HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
- Hiking through some of Andalucia’s most pristine landscapes
- Sampling amazing cuisine of Southern Spain
- Enjoying uncrowded hiking trails, beaches and coves
- Exploring quaint Andalucian villages
- Soaking-in the beautiful scenery of glittering sea and desert
- Learning about the traditions and culture of Andalucia
Bienvenidos a España! You will be met at Malaga airport and transferred to your hotel.
Overnight: Malaga
Meals: -/-/-
DAY 2: Malaga Walking Tour
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. During a walking tour with a local guide, we visit the Gifralfaro castle, Roman Theatre, the Alcazaba, and the beautiful Malaga cathedral.
In your free time, we highly recommend adding the Picasso and Thyssem museum to your visit.
Enjoy dinner at one of the beautiful restaurants with a terrace.
Overnight: Malaga
Meals: B/-/D
Day 3: Explore Spain’s Costa del Sol
This morning, you are transferred to the nearby Nerja area (1-hour driving) along the White Coast. Flanked by the dramatic mountain range, Sierra Almijara, to one side and the Mediterranean Sea to the other, creating a stunningly beautiful part of the coastline. Enjoy a day excursion through some of the most beautiful towns of Xarquía (Torrox, Frigiliana, Algarrobo, Cómpeta etc.)
Overnight: Nerja area
Meals: B/-/D
Day 4: Hiking Lucero Peak (Raspon de los Moriscos)
Depart in the morning by car to Canillas de Albaida through a trail reaching the Puerto Blanquilla, where we´ll begin our journey. Interesting and infrequently visited, this trail boasts beautiful flora and the panoramic views from the summit. This peak is the core of the mountain range.
The vegetation is mainly pine, juniper, and palms as well as aromatic plants like rosemary and lavender. We climb to Las Perdices Pass (look for mountain goats here) and then through a zigzag path with spectacular sea views, and finally reach the summit of Lucero peak (1,785 m), also known as Raspón de Los Moriscos. This summit, pyramidal and slender, is an exceptional viewpoint of the entire Penibética and especially of the Almijara and Tejeda mountain ranges. We´ll also be able to see the Mediterranean Sea and the village of Torrox coast. Due to its strategic position, a checkpoint of the Civil Guard was built at the time to monitor the passing of the “maquis” to the province of Granada, nowadays only one wall has been preserved.
Distance: 12 kms. + 810 m ascent. – 810 m descent Duration 4-5 hours.
Difficulty: medium-low. Possibility of shortening the itinerary without affecting people who want to do the full itinerary since the journey is linear.
Overnight: Near Nerja
Meals: B/-/D
Day 5: Las Alpujarras
Transfer to Las Alpujarras (Capileira-Trevélez) (1h 30 minutes) on the south hillside of Sierra Nevada. The region of mountain villages known as Las Alpujarras clings to the southern flanks of the Sierra Nevada, cloven by deep, sheltered valleys and gorges which run down towards the Mediterranean. The micro-climate and unique topography of fthe region creates the ideal hiking terrain for adventurous travellers.
The cultural interest of the region lies in its fifty-odd villages, which were the last stronghold of the Spanish Muslims, or Moors. Soon after the Castillians took Granada in 1492, all the city´s Moors were forced to convert to Christianity. Those who refused took to the hills, settling in this remote, inaccessible area.
Today we visit the area’s most authentic towns like Lanjarón, Órgiva, Pampaneira, Bubión.
Overnight: Alpujarras
Meals: B/-/D
Day 6: Hiking in Alpujarras Region
Today we journey on foot along one of the many amazing hiking trails. The chosen itinerary will depend on the season and weather conditions. This is a popular region for mountain goats and birds.
Overnight: Alpujarras
Meals: B/-/D
Day 7: San Jose & Isleta del Moro Hiking
This morning we transfer to Cabo de Gata-Níjar Nature Park was Andalusia’s first marine-terrestrial protected area (2h30 minutes) . This area is also internationally recognised as a biosphere reserve on account of the contrasts it contains between marine, coastal and terrestrial environments, the numerous exclusive species to be found here and the unique characteristics of one of Europe’s most arid ecosystems. Cabo de Gata-Níjar has the best conserved 50km of coastal cliffs anywhere on the Mediterranean in Europe. Along this stunning coastline with rugged cliffs you will find: town and village beaches such as San José.
