Compare Andalucia Spain Walking Tour by Walking Connection vs Walking in Andalucia by Exodus Travels

Day 1: Arrival in Seville

Upon arrival in Seville, you check into your boutique hotel, located near the historical center. One of Europe’s most authentic urban cores, Seville contains three UNESCO World Heritage sites—the Alcázar palace complex, the Cathedral, and the General Archive of the Indies. For dinner, you can venture out nearby to some of the country’s best tapas bars.

Day 2: Transfer to Aracena

Transfer to Aracena.

Town exploration and cheese tasting Today you depart Seville and drive north to the Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche Natural Park, a protected range of hills stretching in an arc north of Seville and containing bucolic landscapes of oak and cork forest alternating with valleys, ancient villages, and Moorish forts and castles. Your destination and home for two nights is the region’s capital, Aracena, a town of 8,000 inhabitants, over which stand the ruins of a 12th-century Moorish fortress, which was in large part destroyed by Napoleon’s army in 1812. The entire town center has been declared “of Cultural Interest” for its many historical buildings and monuments, lovely squares, museums, and churches. Your local Representative, Ángel, guides you on a short exploration of the town before meeting an artisan cheese-maker’s shop for a tasting. If you wish, there is time to visit the stunning cave system of the Gruta de las Maravillas before dinner on your own.

Day 3: Corteconcepcion loop

Corteconcepcion loop; 9.6 miles, easy to moderate, 820-ft. elevation gain and loss. Tasting and visit at authentic producer of Ibérico ham.

This introductory walk takes you out to the pretty village of Corteconcepcion, passing farms, gurgling streams, olive groves and hillsides where you can see the famous Ibérico pigs roaming freely. In the village of Corteconcepcion you meet up with Ángel again for an interpretive visit of a small, family run finca. This farm specializes in rearing Ibérico pigs—the famous black pigs that produce the most exclusive hams in the world. You tour the extensive grounds, learning about the flora and the fascinating dehesa ecosystem and its associated farming process. Afterward, you enjoy a tasting of their mouth-watering hams. There is plenty of time for a casual lunch in the village before walking back to Aracena this afternoon, following a different path, giving you a new appreciation for this diverse landscape. Later you can stroll out and explore the many plazas of Aracena, with ample cafés and restaurants to choose from for an evening drink and dinner.

Day 4: Aracena to Cortelazor

Aracena to Cortelazor; 7 miles, easy to moderate, 985-ft. elevation gain, 1,050- ft. elevation loss.

You depart Aracena this morning and stop in the village to pick up picnic supplies, before venturing out into the countryside of chestnut groves and small farms. The last part of your walk is on ancient cobbled pathways—part of the medieval network of paths across Spain known as the Caminos Reales or “royal roads”. Your destination is Cortelazor, a charming village of just 300 inhabitants dating back to Roman times and surrounded by cork and chestnut forests. You may wish to enjoy a drink at one of the three bars in the main square, all serving local tapas-style food, as you watch a bit of local life. As throughout Andalucia, the locals are friendly and welcoming, and in the center you also find a shop, a 16th-century church, and a small crafts museum.

Day 5: Cortelazor loop

Cortelazor loop; 8.7 miles, moderate with challenging sections, 1,640-ft. elevation gain and loss.

Today, a loop walk takes you out through some of the prettiest and most remote parts of the hills. As well as the cultivated woodlands of the dehesa, the mixed forest and pastureland typical of southern Spain and Portugal, you walk through forests and along fertile river valleys between small villages. Along the way, you stop for a picnic lunch in the shade of a chestnut tree looking out over the forested mountains. The Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche nature park has been recognized by the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism. With more than 600 miles of trails, this park in the foothills of the broader Sierra Morena contains archaeological traces pre-dating the Romans. The area is also teeming with bird life, including birds of prey such as an important population of black vultures, and golden, short-toed, and Bonelli’s eagles. Almost every village church is topped with a stork’s nest, and the endangered black stork is found here. Wandering past streams, sightings of heron and egrets are also common. For dinner in this authentic pueblo, you walk with your host to one of the village bars for a simple but tasty meal—a true taste of the local life.

Overnight: Cortelazor

Day 6: Cortelazor to Alájar

Cortelazor to Alájar; 7.8 miles, easy to moderate, 1,310-ft. elevation gain, 985-ft. elevation loss.

