Guided Walking Holiday in Andalucia

After the short transfer from Malaga airport to Canillas, there will be time to settle in and relax at Villa La Posada, your base for the week. In the early evening, there will be a welcome briefing by Mick, your host and guide for the week, followed by a 3 course dinner with wine. Often, dinner is taken al fresco in the hotel courtyard. (Photographed above).

11km – 4½ hours walking – 350m ascent/descent
This walk to Cómpeta, known locally as the the Pearl of the Axarquia, offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the Mediterranean. Famous for its locally-made wine, this lovely village is a vibrant labyrinth of streets and whitewashed houses cluttered around a 13th century tower. The walk today traverses some beautiful countryside, a rich tapestry of scrubland, forest and agricultural terracing.
We should arrive at the main plaza in Cómpeta in time for an early lunch, usually tapas. But there are many bars and restaurants to choose from. After lunch, there is the option to walk to a local Bodega for a winery tour and some tasting at around 2pm. This is highly recommended! 

12km – 4 hours walking – 450m ascent/descent
This walk takes you through the sleepy, step-back-in-time village of Archez before traversing the avocado plantations that border Competa with its vibrant atmosphere, cafes and tapas bars. 

8km – 4 hours walking – 775m ascent/descent (option to extend by 5km)
This route descends out of Canillas on an old Roman path, crossing an ancient Roman bridge before traversing a landscape of avocado and citrus groves. We then continue uphill on a mule track to the summit of Fogarate – a hilltop lookout that lies in the shadow of the lofty peak of La Maroma. After taking in the fabulous views, we follow the valley along an irrigation canal to the old Moorish village of Salares. We wander through the steep, winding streets of this picturesque village and have the option of lunch in Theo’s Bar, a simple but special experience. We return to Canillas by private transfer.

Wednesday is a rest day. Breakfast is served as usual, but there is no guided walk, and dinner is not included. That said, we’re still here to help you plan something memorable.  

The most popular option is a visit to Malaga. Just one hour from us, Malaga is not just an airport! Indeed, it is rich in culture, history and fascinating architecture, notably its stunning cathedral. It is also a town of  bustling markets and atmospheric cafes and restaurants.

Another popular option is to visit the coastal caves in the seaside resort of Nerja just 30 minutes from Canillas. 

 9km – 5 hours walking – 625m ascent/descent
This circular hike is quite simply a beautiful day out in a quiet and secluded valley. This is quintessential Andalucía and it will surely be a highlight of your stay. The descent into the abandoned village of Acebuchal is a fascinating focal point of the day. 

10km – 5 hours walking – 420m ascent/descent
We have arguably saved the best until last! This is a dramatic linear walk which follows the natural and man-made waterways that run down into traditional hillside villages from the mountains that loom above. It takes in spectacular steep ravines and at times follows narrow pathways, all with superb views of La Maroma (2069m) the highest peak of the Sierra de Tejeda. Please note that a head for heights is required for this walk as it involves crossing a 56m steel suspension bridge and follows a narrow path at points. 

After breakfast at 9am, guests join a transfer to Malaga Airport. Those with later flights have the opportunity to spend time in Malaga.