Itinerary
Day One
Transfer from the airport to your hotel for 4 nights. Read through your walks pack and enjoy dining at one of our recommended restaurants close by.
Day Two
Rio El Bosque: Drive through stunning mountain landscapes to reach today's walk between two picturesque whitewashed villages. Delight in the shade of the woodland canopy as you walk the banks of the river El Bosque. One of the classic walks of the Sierra de Grazalema, the route features rock pools, waterfalls and footbridges. Discover a variety of flowers, shrubs and trees, and a great number of birds too, including, with luck, the nightingale.
After lunch at El Bosque visit the village or the botanical gardens. On your return to Grazalema, we recommend dining at one of the excellent local restaurants. (Easy 4 miles/ 6.5 km or Moderate 6 miles/9.5 km)
Day Three
Peñón Grande or Zahara: Ascends easily from Grazalema, the most stunning mountain scenery imaginable, panorama after panorama unfolding before you. We recommend you picnic here, on top of the world. Spot today Spanish Ibex, booted eagle or griffon vultures. In season, enjoy an abundance of wild flowers and orchids. It's wonderful to experience being in the high sierras without having to worry about sheer drops, difficult gradients or getting lost!
The easy option explores beautiful Zahara, arguably the most stunning white hilltop village in Andalucia. Easy paths encircle the imposing castle where, from its heights you'll enjoy panoramic views over surrounding countryside. Further explore Zahara before a scenic return to Grazalema and dinner at one of Grazalema’s most authentic restaurants. (Easy 4 miles/ 6.5 km or Moderate 6 miles/9.5 km)
Day Four
Villaluengua del Rosario: Start today's easy walk from Villaluengua del Rosario, an enchanting whitewashed village tucked into the side of the mountain. The walk is flat and easy along broad smooth tracks leading to magnificent meadows which, in Spring, are carpeted with wild flowers. Here you may well spot eagles and vultures up in the lofty crags, while you enjoy your picnic lunch below!
Then there are ancient farmsteads, cork forests where you're likely to encounter wild black pigs. Back in the village relax with a drink before visiting the bullring, perhaps the cheese factory where you can watch the award-winning Payoyo cheese being madeIn the evening, dine at another of our recommended restaurants in Grazalema. (Easy: 5 miles/8 km or Moderate: 6 miles/9.5 km)
Day Five
Puerto del Boyar and Grazalema: A walks from the goat farm where the views are stunning, and you’ll enjoy the feeling of being in the high sierras. Return on an easy flower-lined path to Grazalema for lunch at our favourite tapas bar. Our afternoon route takes you on a tour of Grazalema to discover its hidden corners, including a flour mill and blanket factory.
A more challenging walk takes you between the jagged peaks of the Sierra del Endrinal, journeying from one village to the next, as the people of the sierras have done for centuries. The views across this wild countryside are magnificent. Descend finally to Benaocaz for a cool tinto de verano before returning to Grazalema or visiting nearby Ubrique, home to Spain’s leather industry. Transfer to the Molino Santo Hotel, for a memorable dinner in their excellent restaurant. (Easy: 3-4 miles/5-6.5 km or Moderate: 7 miles/10 km)
Day Six
Excursion to Ronda: Today visit Ronda, a spectacular city which clings to the edge of a precipice, high above the plain, with its magnificent, iconic bridge spanning the awesome gorge below. Ronda is surrounded by fertile expanses of rolling farmland and olive groves. Explore picturesque streets with intricate wrought-iron balconies ablaze with flowers overlooking ancient cobbled squares. Visit several sites, including the cathedral, museums and the famous bullring.
After a tapas lunch, the afternoon is yours to browse and explore further before returning to the peace and beauty of your hotel. Alternatively your hotelier has produced a new self-guided walk in the local area surrounding the hotel which he will make available for you if you prefer a country walk or if you have, perhaps, visited Ronda before. Dine this evening at the Molino. (Easy 3 miles/5 km)
Day Seven
Benaoján and Jimera de Líbar: Designed to be relaxing, your last day is spent in and around Benaoján. Walk to Jimera de Líbar along a picturesque smugglers’ trail between villages that rise high above the Rio Guardiaro. Surrounded by mountains, this valley is exceptionally beautiful, and your route is lush with plant and wildlife.
After a drink in the bar at Jimera, take the train back to Benaoján for lunch at the Molino. In the afternoon you may choose to spend your last afternoon relaxing by the pool or, if you have energy to spare, you can take a short walk around the village for an hour or so. Spend your last evening savouring the delights of The Molino restaurant. (Easy: 5 miles/8 km am with optional 1.5 miles /2.5 km pm)
Day Eight
Departure:
Depart Benaoján for transfer to the airport or your onward journey.