Today’s walk takes you first through oak forests to the pretty village of Fuenteheridos. Passing through dehesa, you see farmers working both the land and the trees—producing honey, picking mushrooms and gathering chestnuts, while also harvesting cork and bringing the animals to graze on acorns. In Fuenteheridosyou can rest in the picturesque square and have lunch at one of the many bars and restaurants. From here your path takes you uphill to cross the Sierra through one of the most bountiful chestnut forests of the region. Once at the top, views extend south over the village of Alájar—today’s destination—and surrounding mountains, and on a clear day, all the way to sea. A narrow wooded path leads you all the way to the doorstep of your lovely hotel set high in the hills above the village. You can relax with a drink on the terrace or enjoy a dip in the pool before dinner in the warm dining room.

Day 7: Olive oil tasting. Alájar loop

Olive oil tasting. Alájar loop; 6.8 miles, moderate, 1,310-ft. elevation gain and loss.

This morning starts with a delicious breakfast before you set off down the hill and into the village of Alájar to meet Ángel at his home—a charming posada that he and his wife Lucy have meticulously restored over several years. Both are avid cooks, and one of their passions is olive oil, and you discover their extensive collection as you sample several varieties. As you continue walking, you notice the design of cobbled “door mats” in front of the traditional whitewashed houses, unique to this village. The route then continues through the semi-abandoned hamlet of Los Madroneros and into the beautiful forested countryside leading to Linares de la Sierra. In the village, you may encounter locals still gathering at the communal lavanderia to wash their clothes. In contrast, it is also the location of one of the best modern restaurants in the region, making it a perfect stop for lunch (based upon availability). This afternoon, you walk uphill for a short distance before emerging into the beautiful grounds surrounding your hotel, or decide to celebrate the week’s accomplishments with a visit to the local hammam and take a taxi back instead (at your own expense).

Day 8: Departure

Departure

After breakfast at your inn, you depart by private transfer from Alájar to Seville (1½ hours).

Day 1 Start Cortijo Rosario, Algamitas

We stay 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. Please note: There are Activity Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate) and Activity Level 4 (Moderate/Challenging) departures for this trip. This itinerary provides a day-by-day schedule for each Activity Level. Please check the Dates & Prices tab to confirm the Activity Level rating for each departure before booking. During each week, there will only be one Activity Level (2 or 4) which means these will never run simultaneously. 

Day 2 Gentle walk to Villanueva de San Juan; optional tapas lunch – Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate)

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 12km; Ascent: 1,083ft (330m); descent: 1,083ft (330m); approximately six hours walking including stops

Day 3 Walk in the Sierra de Grazalema – Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate)

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 9km; Ascent: 892ft (272m); descent: 1,788ft (545); approximately four to five hours walking including stops

Day 4 Walk to Caños Santos Monastery; walk to the white village of Setenil - Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate)

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 12km; Ascent: 902ft (275m); descent: 902ft (275m); approximately five to six hours walking including stops

Day 5 Free day in Seville; return to the cortijo after dinner – Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate) and Level 4 (Moderate/Challenging)

In the morning we transfer by private minibus to magnificent Seville. Now the capital of Andalucía, the city was one of the first conquests of the Moors. After the fall of the Cordoba Caliphate in the 11th century, under whose direction it previously lay, it became the most powerful city in Al-Andalus. The day is free to sightsee at our own pace. Near the city centre is the evocative Giralda, an architectural masterpiece dating to the 12th century. Close by is the magnificent Alcazar, a complex of palaces dating from Roman times and later used by both Moorish and Christian rulers. It has fine examples of Moorish and Mudejar architecture (rivalling the Alhambra in Granada) and stunning sculpted gardens. After the Christian reconquest, Seville became the gateway to the ‘New World’; Christopher Columbus negotiated with Queen Isabella here to fund his voyage to the Americas, bringing her back untold riches and making Seville one of the wealthiest cities in Europe. After immersing ourselves in history and culture, we enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the city in the evening, returning to the cortijo after dinner.

Day 6 Visit El Chorro gorge and walk El Caminito del Rey – Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate)

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 9km; Ascent: 574ft (175m); descent: 902ft (275m); approximately three hours walking

Day 7 Walk a circuit around the Peñon overlooking Algamitas – Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate)

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 14km; Ascent: 1,542ft (470m); descent: 1,542ft (470m); approximately five hours walking including stops

Day 8 End Cortijo Rosario, Algamitas

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.