Grade: Easy / Moderate

Andalucia is one of the prettiest areas of Southern Spain. We stay in one of the white mountain villages in the Tejeda National Park, just one hour drive from Malaga airport. The area is great for walking in the Sierras Tejada and Almijarra with stunning scenery and views down to the sea and, on a clear day, to the shores of Morocco. Walks will take you through groves of olives, oranges, lemons, avocados, almonds and the muscatel grape, which is used to make the famous Competa wine. You will be captivated by the butterflies which can be seen taking pollen from the many varieties of wild flowers. The area is lush and green due to the system of irrigation channels used to water the lower terraces, where the villagers grow vegetables. Mules are still used to carry produce and wood for the fires. Life here is very peaceful and relaxing.

Many of the houses in Competa were built by the Moors and the architecture remains Moorish as it does in many of the neighbouring villages. The village has a delightful Plaza dominated by its 16th Century church, the municipal market and wine museum. Throughout the year many fiestas are held in the village with flamenco music and dancing. The people are warm and friendly. You will stay in a typical village house. Evening meals will be taken in one of the many local restaurants serving superb food.

The week long holiday consists of 5 days of walking. On your day off, there is plenty to do; horse riding, or you can take an excursion to Granada, or to Nerja on the coast, just 12 miles away. All these activities can be arranged through, your guide. The Granada trip is a real winner with our clients.

The programme of walks includes local villages, walking on mule tracks and traditional routes on which You will spot some exotic wild flowers, birds, butterflies and maybe ibex. Walks will be between 4 to 6 hours and we walk on 5 days.

Groups are small and this allows flexibility in the choice of walks.