We start our hiking trip in San Jose through a hidden cove in an interesting location by the sea, “Cala Higuera”. Ascent to the tower of Cala Higuera, one of the ancient watchtowers around the coast. From here the adventure will take place along the sea along a comfortable path down to the beach of Escullos, also setting for several films. The fortress of San Felipe from the eighteenth century is located here, one of the nine forts that were built from Almeria to Malaga during the reign of Carlos III.
From here we´ll follow a tight route by the sea to the fishing village of Isleta del Moro (the Moor Arraiz), where we can have a well-deserved beer with tapas and then drive back to San Jose.
Distance: 12 km Elevation gain +250 m – 250 m descent
Duration: 4 hours
Overnight: Cabo de Gata
Meals: B/-/D
Day 8: Cabo de Gata – Hiking La Ruta de las Calas
This morning we begin our hike along the most beautiful bay of the Nature Reserve, Los Genoveses, a pristine beach consisting of dunes virgin fine golden sand. Located on the site of the Campillo de los Genoveses a valley without paved roads and very few buildings that preserves the beauty in its purest form. This beach has also been the setting for several films, including “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” or “Lawrence of Arabia” and yes, it owes its name to the Genoese, who landed on this beach to lend a hand against the Moors.
We hike along the undulating volcanic landscapes and different beaches and coves -Prince Cove, Barronal beach, and Half Moon Cove. Nothing better than enjoying a swim in the sea.
We will continue roaming more coves, to reach a final climb up the hill of Vela Blanca, where there is one of the ancient watchtowers with the village of Cabo de Gata located on the other side.
To return, we follow the same path and then continue inland with a final climb through the hills of Barronal, appreciating the volcanic pot before going down again to Genoveses and returning by the same route.
Distance: 21 kms. + 710 m ascent – 710 m descent
Duration: 8 hours.
Difficulty: Medium. Possibility of shortening the itinerary without affecting people who want to do the full itinerary.
Overnight: Cabo de Gata
Meals: B/-/D
Day 9: Playazo – Aguamarga
Today we transfer to the Playazo, a nice beach in the town of Rodalquilar, a village tucked inside the park. It’s located in a valley where the only escape from volcanic eruptions was the Playazo beach. It has a significant mining past, with abandoned gold mines located in the upper part of town town. It is a town where many artists and artisans from throughout the area are concentrated. Just as we start the hike, from the beach, we find La Batería de San Ramón, another one of the 9 fortresses build by Carlos III from Almeria to Malaga and is now in private hands.
Our next goal will be the village of Las Negras, named such due to the abundance of black stones. From here we continue hiking to Cala de San Pedro where we can also find the Castle of San Pedro, started in the 16th century and finished in the 18th century after two reforms. Besides being a natural harbour and idyllic enclave, it has a permanent water source, something very appreciated in this area.
The rest of the trek will take us to the top of the Rellana of San Pedro first where there is a spectacular view of Aguamarga and then to the coves of Plomo and En medio. Today we will be walking between palmettos, thyme, lavender and esparto grass and surrounded by a volcanic environment of great beauty.
Return by car to our accommodation.
Distance: 17.5 km Elevation gain +600 m. – 600 m descent
Duration: 5-6 hours.
Difficulty: medium
Overnight: Cabo de Gata
Meals: B/-/D
Day 10: Departure Day
Today is our final day together. Transfer to the Airport.
B/-/-
Option to extend the trip to visit other regions and cities such as Granada, Córdoba Sevilla, etc.
Contact us for ideas!
[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Important Info” tab_id=”1449289392103-be095264-cb20″][vc_column_text]PLEASE NOTE: This itinerary is subject to change. Although we always do our best to stick to the itinerary, due to the ever changing nature of our world, activities, hotels, and sites are subject to change due to forces beyond our control.
