Where there is always someone to travel with!
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: Competa to Acebuchal
A hike of about 4 hours, commencing with a climb via a dry stream bed to Puerto del Collado, a mountain pass at almost 3000 feet, with incredible panoramic views. The track descends via a remote but welcoming hotel down into the valley, and eventually crosses the river. From here the track ascends gently to the until-recently deserted villages of Acebuchal. The village has now been almost completely restored, mostly by Antonio, who also owns and operates the only bar restaurant in the village. The menu is not extensive, but you will find delicious meals containing local produce at reasonable prices.
Evening : dinner at local Restaurant
Day 3: Maro & Canyons
This exhilarating hike of around 5 hours commences in the picturesque seaside village of Maro. Within 5
minutes of the village the path enters a narrow canyon which is lush with mixed vegetation and trees. After
an hour or so the path climbs steeply through sweetly smelling Rosemary, Thyme, Lemon Thyme, Lavender
and Gorse to a ruined farmhouse. There are few more memorable picnic sites than the threshing circle, with
stunning views of the sea and mountains behind. The descent is though a pine forest, followed by a second
canyon lined with Eucalyptus trees
Evening : dinner at local Restaurant
Day 4 : Rest Day
Day 5: Rio de la Miel (The river of honey)
From the river itself the track climbs steeply through olive and almond groves to the ridge summit, from where views along the rocky coastline to the east open up.
At the highest point is a lovely shaded olive grove for a perfect lunch break. Shortly afterwards the views to the north and east become even more spectacular, with the high peaks of the Sierra Nevada, the Contraviesas and the Alpujarras all visible on a clear day. The descent is through the tiny settlement of El Nacimiento (“the source”, referring to the spring from whence flows the Rio de la Miel). The valley is very fertile, with avocado, mango, walnut, almond, fig, banana and many other trees along the way.
Evening : dinner at local Restaurant
Day 6: Cruz Pinto & Frigiliana
A relatively short but nonetheless testing walk starting from the pretty white mountain village of Frigiliana. The track follows the River Higueron upstream, passing a water deposit (which offers a refreshing dip on a hot day!). We then climb to the summit of the ridge via a steep winding path – take time to enjoy the views unfolding to the north as you stop to rest. After enjoying the vista over the high peaks to the east, the path follows the line of the ridge through a pine forest. From the end of the ridge we can see our goal of Cruz Pinto, with Nerja and the Mediterranean beyond. From here we descend to a ruined farmhouse, then climb steeply to the peak of Cruz Pinto, which is topped with a shrine with a story.
Lunch - 9 course meal consisting of local home made cuisine, prepared and served by Maria and her friends.
Day 7: Cortijo Imam
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!
(Please ask about discounts for group bookings)
WHAT THE PRICE INCLUDES - EVERYTHING!!
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.
Photos....
FOOD
A breakfast welcome pack is placed in all the houses (breakfast to be 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.
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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!
