White Villages of Andalucia Walk
8 Days Starting and ending in Canillas De Albaida, Spain
Visiting: Canillas de Albaida, Cómpeta, Sedella, Malaga, Salares, Nerja, Sierra de Alhama Natural Park
Tour operator:
Tour code:
W07AA
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 16
Age range:
15-99
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
The Finca el Cerrillo is a firm Headwater favourite, this holiday combines gentle walking to the nearby white villages of Sedella, Salares and Competa with a local wine tasting, visits to the caves at Nerja and Nerja's famous Balcon de Europa. On your free day, perhaps take a trip to in Malaga (payable locally), the birthplace of Picasso or enjoying a day relaxing at the Finca's pool. The week ends with a spectacular 4x4 drive to Loma del Daire with views of the nearby peaks and distant views to Nerja and the sea.
Our experienced walking leader will accompany you on all walks. Some of our paths will take us off the beaten track in the Sierra de Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama Natural Park and on other days, we'll be exploring the pretty white villages and olive-planted hillsides that date back to Moorish times. The walks are short, typically allowing for free time in the afternoon to relax in the beautiful grounds of the Finca.
Did you know you can travel by train to this trip? Find out more here.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive in Canillas De Albaida
Location: Canillas de Albaida
Accommodation Name: Finca el Cerrillo
Meals Included: Dinner
Arrive at your hotel in Canillas de Albaida. (Staying at the Finca el Cerrillo, Half Board)
Day 2 : Competa Walk
Location: Cómpeta
Accommodation Name: Finca el Cerrillo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A 5-minute transfer takes us to the church of Santa Ana in Canillas de Albaida from where we head towards Competa passing smallholdings with avocados, maize, artichoke and citrus trees. We stop at the Bodegas Almijara where Maria will show us around and explain about wine making in the region - of course you'll get to enjoy a taste! It's then on to Competa for a tapas lunch in the lively main square, Plaza Almijara. We wind our way back to Santa Ana Church and either take the transfer back to the hotel or continue walking along the mule path from the village back to the Finca. (Staying at the Finca el Cerrillo, Half Board)
Day 3 : Sedella Walk
Location: Sedella
Accommodation Name: Finca el Cerrillo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we head to the white village of Sedella where a track takes us above the village passing Roman terraces, still farmed today. We head up through almond groves to the Molino de Montosa, beneath the imposing La Maroma (2,096m), the highest peak in the region. On a clear day we can see North Africa's Rif Mountains. It's big bird country here too with regular sightings of griffon vultures and other birds of prey. After stopping for a picnic we head back down to Sedella and enjoy a cool drink in Salvador's bar before heading back for a lazy afternoon by the pool or in the library. (Staying at the Finca el Cerrillo, Half Board)
Day 4 : Free Day
Location: Malaga
Accommodation Name: Finca el Cerrillo, Half Board
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
There is the option of an excursion to the beautiful city of Malaga (payable locally) where you have the day to explore at your leisure. Your starting point is the Castillo de Gibralfaro, a Moorish fortress with spectacular views to the port and town below. From here venture down into the old town where you can explore the Alcazaba, the Moorish Palace next to the Roman ruins. The 16th century cathedral is in the heart of the old town and a short distance from here is the Picasso museum with over 200 of the artist's paintings on display. *(Staying at the Finca el Cerrillo, Half Board)*
Day 5 : Salares Walk
Location: Salares
Accommodation Name: Finca el Cerrillo, Half Board
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We head along a track through olives and citrus groves before dropping down past the bat house with resident horseshoe bats. We'll then continue alongside woodland, listening out for the river running beneath us and watching out for golden orioles. We enter Salares over the Arabic bridge which provides a great photo opportunity! There is an interesting church, Santa Ana, still bearing an old Moorish minaret. Lunch is taken at Theo's bar before a transfer back to the Finca. *(Staying at the Finca el Cerrillo, Half Board)*
Day 6 : Nerja Caves and Gorge
Location: Nerja
Accommodation Name: Finca el Cerrillo, Half Board
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A 45-minute transfer takes us to the spectacular Cuevas de Nerja where a 750m walkway takes us through a series of caves to a large column 32 metres high. We then head back out to start our walk along the Barranco de Maro. Wildflowers line the gorge with amazing rocky overhangs providing shady spots. After lunch explore Nerja town where you can people-watch from the Balcon de Europa, a rocky promontory made famous by King Alfonso XII. Relax on the beach or head to Nerja Museum to discover more about the caves. It's then back to the Finca before dinner in a local restaurant. *(Staying at the Finca el Cerrillo, Half Board)*
