canyon with completely different flora. 
Evening : vegetarian feast at home of your hosts

 
Day 7: Lomo del Daire 

13 Km (8m), 1750 ft, Grade 3/4. Stunning high level hike through remote, wild hillsides with incredible views of Sierra Almijara, lunch on sheltered terrace of ruined farmhouse with lovely views down to Torrox and the sea. We regularly see Ibex and eagles on this walk.   A challenging walk through wild countryside to a remote ruin in the most spectacular location imaginable. We descend steeply into the Rio Chillar valley, where the path winds along this beautiful mountain stream through lush vegetation. As the path leaves the stream and starts to ascend we can see the ruin away in the distance. From the ruin the views back down the valley to the sea are superb, as are the impressive cliffs of El Nido del Buitre (“The Vultures Nest”) to the east.
Evening : dinner at local Restaurant

DAY 8: ADIOS!
After breakfast we transfer you to Malaga Airport.  Thank you for joining us to our beautiful destination!
 

Accommodation - We are based in Torrox, an historic Moorish village just 2 miles from the coast. 

Andalucia is one of the warmest regions of Europe. It has a temperate, Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters with irregular rainfall.  A recent article confirms our claim!

                    Escape to Sunny Andalucia
                    Sunny Delight for Malaga
                    Reprinted from The Olive Press, Andalucia's news publication
                    June 18, 2008

                    

                    It’s official: Malaga resort of Torrox has Europe’s best climate
                    THE sign that greets you as you enter the resort could be dismissed as a piece 
                    of shameless self-promotion.
                    But Torrox can indeed claim to have the best climate in Europe – and have the paperwork
                     to back it up. A study of 21 Mediterranean municipalities, all of whom make a similar
                    statement, has found that the weather of the town cannot be bettered anywhere on the 
                    continent. 

                    The report – which was compiled over six years by weather forecast company MeteoGroup –                     concluded that the geographic location of Torrox resulted in excellent year round temperatures.

                    With it being open to the sea to the south and surrounded by mountains to the north, the 
                    resort’s average annual temperature is 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

PRICE
ONLY $1,075!  ALL-INCLUSIVE (excluding airfare)!

(Please ask about discounts for group bookings)

WHAT'S INCLUDED

ACCOMMODATION
Guests stay in traditional Moorish white village houses, which have been both sympathetically restored and furnished with all modern conveniences (including satellite TV/DVD/Video, washing machine, hair dryer, iron & ironing board, fully equipped kitchens). All linen is provided including towels.  And all the houses have beautiful terraces with views over the village, the surrounding countryside or the sea.
Accommodation Photos....

FOOD
A breakfast welcome pack is placed in all the houses (breakfast is to be then taken on a self-catering basis). Otherwise lunches are provided on hiking days and most evening meals are provided at a selection of hand picked restaurants, including wine and soft drinks.

TRANSPORT
All necessary transport during the trip is included. Airport transfers are at specified times.

ENTRANCE FEES
Included wherever it is part of the itinerary

STAFF
On all our guided hiking tours we provide 2 guides, assisted by local guides, drivers and any other staff as appropriate

NOT INCLUDED
Airfare is not included

GRADES OF HIKES

1. Easy walk, less than 7 Km, less than 900 ft of height gain
2. Gentle walk, between 7Km and 15Km, less than 1000ft of height gain
3. Medium Walk, between 7Km and 13Km, height gain between 900ft and 2000ft
4. Challenging walk, between 15Km andd 21Km, height gain over 2000ft
5. Difficult walk, 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 walk appear more difficult than a longer walk with gentle inclines.

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

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SAMPLE ITINERARY FOR 5-DAY WINTER BREAKS:

(subject to variation)

Day 1 : Airport transfers, welcome lunch, walking tour of Torrox Pueblo, evening drinks & discussion of timetable, dinner at Los Cantares.

Day 2 : Hike above Alcaucin through pine forests, with stunning views of La Maroma  and the Sierras Tejeda and Almigara + opportunity to sample local cuisine and wine at a 9-course banquet at Maria's Cortijo.

Day 3 : Hike to Upper Rio Chillar - walk through remote narrow gorge with spectacular views. Vegetarian banquet at Finca la Paz.

Day 4 : High altitude hike through Lomo del Daire with incredible views of sea & Sierra Alimijara mountains. Farewell dinner.

Day 5 : Transfer to Airport and Adios from Travels Together!