Compare Andalucia Spain Walking Tour by Walking Connection vs Highlights of Andalucia by Intrepid Travel

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 Seville

Hola! Bienvenido a Sevilla. Welcome to Seville. There are no activities planned during the day, so you may arrive at any time before the important welcome meeting at 7 pm. If you do have time beforehand, take the opportunity to visit Barrio Santa Cruz – with its multicultural history, it is a great place to start. This neighbourhood was designed in medieval times to provide a shaded space from the Andalucian heat. After your welcome meeting, you may like to head out for a dinner with your group and sample some local tapas.

Day 2 Seville

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast this morning before heading on an orientation walk with your leader. Explore the maze of narrow cobblestoned streets and sun-speckled squares in Barrio Santa Cruz, also known as the Jewish Quarter and El Centro. Pass by the grand gothic-style Catedral de Sevilla – the burial site of Christopher Columbus and the Giralda – built as a minaret for the Great Mosque of Seville. See the magnificent Alcazar Palace – one of the country’s most impressive and historic monuments. Then, you’ll take part in a flamenco dance class run by Casa de la Memoria – an organisation dedicated to preserving the folkloric tradition of Andalusian flamenco. Learn how this cultural centre preserves the artistic heritage of dance, the history of the dance school and the stories of the teachers while you practice a few fun moves. Maybe head to a flamenco show tonight or practice your moves after a late dinner.

Day 3 Grazalema

After breakfast, say goodbye to Seville and hit the road. Your first stop is a local winery near the city of Jerez. Here you’ll have the chance to sample some locally produced sherry, accompanied by tasty Iberico tapas. After the winery, travel to Grazalema. The village sits in the foothills of the Sierra del Pinar mountain range and will be your base for two nights. Settle into your accommodation, a charming hotel located on a farm in the heart of the Grazalema Natural Park. Make the most of your stunning location this evening and enjoy dinner at your accommodation, made from produce grown on site and locally sourced meat and dairy.

Day 4 Grazalema

Begin your day with an orientation walk around the whitewashed buildings and winding alleys of Grazalema. Then it's on to explore the splendid village of Zahara de la Sierra. The awesome mountain-top location of this whitewashed village makes it visible for many kilometres. It's also known as the 'Moorish Eagle's Nest'. Your first stop, on the outskirts of the village, is Molino El Vinculo, a traditional, family-run ‘cold’ olive oil mill. Enjoy a tour of the factory and a tasting. Andalucia is the world's largest producer of olive oil, and the locals enjoy it at all times of the day. It is also the basis of Andalucia's most famous contribution to world gastronomy – gazpacho. Back in the centre of Zahara de la Sierra, your leader will take you up to the 15th-century watchtower from where you can marvel at the spectacular views over the Zahara-El Gastor Reservoir and the surrounding countryside. Return to Grazalema where you’ll have time to relax by the pool or take a walk around the Natural Park before another included dinner at your accommodation

Day 5 Ronda

After breakfast, travel by private vehicle to Ronda. This little town, perched on a mountaintop, is one of Spain's oldest villages, dating back to the 9th century BC, and arguably its most spectacular. Head out on an orientation walk with your leader and visit the historic Plaza de Toros de Ronda, the birthplace of modern bullfighting and one of the country’s oldest arenas. Stop off at several viewpoints along the Puerta de Almocabar, an ancient stone gate, and check out the Arab Walls while learning about the town’s Islamic heritage. In the evening, you might like to enjoy some tapas and a glass of crisp Spanish beer in one of Ronda's lively local eateries.

Day 6 Granada

After breakfast, continue to Granada by private vehicle, taking in views of Andalucia’s rich and diverse landscapes along the way. Arrive in the city and walk through the historic Christian cathedral district to witness the Moorish influence first-hand. In the afternoon you will be taking part in an exclusive local produce tasting at a small, family run delicatessen. Try local Iberian ham, different types of cheeses, jam, olive oil and other gourmet products from around Spain, including some wine. Afterwards there is the option to visit Granada Cathedral and the Royal Chapel. Alternatively, you can wander through the Alcaiceria (old silk market area). In the evening, you may want to go out on a tapas tour of the city, or head to one of the small flamenco taverns around the city and see how the art form here differs from Seville's version.

Day 7 Granada / Alhambra

Today make a visit to Granada's impressive Alhambra Palace. An entrance ticket and a guided tour is included in the trip and grants you access to the Palace and Gardens. Discover this 11th-century marvel and its dominating red fortress towers, palace decor, architectural styles, and magnificent gardens. It's all set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains. With fountains, impeccably maintained hedges and pools, centuries-old defensive walls, turrets, and views overlooking Granada, this renowned palace will not disappoint. Make sure you allow enough time as the Alhambra is made up of three parts: the Alcazaba, the 11th-century Muslim wing which features spectacular views from its towers; the Palacio Nazaries, the centre of the complex; and Generalife, the summer palace of the sultans. After your visit ask your leader to take you deeper into Granada’s Moorish Albaicin quarter and to the area of traditional tea houses. The view from this area across to the Alhambra Palace is not to be missed. Tonight, perhaps meet up again with the group for dinner.

Day 8 Granada

There are no activities planned for today, so you are free to leave your accommodation at any time. If you would like to stay on in Granada, we don’t blame you! Additional accommodation can be arranged when you book (subject to availability). Granada also has flight, rail and bus connections to major Spanish cities and other European hubs.