Walking in Andalucia

Walking in Andalucia is up there with the best walking holidays we have done with Exodus. The combination of an outstanding trip leader in Michael Newcomb, a lovely group of people to share our holiday with, comfortable and relaxed accommodation in the Cortijo Rosario which is set in stunning countryside and the five extremely interesting and varied walks together with a fabulous day in Seville makes this an exceptionally enjoyable holiday.

Therle was no downside to anything about this trip (apart from 38degree heat in Sevilla!) Our guide, Miguel, was so knowledgeable about every aspect of the area, history, flora and fauna, and the itinerary of walks was varied to suit all tastes. He dealt with minor crises extremely calmly and efficiently, and put up with our teasing etc with patience and as if he hadn't heard it all before! thank you Miguel. The Cortijo on a stunning hilltop with beautiful views across the valley and to the village, was comfortable, the food plentiful and tasty, and all staff friendly and helpful. Our driver was very safe and the vehicle clean and well maintained, The group enjoyed each other's company and all had a great time.

We spent a week walking In Andalucia as a group of 7 based at the Cortijo Rosario in Algamitas, about 1.5 hours from Malaga airport. Algamitas is a rural town in beautiful scenery. The accommodation, Cortijo Rosario, in in an enviable position high above the valley with fabulous views. The hosts, Cartouche and Joked, are helpful, warm and friendly. Roger, the chef provided superb four course meals in the evening and the packed lunches were tasty and well balanced. Doug provided extra assistance as the ‘knight in shining armour’, by driving us to the cortijo when our flight was 3 hours late, (proactively arranged by Miguel). The rooms are very clean and the communal areas cosy. We didn’t use the pool which looked great but it was March!

Lovely walks with views over Olive tree plantations and rolling Andalusian hills. Visits to Andalusian villages unspoiled by tourism. Great cuisine prepared by local staff from the village of Algamitas at the farmhouse base, Cortijo Rosario. A fantastic insight into life in Andalucia and the opportunity to wind down in peaceful surroundings; waking up to birds singing in the morning. The staff at the Cortijo were very welcoming and friendly.

We had a wonderful holiday not least because of the tour leader Miguel aka Mike who was knowledgeable and passionate about the culture and natural environment of Andalucia and thoughtful and generous in the way he engaged with every member of the group. The farmhouse provided good food, always delivered with a smile. The views across the valley are stunning. I particularly enjoyed hearing and seeing the variety of bird life, expertly pointed out by Miguel and others in the group. The walks themselves were interesting and varied. The group also bonded well together with lots of stories and laughter.The walks were interesting and varied. My personal highlights were a picnic lunch in the Grounds of an old monastery and the final walk of the week which not only was a beautiful trek up a local mountain but also allowed us to look out on the whole area we had walked around in the week giving a real sense of completion.

I can't fault anything about the holiday. The accommodation was good, the staff friendly and helpful, the meals excellent and my dietary needs catered for. The added bonus was the swimming pool at the end of a hot day's hiking. Our group was small and the majority of us got on amazingly well together. The walks were varied and interesting with the chance to visit several villages along the way.

An excellent reminder of the beauty and contrasts of Andalucia. Each day is different. Based at the lovely Cortijo made everything so easy. Simple but comfortable rooms, a lovely small pool at the end of each day and the friendliest service from Joke and Cartouche. They create a relaxed but efficient mood - and top quality food at the end of each day. But the biggest credit goes to Michael - undoubtedly the best guide I have experienced. The schedule means there is always time to relax in the pool followed by a drink before dinner.

What a perfect holiday! After a long time full of Covid restrictions, it was the perfect get a way. Yes, not my first choice, BUT I am so, so glad I was on this trip. Not one regret! A week with beautiful, relaxing walks in different regions; some very well known like Caminito del Rey (but defenitly a must see), others a in less touristic region but nevertheless still worth the climb (El Penon and Sierra de Grazalema). All this guided by a wonderful guide, with an overall great knowledge and fun character. The free day in Seville is defenitly to recommend. The small hotel is a little gem in between the olive trees, lovely owners an d a very good chef in the kitchen.

Our first Exodus holiday - we enjoyed it hugely. 

My boyfriend and I had an absolutely fantastic time, with great walking and good company in a beautiful setting. The Cortijo was very neat and tidy, and superbly run by Bill, Anne, Maria, Rocio, Anna and Juan. The food was fantastic, even the packed lunches with rolls the size of your head! Roger was a star leader: very knowledgeable and always game for a laugh.  All in all, a perfect balance of sightseeing, exercise in the fresh air, relaxation and indulgence. We would happily return to do it all over again!