Active in Andalusia

On the day of arrival, venture straight to Ronda, a pleasant drive riding alongside the National Park “Sierra de la Nieves”. A spanning bridge over El Tajo, the giant canyon, connects the two sides of the town. Ronda is a picturesque historic town that urges exploration. The Arab area of the town is one of the best conserved in Spain, the Arabic bathhouse is a superb idea to visit.

The journey through this region awards a visitor with the noticeably wonderful charm the Moors’ left behind some time ago. The many “Pueblos Blancos”, the white villages, are very dear to Andalusia and you’ll encounter them spread throughout this region. They are architecturally influenced by North Africa, the Moors’ native land and are a sight to see. The drive today will talk you around the region with various tips for walks. The drive is littered with towns and villages, beautiful landscapes and lakes, castles, and Arab ruins. Deviate about 30 minutes off the main path to the Natural Park of Sierra de Grazalema. Here you’ll have the pleasure of meeting its collection of famous white mountain towns of Grazalema and Montejaque. You’ll appreciate a quick look into the village of Setenil de Bodegas, known for its houses unbelievably carved into and tucked under the mountain rocks.

After a typical breakfast with fresh fruits and homemade “Pan con Tomate”, a standard Spanish delight made from grated tomato and olive oil from the village. Heading out, you’ll see the clear blue lakes of Ardales and widespread olive groves over this vast landscape. Tip: roll down the window here for a wonderful scent of Spanish olives in the air. The real journey begins upon reaching the stunning walkway of the Caminito del Rey – The King’s Walk. This thrilling walk leads you through the towers over the valley of El Chorro, 7 kilometers long and on average 100 meters high. We assure you this walk will be one of the highlights of this trip. Replenish with lunch, either in the town square in Ardales or in Álora, a terrace under the Andalusian sun rays awaits you.

The National Park El Torcal anticipates your visit this morning, on your way to Frigiliana. El Torcal contains one of the most impressive karst landscapes of Europe. Here you’ll avoid the crowds as one of our expert guides takes you off the beaten path to view these geographical wonders. Afterward, visit the neighboring town of Antequera. Europe’s largest dolomites are here in Antequera, and oddly enough, so is the highest density of churches of any Spanish city. Moving along, this route provides a hefty amount of options to explore as you continue on your way to Frigiliana.

Voted as one of Andalusia´s most picturesque villages, Frigiliana’s Moorish old quarter is heart-warmingly adorned with mosaic narrow streets, stoned large steps, brilliantly blue doors, ceramics, and hanging plants. This morning you’ll appreciate a walk around before heading down to the sea. Paradise Exists, and it may just be here in the Mediterranean. Destination: Burriana beach in the town of Nerja. The Mediterranean beaches are crowd favorites for countless reasons. See for yourself as you stroll the boardwalk and choose (or try to) which to do from the plenty of activities at hand. Here is the place to try “Espeto”, fresh barbecued sardines on a stick – the local delight which is found at any of the “chiringuitos” and restaurants on the beach. Kayak with your private guide alongside the cliffs of the National Park “Acantilados de Maro”. Note the warm, glass-clear waters. Explore the various caves, rock features, and waterfalls. Keep an eye out for fish enjoying the waters with you.

Today has ample places to visit! Pursue a winding route in order to salute to some of the region’s most picturesque villages; may we present, Sayalonga, Cómpeta, and Vélez Málaga. For the hikers out there, several surrounding villages offer splendid hikes that are all the rage! You’ll see why when you climb the highest mountain in the Málagan province, named “Maroma”, at a little over 2000 meters high. Walk along the boulevards of lesser-known coastal villages and enjoy their fresh beverages and culinary treats on the terraces and decorated center squares.

Today you drive from Frigiliana to Monachil with a stop in Capileira. Capileira is one of the most authentic white villages and belongs to the Alpujarras region of the Sierra Nevada; it’s a place of amazing scenery and breathtaking viewpoints. Make your way through the villages of Bubión and Pampaneira to enhance your feel for this region. Feeling culturally enriched, you’ll transfer back to Capileira and head off to the other side of the Sierra Nevada, your final destination today, Granada.

Granada is another exceptionally beautiful city whose status as the last Moorish kingdom is deeply woven into the fabric of the city. Today, we recommend exploring the city on foot to best appreciate its dramatic setting in the foothills of Sierra Nevada. Enjoy its gastronomy scene, whose large tapas portions have earned it a place in the hearts of food lovers. In the morning a private guide will pick you up to explore the jewel in Granada’s crown the Alhambra – whose sprawling complex and unabashed grandeur truly justifies its worldwide reputation. Its Renaissance residential palaces, opulent frescoes, decorated columns, and open courtyards are a lasting monument to the pivotal part the city played in Iberian history, while its gardens are an oasis of calm and serenity. In the afternoon, we suggest venturing into the Albaicín neighborhood, the old Arab Quarter which has retained a strong sense of identity and wonderfully imperial energy. End the day with a visit to the Sacromonte neighborhood, the thriving folkloric gypsy quarter which lures visitors to its hillside location for flamenco music and dancing after dark.

Welcome to the Sierra Nevada! There are several alluring options the Sierra Nevada will excite you with today. One respectable option is to spend more time in Granada to check off the points which you couldn’t the day before. Visit additional villages in the Sierra Nevada, and the village of Purullana, whose enormous dwellings, known as cave homes, are entirely built into the rock. Its handicraft, ceramic traditions. are a special source of pride. The identifiable cobalt blue pattern is created with a technique dating back to the 16th century; pick one up in one of the cave shops. The Cuesta de Negro, one of the most important archaeological sites in the province lies here, waiting for you since 1800 BC. Would you prefer to spend your final day as one with nature? Well, this is your opportunity to dig deeper into Sierra Nevada. Complete a 6-kilometer walk through one of its gravity-defying canyons, or make a full-day excursion at your preferred activity and strength level.

You have the option to fly back home directly from Málaga or to take a train to Madrid to catch your outbound flight. Should you wish to extend the trip further and experience more of Spain’s gems, or adjust the itinerary we would be delighted to tailor this to your wishes.