Hike through Spain

“Walker, there is no road, you make the road when you walk.”
-Antonio Machado

HIKE THROUGH SPAIN

DAY 1- MÁLAGA
Arrive at Pablo Picasso International Airport and meet your driver as you leave customs. We’ll take you to your hotel in Málaga Old Town to check in before meeting your guide. Join the locals on their pre-dinner tapas route up Larios Street into the open air market. See the local cheeses, produce, bread and wines on display. Notice how differently Spanish present their fish and meats! Your guide will explain a few basic ingredients for Spanish staples like paella or migas. Continue into the oldest tavern in town to sample fresh seafood. Head into the Old Town for fusion tapas, classic “raciones” and more local gourmet food. As you taste your way through Málaga, you’ll pass the Roman Theater, Alcazaba Fortress, Picasso’s Birthplace and the Cathedral. Rest up for your hike tomorrow!

DAY 2- CAMINITO DEL REY (7.7 KM)
Meet your driver for the ride up through the Guadalhorce Valley to El Chorro and the massive hydroelectric dam. Begin your walk on what was once the service road for the dam works. Built at the beginning of the 20th century and named for King Alfonso XIII, the trail was recently completely renovated to allow hikers access once again. Climb on narrow pathways high above the river into the Desfiladero de Gaitanes, enjoying the views and wildlife along the way. Stay in a countryside inn in El Chorro today.

DAY 3- EL TORCAL (8 KM)
Meet your driver for the ride through the mountains to the heart of Andalucía: Antequera. Just outside this white village is a large natural park – El Torcal. Follow your guide through the strange rock formations left by the Mediterranean sea ages ago. You’ll see fossils embedded in the stone and prehistoric dwelling places. In the afternoon, walk Antequera’s cobblestone streets as you visit dolmen grave sites, reminiscent of Stonehenge; Roman ruins, the Moorish fortress, Renaissance convents and neoclassical churches. Spend the night in the Parador de Antequera.

DAY 4- ALPUJARRAS (9.7 KM)
Meet your driver for the ride across the plains of olive groves to a section of tiny white villages just outside Granada. This area was occupied by the Moors until they were finally exiled in the mid – 1500’s. Your walk today will be from the village of Capileira along the Poqueira gorge. Follow your guide under the shadow of the tallest mountain in Spain: Mulhacén. After your hike, try out the local mountain fare at lunch in Pampaneira and stay here tonight.

DAY 5- CAZORLA (9 KM)
Meet your driver in the hotel lobby for the drive to one of the largest natural parks in Spain, a Biosphere Reserve and Wildlife Preserve. Leave your suitcases at your hotel and meet your guide beside the entrance to the park. The hike today is an easy walk along the course of the Borosa River. Along the way, you might catch a glimpse of the river crab otter and possibly the “Bonebreaker” vulture. Finish the morning with lunch at a typical mountain restaurant. Stay in the small village of Cazorla tonight.

DAY 6- FREE DAY IN CAZORLA

DAY 7- SIERRA MORENA (12 KM)
Meet your driver for the ride close to Córdoba. Your guide will be waiting to take you along the Herald’s Way, on what was once a main access to Córdoba. Follow the Guadanuño River and cross the Guadiato River. As you continue upstream, pass Moorish and Roman bridges declared World Heritage sites. Stay in Córdoba tonight.

DAY 8- FREE DAY IN SEVILLA
Meet your driver for the ride to Sevilla in the morning. Enjoy a day of sightseeing on your own.

DAY 9- DOÑANA
Meet your driver and guide outside your hotel for the ride to El Rocío, a town created to receive pilgrims every year at the beginning of summer. Enjoy an amazing day out visiting the unique village of El Rocío, discovering beautiful scenery in Doñana National Park by 4×4; home to thousands of birds and unique ecosystems, and soaking up the sun on Costa de la Luz. Return to Sevilla in the evening.

DAY 10- GIBRALTAR STEPS
Meet your guide and driver for a classic Rock Taxi tour. Begin the tour with a visit to the southernmost point in Europe. Climb to the top of the Rock along narrow lanes in a Rock taxi. You’ll see breathtaking views of the Spanish and Moroccan coastlines. Up here your guide will show you St. Michael’s Caves, the Barbary Apes Den, Great Siege Tunnels and a Moorish Fortress. Walk down the Rock on the Mediterranean Steps. These were built for military use but have been safely converted into a sightseeing walk for civilians. End the tour on Main Street. Stay in Gibraltar tonight.

DAY 11- DEPARTURE
Meet your driver for the ride to Gibraltar airport.

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