Discover a heaven for walkers in southern Spain, where life is simple and the landscapes are breathtaking
Outside the golden cultural triangle of Seville, Cordoba and Granada, the rural landscape of Andalucía is breathtaking. This hiking adventure in Spain takes us through rugged hills, sunflower fields and olive groves, while also visiting the limestone peaks of Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, El Chorro gorge, and the cliffside walkway of El Caminito del Rey. In this corner of Europe, the excesses of modern life do not seem to have taken root and our home for the week is the perfect example: a rustic cortijo (farmhouse) in the agricultural heartlands, which is reserved exclusively for our groups. Additionally, there’s a whole day reserved to explore the magnificent city of Seville.
Discover the rural beauty of Andalucía with our expert tour leader
- Stay in Cortijo Rosario, our exclusive converted farmhouse with a pool
- Visit El Chorro gorge and walk the spectacular Caminito del Rey
- rek through Sierra de Grazalema, the first national park in Andalucía
- Explore the abandoned Caños Santos Monastery and the white village of Setenil
- Visit Seville to explore the culture-rich capital of Andalucia
Itinerary
Begin your adventure at Cortijo Rosario in the heart of the Andalucían countryside, around 62mi (100km) from Malaga. Our converted farmhouse is just a short walk from Algamitas, a peaceful traditional village far from big towns or cities. It’s the ideal chance to experience the real Spain, while still offering easy access to the best walking spots and towns such as Olvera, Setenil and Seville, which we’ll visit during the week.
Around 6pm, say hola to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.
Your tour leader then ensures a big Andalucían welcome over dinner.
Take a guided walk on the trails and paths around the cortijo and on to the neighbouring village of Villanueva. The countryside surrounding Algamitas is picture-perfect, covered with olive trees, beautiful farmland and rolling hills.
During the walk, our leader will give us a good overview of the rural lifestyle and traditions in this part of the world, which are largely based around the production of olive oil. An optional tapas lunch in the village gives us a chance to soak up the authentic Andalucían atmosphere. Once back at the cortijo, enjoy free time by the pool or with a drink on the lovely outdoor terrace. We then have dinner and stay overnight at the cortijo.
Distance: 7.5mi (12km); Ascent: 1,083ft (330m); descent: 1,083ft (330m); approximately six hours walking including stops
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Our private bus will drive us high into the Grazalema Mountains, over the Pass of the Doves. Designated a Unesco biosphere reserve in 1977, the Sierra de Grazalema was declared the first natural park in Andalucía in 1984 and is one of most ecologically outstanding areas in Spain.
It is best-known for having a spectacularly rugged limestone landscape of cliffs, gullies, caves and gorges. We walk up past this fantastic scenery and down into the white village of Benaocaz.
Distance: 5.5mi (9km); Ascent: 892ft (272m); descent: 1,788ft (545); approximately four to five hours walking including stops
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we set out from Cortijo Rosario, walking through Algamitas farmland to the abandoned monastery of Caños Santos, where we will have lunch. In the afternoon, follow the Ruta de los Molinos along the river that runs through the white village of Setenil de las Bodegas. Built under the overhanging ledge of a gorge, Setenil is not only known for having standout architecture but also for bars, restaurants and food shops, which are the best in the region. We have free time to discover Setenil and later return to the cortijo by private minibus.
Distance: 7.5mi (12km); Ascent: 902ft (275m); descent: 902ft (275m); approximately five to six hours walking including stops
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
At 9am, we transfer (1hr 40min) by private minibus to Seville, the magnificent capital of Andalucía and one of the first conquests of the Moors.
Our drop-off/pick-up point is on Menendez Pelayo, opposite the Jardines de Murillo and a 10-minute walk from the cathedral and Royal Alcázar.
The day is free to sightsee at your own pace, though we’ve found most choose to explore the Royal Alcázar, a palace complex dating from Roman times and later used by both Moorish and Christian rulers. Tickets (€15.50) can be booked through your tour leader at the welcome briefing − entrance is typically at midday.
The tour leader can also book you a tapas-tasting menu at Pasaje Bar nearby (normally for around 2.30pm) or a early evening flamenco show at La Casa de Flamenco or Casa de Guitarra. Other sights you might like to visit include the cathedral, Metropol Parasol and La Casa Palacio del Conde de Lebrija.
During your exploration of Seville, make sure to pick up some dinner to eat on the bus back to the cortijo. We typically arrive around 8.30pm and the kitchen is closed, though there are restaurants open in the village.
Meals included: Breakfast
A short drive takes us to El Chorro gorge, where we are dropped off at the Guadalhorce Dam and reservoir to begin our walk. We’ll head to the start of El Caminito del Rey, a narrow cliffside path hanging 328ft (100m) above the Guadalhorce river. Originally built around 1905, and improved around 1921, it fell into disrepair, earning it the moniker ‘the most dangerous path in the world’ or even the ‘walk of death’.