PASSPORTS: Must be valid for at least 6 months upon return date to your home country. Proper documentation is the responsibility of each traveller.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Inclusion & Exclusion” tab_id=”1449208780765-5fd2d40a-5e8d”][vc_column_text]TOUR INCLUSIONS:
9 nights accommodation (based on double occupancy)
Services of a professional hiking guide for the duration of the tour
All breakfasts and dinners as per itinerary
Transportation as per itinerary
–TOUR EXCLUSIONS:
• International flights (can be arranged through us nicola@finisterra.ca)
• Mandatory travel medical insurance and optional cancellation insurance (can be arranged through us nicola@finisterra.ca)
• Services not specified, meals not specified
• Please note that NO ACCOMMODATION is included on Jan 26th
• Expenses due to mishaps
• Tips for local guides, service staff, drivers, housekeeping, etc
• Alcohol, laundry or other personal expenses
• Departure taxes (if applicable)
*IMPORTANT NOTES:
– Though we will do our best to follow this itinerary as closely as possible, it is subject to change due to factors beyond our control
– Please note that it is the responsibility of each traveller to make sure they have the proper shots, documentation, etc.
– Passports MUST BE VALID FOR 6 MONTHS BEYOND YOUR RETURN DATE TO YOUR COUNTRY. Finisterra Travel is not responsible for improper documentation.
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Cabo de Gata, La Alpujarra and Axarquía
Andalucia
Cabo de Gata is a unique settlement in the Iberian Peninsula. It contains in its surrounding area one of the most deserted volcanic landscapes of Europe, contrasting however with a rich flora and vegetation highlighting “Pita”, which is the flower of the agaves. The prickly pears and palmettos also stand out. Land of contrasts, hidden coves, clear waters; the uniqueness of its natural building and the seabed of the coast are taken care of by Natural Park Cabo de Gata-Nijar. A depopulated and desert inland accompanied by a tormented coast, dotted with countless beautiful bays, allow for combining tours of striking originality in Europe, walking or cycling. The village of San José, of great beauty, is the centre and base of operations for visiting the area.
Sierra Nevada is a mountain massif located in the Penibetico mountain ranges. It is located in Andalusia, extending the east-central area of Granada province. It is the Western Europe’s highest mountain massif after the Alps. Its highest point is the Mulhacen Peak, with 3.482m.
Sierra Nevada, along with the Betic ranges, was formed during the alpine orogeny in the Tertiary era. Due to its isolation and altitude, since the end of the Würm glaciation, the massif has remained as a refuge to countless plants and endemic species, not normally found in Mediterranean latitudes. There are 66 endemic vascular plants and another 80-animal species, which represent the greatest biodiversity in the Iberian Peninsula and Europe.
Called “Sierra of the Sol“, by the Arabs, it has a rich cultural and historical heritage with Roman, Visigoth and Tartesios remains.
The most significant of the Muslim period are the sophisticated irrigation techniques, whose ditches and brooks plow the slopes collecting melt water and runoff to be harnessed in traditional uses and activities.
The amazing cuisine deserves mention, so they have the traditional “tapas” offered for free with each drink and many of them are quite succulent and creative.
The famous and attractive Alpujarra is another place to get lost and enjoy its mountains, its landscapes, its gastronomy, wines and people.
The “Sierras de Tejera, Almijara and Alhama” Natural Park which borders the provinces of Malaga and Granada, is part of the diffuse mountain ranges, mountain ridges and high mountains that form the Cordillera Penibética. It corresponds to the foothills of the chain and presents the last peaks above 2,000 meters before fading in the Subbética mountains. These are mountains inhabited since ancient times, with a land that invites to hike and enjoy a Mediterranean climate. The region where it is located, Axarquía, also contains historical and landscape importance that amply justify its reputation in Europe as a destination for well-known active tourism. Torrox or Frigiliana, are small samples of the interesting villages in the area that are interesting to explore.
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Date: Choose your own start date
Final PaymentFull payment is due 60 prior to departure.
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*Please note that hotels are subject to change (until deposits are paid) in which case a similar category of hotel will be offered.
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