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.
Our courtesy transfers from Malaga airport leave the airport at approximately 12pm on the day of arrival. Our courtesy transfers back to the airport on the departure day leave approximately 9am. 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 and loose underfoot. 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.
We also suggest you bring a hiking pole if possible, although we do have some we can lend you.
Is the accommodation comfortable ? Very. Accommodations are in a typical traditional Spanish village house or village hotel, and although the houses are typical Spanish village houses, they have been modernized and are well equipped. They are equipped with full kitchens, heaters, fans and hairdryers. You will be sharing a house but will have your own private bedroom and bathroom (unless noted otherwise). Click to see accommodation photos here.
Will I be sharing? Yes. As noted above, you will be sharing a private house in the village but will have your own bedroom and bathroom (unless noted otherwise). Please note that we offer private houses to people traveling together (based on availability at time of booking). 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 and ATM's? Yes. Free WiFi is available at bars and restaurants in the plaza and there are nearby ATM's.
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 strenuous 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 vary but can be up are to 5 - 6 hours duration at a pace that allows you to appreciate the beauty of our surroundings. Hikes vary but can be moderate to challenging at times but the surrounding beauty makes every hike unique.
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.
We always have experienced, first-aid qualified guides to cope with the number of clients on each trip. We want to ensure that everyone gets the most enjoyment out of the experience so we offer an option of two levels of hiking to cater to all levels of hiking ability. Preferences must be stated on booking.
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. Guests must be 18 or over.
Can I bring along someone who doesn't want to hike? Certainly, and we will provide full information on places to visit, shopping, etc.
Are your photography and painting trips suitable to all skill levels? Yes! Both beginners & advanced are welcome!
Are vegetarians catered for? Absolutely! Please advise us on making your booking.
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 happens if there are adverse weather conditions? In the event of adverse conditions (caused by the weather or other forces outside our control) and which are deemed by the Walk Leader to make an outdoor activity unsafe. We reserve the right to suspect or cancel the activity for that day with or without advance notice. Such conditions may include the threat of lightening, thunder or extreme heat. Wherever possible, advance warning of such a suspension/cancellation will be given to each house by means of a text message to a pre-arranged mobile phone.
What is the breakfast pack? The breakfast pack contains croissants, butter, coffee, milk, jam, cereal, juice and water. Most of the ingredients will last a week but fresh bread can be purchased daily in the village.
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 snow cappedmountain ranges with spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea. The areas where our walks are situated offer varied terrain, wonderful views of the coasts and the mountains and a variety of flora and fauna.
Sightseeing is endless too, probably the most visited location is the Alhambra Palace in Granada, about an hour away. The Sierra Nevada with the longest skiing season in Europe is a little further at one and a half hours drive. FromTorrox it is also possible to visit the Seville, Malaga and Ronda. Activity possibilities here are endless. 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.
Can I stay for extra days? Yes, provided we are given sufficient notice and subject to availability. Transfers to the airport will then be arranged via private taxi or bus to be paid for by the guest.
Will I be receiving information prior to my trip? Yes, you will receive a complete information packet (sent via email) approx 1-2 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 and the proposed itinerary.
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!"
Our trips attract people of all ages and are suitable for singles, couples and groups
What's Included: Your accommodations, 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. ** Please note that all information is subject to change ** Pricing may change due to international currency fluctuations