Day 7 : Loma Del Daire
Location: Sierra de Alhama Natural Park
Accommodation Name: Finca el Cerrillo, Half Board
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is all about views - a 4x4 drive takes us into the Sierra de Alhama Natural Park where we stop at a viewpoint - a stunning vista of jagged peaks and the coast. The drive and the views continue until we reach the start point for the walk. We begin with a gentle climb surrounded by cistus, rosemary, thyme and an abundance of wildflowers. The trail flattens and contours round the mountain, below Cerro Verde, before meeting up with the historic silk trail taking us into Granada Province and back to the viewpoint. *(Staying at the Finca el Cerrillo, Half Board)*
Day 8 : Leave Canillas De Albaida
Location: Canillas de Albaida
Meals Included: Breakfast
LEAVE CANILLAS DE ALBAIDA
What's Included
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Accommodation
7 nights single-centre accommodation is included.
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Meals
All meals are included, including wine at dinner.
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Fully Guided
Services of an experienced walking guide are included.
What's Not Included
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
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Single Accommodation
Single accommodation is available on request and requires a compulsory supplement.
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Visas or Vaccinations
Visas or vaccinations are not included.
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Excursion to Malaga
The excursion to the city of Malaga is payable locally and not included in the tour price.
Accommodation
The Finca el Cerrillo offers 13 individually styled en-suite rooms, a beamed lounge, dining room, small library, and an 'honesty' bar. The terraced gardens feature 100-year-old carob and palm trees, sunny and shaded patios, and a pool with stunning valley views.Food
Andalucía’s base their cuisine on traditional fresh fayre. Onions, tomatoes and peppers feature liberally, simply cooked in olive oil and served as a starter seasoned with local herbs and accompanied by good fresh bread. Dinner often consists of Fish (pescado) or meat (carne) served grilled or deep-fried in olive oil. A good alternative for vegetarians is ensalada de garbanzos y tomate - a delicious salad of chickpea and tomatoes. Local specialities depend on the region: in the mountains, you’ll be offered delicious hams and game, down by the coast seafood will be more prominent.
Tapas was invented in this region and several different mini snacks can make a cheap, fun way to try the various dishes on offer. If you want larger portions, ask for ‘raciones’. Seville is the best place to tapear - tour the many bars sampling their tapas!
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes a stay at the Finca el Cerrillo, a 200-year-old olive mill with 13 individually styled en-suite rooms, a beamed lounge, dining room, small library, and an 'honesty' bar. The terraced gardens offer both sunny and shaded patios, and the pool provides stunning views of the valley and the Moorish village of Archez.
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Are all meals included in the tour package?
Yes, all meals are included in the tour package, and wine is provided at dinner.
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What kind of transportation is included in the tour?
The tour includes various transfers such as a 5-minute transfer to the church of Santa Ana in Canillas de Albaida, a 45-minute transfer to the Cuevas de Nerja, and a 4x4 drive into the Sierra de Alhama Natural Park. Transfers back to the Finca are also provided after certain activities.
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What activities are available on the free day?
On the free day, there is an option for an excursion to the city of Malaga, where you can explore the Castillo de Gibralfaro, the Alcazaba, the 16th-century cathedral, and the Picasso museum at your leisure.
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What is the highlight of the visit to the Nerja Caves?
The highlight of the visit to the Nerja Caves is a 750-meter walkway that takes you through a series of caves to a large column that is 32 meters high.
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What can participants expect during the 4x4 drive in the Sierra de Alhama Natural Park?
During the 4x4 drive in the Sierra de Alhama Natural Park, participants can expect stunning vistas of jagged peaks and the coast, as well as a gentle climb surrounded by wildflowers and herbs like cistus, rosemary, and thyme.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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