Spring In Andalucia - Spain
April 26 to May 3, 2008
Andalucia is the location of the Spanish Costa del Sol (Sun Coast), a popular vacation destination due to its 320 days of sunshine a year and seemingly endless sandy beaches. Fortunately, we visit during the “Off” Season to enjoy the good weather without the crowds.
But this is not a beach holiday. A few kilometres from the coast and you find yourself in Spain as it use to be – a vast area of varied terrain criss-crossed by well worn paths linking small white washed villages. This is classic hill walking country reminiscent of the British Lake District but at a sunny 21 degrees. We access trail heads by van each day, take our lunch on the trail or in a local venta and end at a suitable refreshment spot. Hikes are typically 12 to 15 kilometers with an elevation gain of 300 meters. Along the way you will see a profusion of spring flowers, flocks of migrating birds and experience historic Spain with all its contradictions.
Your accommodation is a delightful beach house in the heart of cosmopolitan Fuengirola a few kilometers down the coast from Malaga and its international airport. Here you will start your day with a substantial English breakfast and this will also be the scene of daily Happy Hours to reminisce about the days activities.
Day 1 - Arrive Malaga. We will meet your flight in our mini bus and transport you to your Beach House accommodation in nearby Fuengirola. Once you are settled, we will lead a pleasant stroll in the local area with an evening meal in a typical Spanish restaurant accompanied by an introductory talk on the week ahead.
Day 2 - We climb to the whitewashed village of Mijas Pueblo and explore the narrow cobbled streets. The views of the coast are fabulous and on a clear day you can see Morocco. There has been a town on the current site of Mijas since 850.
Day 3 - Ronda, is one of the most famous “White Villages” in Andalucia. We start with a hike through the Genel Valley renown for its spectacular scenery then on to Ronda and a walk over the dramatic bridge that spans the El Tajo Gorge. Ronda also has one of the best known bull rings in Spain and has been home to some famous matadors.
Day 4 - We hike to lakes created by a dam across the 200 meter deep Garganta del Chorro Gorge. We climb to a high point that gives a commanding view of the famous Kings Walkway, a catwalk that was pinned to the face of the gorge 100 meters above the river (now closed).
Day 5 - Exploration Day - A walking tour of the old town of Malaga including the superb Moorish Fortress (Alcazaba) considered the best example in Spain, the Roman Theater, the Picasso Museum (he was born in Malaga) and much more. The narrow streets take you back to the 11th century.
Day 6 - An interesting loop hike in Montes De Malaga National Park noted for its flora and fauna and mountain scenery.
Day 7 - Our start point is the Refugio de Juanar at 600 meters above sea level. We climb through an evergreen forest to a high point with fantastic views over the Sierra de la Nieves National Park then complete the loop to return to the Refugio. Later we follow narrow paths down to the superb mountain village of Ojen. Ojen retains its Arabic layout with houses built on different levels to accommodate the mountainside. It has an interesting history and was actually destroyed by fire in the mid 16th century. The fire was set by protesting tax payers!!
Return to Fuengirola for a farewell dinner.
Day 8 - Shuttle available to take departing guests to Malaga airport.
Cost $1,248 from Malaga, covering guided hikes, local transportation, accommodation in a luxurious beach house with a large swimming pool, double occupancy with bath, excursion to Malaga, full breakfasts, afternoon tea, and beer or wine at the end of the day plus a celebration dinner.
Although every effort will be made to adhere to the above program changes may be necessary due to circumstances beyond our control.
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