Spain Hiking Sample Itinerary
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.
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.
8-DAY GUIDED HIKES SAMPLE ITINERARY
**Sample only, subject to change.
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.
Please see our Grade of Hikes below.
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. Our hosts can make great recommendations!
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.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
ACCOMMODATION
Guests stay in traditional Moorish white washed 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. Please see FAQ.
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 - Our hikes are at a medium level. A reasonable level of fitness and/or determination is needed.
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 may split the group into easier and more challenging walks. More details on request.
