Walking in Andalucia

We stay at Cortijo Rosario in the heart of the Andalucían countryside, around 62mi (100km) from Malaga. Our converted farmhouse is just a short walk from Algamitas, a peaceful traditional village far from big towns or cities. It’s the ideal chance to experience the real Spain, while still offering easy access to the best walking spots and towns such as Olvera, Setenil and Seville, which we'll visit during the week.



Please note: There are Activity Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate) and Activity Level 4 (Moderate/Challenging) departures for this trip. This itinerary provides a day-by-day schedule for each Activity Level. Please check the Dates & Prices tab to confirm the Activity Level rating for each departure before booking. During each week, there will only be one Activity Level (2 or 4) which means these will never run simultaneously.  ...more ...less

Take a guided walk on the trails and paths around the cortijo and on to the neighbouring village of Villanueva. The countryside surrounding Algamitas is picture-perfect, covered with olive trees, beautiful farmland and rolling hills.

During the walk, our leader will give us a good overview of the rural lifestyle and traditions in this part of the world, which are largely based around the production of olive oil. An optional tapas lunch in the village gives us a chance to soak up the authentic Andalucían atmosphere. Once back at the cortijo, enjoy free time by the pool or with a drink on the lovely outdoor terrace. We then have dinner and stay overnight at the cortijo.



Distance: 7.5mi (12km); Ascent: 1,083ft (330m); descent: 1,083ft (330m); approximately six hours walking including stops

Our private bus will drive us high into the Grazalema Mountains, over the Pass of the Doves. Designated a Unesco biosphere reserve in 1977, the Sierra de Grazalema was declared the first natural park in Andalucía in 1984 and is one of most ecologically outstanding areas in Spain.



It is best-known for having a spectacularly rugged limestone landscape of cliffs, gullies, caves and gorges. We walk up past this fantastic scenery and down into the white village of Benaocaz.



Distance: 5.5mi (9km); Ascent: 892ft (272m); descent: 1,788ft (545); approximately four to five hours walking including stops

Today we set out from Cortijo Rosario, walking through Algamitas farmland to the abandoned monastery of Caños Santos, where we will have lunch. In the afternoon, follow the Ruta de los Molinos along the river that runs through the white village of Setenil de las Bodegas. Built under the overhanging ledge of a gorge, Setenil is not only known for having standout architecture but also for bars, restaurants and food shops, which are the best in the region. We have free time to discover Setenil and later return to the cortijo by private minibus.



Distance: 7.5mi (12km); Ascent: 902ft (275m); descent: 902ft (275m); approximately five to six hours walking including stops

At 9am, we transfer (1hr 40min) by private minibus to Seville, the magnificent capital of Andalucía and one of the first conquests of the Moors.Our drop-off/pick-up point is on Menendez Pelayo, opposite the Jardines de Murillo and a 10-minute walk from the cathedral and Royal Alcázar.The day is free to sightsee at your own pace, though we've found most choose to explore the Royal Alcázar, a palace complex dating from Roman times and later used by both Moorish and Christian rulers. Tickets (€15.50) can be booked through your tour leader at the welcome briefing − entrance is typically at midday.The tour leader can also book you a tapas-tasting menu at Pasaje Bar nearby (normally for around 2.30pm) or a early evening flamenco show at La Casa de Flamenco or Casa de Guitarra. Other sights you might like to visit include the cathedral, Metropol Parasol and La Casa Palacio del Conde de Lebrija.During your exploration of Seville, make sure to pick up some dinner to eat on the bus back to the cortijo. We typically arrive around 8.30pm and the kitchen is closed, though there are restaurants open in the village.

A short drive takes us to El Chorro gorge, where we are dropped off at the Guadalhorce Dam and reservoir to begin our walk. We’ll head to the start of El Caminito del Rey, a narrow cliffside path hanging 328ft (100m) above the Guadalhorce river. Originally built around 1905, and improved around 1921, it fell into disrepair, earning it the moniker ‘the most dangerous path in the world' or even the ‘walk of death'.



The new Caminito del Rey was reconstructed and reopened to the public in 2015, with the route and design replicating (as much as possible) the old one, but with higher safety standards. After, there will be a chance to relax and rest by the reservoir.



The Caminito del Rey ticket is included in the cost of the trip and will be arranged by Exodus upon booking. However, please be aware that for reservations made less than 90 days prior to departure, there may be a supplement to pay to guarantee entrance as ticket numbers are limited. We will be able to check this upon booking and confirm the amount of the supplement if it applies.



Distance: 5.5mi (9km); Ascent: 574ft (175m); descent: 902ft (275m); approximately three hours walking

Today we walk around the impressive Peñon Crag, which looms over Cortijo Rosario. El Peñon is the highest point in the Seville province, 3,700ft (1,130m) above sea level, offering dramatic views of the landscape around Algamitas and the neighbouring villages, hills and farmland. On the way back to the cortijo, we stop for drinks on a lovely panoramic terrace.



Distance: 9mi (14km); Ascent: 1,542ft (470m); descent: 1,542ft (470m); approximately five hours walking including stops

Our final breakfast is the perfect chance to reflect on the many highlights of this unforgettable Andalucian escape. Once you're full up, bid a fond hasta pronto to our hosts, who may well feel more like family by now, before starting your return home.