The new Caminito del Rey was reconstructed and reopened to the public in 2015, with the route and design replicating (as much as possible) the old one, but with higher safety standards. After, there will be a chance to relax and rest by the reservoir.
The Caminito del Rey ticket is included in the cost of the trip and will be arranged by Exodus upon booking. However, please be aware that for reservations made less than 90 days prior to departure, there may be a supplement to pay to guarantee entrance as ticket numbers are limited. We will be able to check this upon booking and confirm the amount of the supplement if it applies.
Distance: 5.5mi (9km); Ascent: 574ft (175m); descent: 902ft (275m); approximately three hours walking
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we walk around the impressive Peñon Crag, which looms over Cortijo Rosario. El Peñon is the highest point in the Seville province, 3,700ft (1,130m) above sea level, offering dramatic views of the landscape around Algamitas and the neighbouring villages, hills and farmland. On the way back to the cortijo, we stop for drinks on a lovely panoramic terrace.
Distance: 9mi (14km); Ascent: 1,542ft (470m); descent: 1,542ft (470m); approximately five hours walking including stops
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our final breakfast is the perfect chance to reflect on the many highlights of this unforgettable Andalucian escape. Once you’re full up, bid a fond hasta pronto to our hosts, who may well feel more like family by now, before starting your return home. If you would like additional time in Andalucia please speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Meals included: Breakfast
Key Information
What's Included
- All breakfasts, four picnic lunches and six evening meals
- All accommodation
- All transport and listed activities
- Tour leader throughout
What's Not Included
- Travel insurance
- Single accommodation (available on request)
- Visas or vaccinations
Essential Info
This trip is Activity Level 2 (Easy & Active) with five walking days. For more information on our trip gradings please visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
Walking is mostly on well-marked paths; this is a hilly area, so expect some easy ascents. Walking hours stated in the itinerary are given as approximates only. Timings include lunch and photo stops and will vary depending on the pace of your group.
The majority of drives are short except for the journey to Seville, which is approximately two hours.
While most departures are rated Activity Level 2 (Easy & Active), which allow us to ascend the higher peaks and walk on more challenging terrain for longer hours. It is important to be fit on these departures.
Please note, all activities are optional and a rest day may be taken at any point should you prefer to relax at the cortijo.
Cortijo Rosario is renovated to a high standard, while maintaining traditional heritage, so the farmhouse should not be considered a luxury villa or hotel.
Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Cortijo Rosario, Carretera De Pruna, Algamitas, Sevilla, 41661
Phone: +34 642 30 13 41
Recommended arrival time: Between 4pm and 6pm at the start hotel, there will be a welcome briefing around 6pm once everyone has arrived. This is followed by dinner.
Airport: Malaga (AGP)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately a 90-minute drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:
Take an Outgoing Travels transfer
Outgoing Travels provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times.
Make your own way
It’s possible to reach the Cortijo Rosario by public transport, but the journey is complicated. We therefore recommend joining the group transfer where possible. If not, you can book private transfers through your sales representative. Bookings must be made at least two weeks before departure. The cost for a private transfer from Malaga Airport to Cortijo Rosario is approximately €170 per vehicle (one to four clients). If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to the airport that’s scheduled to align with a flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales consultant if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales consultant to arrange an alternative transfer.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Algamitas
Location end: Algamitas
Vaccinations and Health
Spain
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus and rabies. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Passport
All travellers must have a full passport for Outgoing Travels tours; generally, this should be valid for six months after the date of your scheduled return home. Requirements change often and other regulations may apply, so be sure to check with the nearest embassy of the country you intend to visit.
Visa – Spain
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Spain. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below:
Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/spain
Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/spain
United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/entry-requirements
USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Spain.html
Food & Drink
All breakfasts, four picnic lunches and six evening meals are included.
Breakfast: Continental buffet breakfast with local fruit and yoghurt.
Lunch: Packed lunches are provided for most day walks, usually filled with cheese/cold meats. On some days it is possible to enjoy authentic tapas in local villages.
Dinner: All food is freshly prepared from locally grown seasonal produce, and the meals come with complimentary wine, tea and coffee. A selection of soft and alcoholic drinks are available at the bar (payable locally).
Vegetarians are generally well catered for at Cortijo Rosario.
Please note that due to the remote location of the accommodation, it is not always possible or ideal for the local staff to make last-minute menu changes. It is, therefore, crucial you advise us on booking if you have any special dietary requirements.
Weather
Spring generally enjoys pleasant daytime temperatures – 12°C to 23°C (53°F to 73°F) – and a little cooler in the evenings. There is the chance of rain, which then offers views of beautiful spring flowers. Summer months are hot and dry with daytime temperatures around 21°C to 35°C (70°F to 95°F), dropping to between 17°C and 25°C (62°F to 77°F) at night. Autumn brings cooler weather, although it is still fairly dry. The possibility of rain is more likely in winter months but temperatures stay mild in the daytime, becoming cooler after sunset.
