Customwalks: Guided walking tours in Italy, France, Greece, Spain, Turkey and Croatia.
Spain Andalusia HikingTour Write a review
Jagged mountains and fields of shimmering olive trees provide a colorful backdrop to this Andalusia walking tour. Flamenco dancers and gypsy music add spice, while the majestic Alhambra Palace and the twisting streets of Granada’s Moorish Albaicin neighborhood provide old-world charm. You’ll be awed by the scale and brilliance of Cordoba’s “Mezquita,” once the biggest mosque in the Arab world and then transformed by the Spanish, who built an enormous Renaissance cathedral directly inside it. You’ll also enjoy guided walks through Andalusia’s impressive landscapes, along ancient paths from one whitewashed village to another, past rolling hills, almond orchards, olive groves, and rocky ravines. We stay in charming local villages and world-class cities like Seville, Córdoba, and Granada. You’ll love the warmth of the Andalusian people, as well as their delicious cuisine.
Spain Andalucia Hiking Tour Includes:
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Spain Andalusia HikingTour itinerary Request full itinerary
Independent arrival in historic Seville, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. Take some time to explore this amazing city on your own, or let us organize a guided visit for you. Wander the narrow alleyways between monumental buildings such as the cathedral – the largest Gothic building in the world – and the Alcázar, a Moorish palace from the 13th to 16th centuries. Meet your guides at 6:30 p.m. for a drink and a short intro talk followed by a delicious dinner of local specialties. Overnight Seville in a four-star hotel in the city center. Hotel and dinner included.
A 1hr 15 min transfer takes you to the town of Hornachuelos, whose whitewashed houses look out over the blue waters of the Bembézar Reservoir. The surrounding Nature Preserve was established in 1989 and contains extensive Holm oaks, cork oaks, and riverbank woodland forests. Water flows through the region from the mountains down to the Guadalquivir River, making it the perfect habitat for 30 species of mammals, including the nearly extinct Iberian lynx, the mongoose, and the otter. We enjoy lunch in a local spot in Hornachuelos village, where we drink from the “Fountain of the Three Caños” for health, luck, and love! We end the day in world-renowned Córdoba. Our four-star hotel is in a restored noble villa in the heart of the old town. We have a guided visit of the incredible Mezquita before reconvening for dinner. The Hike: 9.2 km (5.7 mi). Duration: 2.5 hrs. Uphill 230 meters/995 ft. Overnight Córdoba. Hotel, breakfast, and dinner included.
A short transfer this morning takes you into the countryside for a beautiful loop hike into a verdant forest featuring streams, waterfalls, Moorish mills, and Roman ruins. We return to Cordoba for a late lunch, and then you’ll have free time to explore the colorful streets and bodegas before meeting again for dinner. Tonight, we will enjoy a traditional tapa meal before attending a fabulous Flamenco show. The Hike: 9.3 km (5.8 mi). Duration: 3.5 hrs. Uphill 260 meters/ 830 ft Overnight Cordoba. Hotel, breakfast, and dinner included.
Head south today into the Subbética mountains, a rugged and rough terrain that is rich in fossil remains as well as sinkholes (called “poljes”), caves, and striking limestone formations that were created during periods of heavy rainfall over the millennia. The entire region is classified as a UNESCO geopark. Our trail takes us out from the charming whitewashed village of Zuheros across the calcareous massif of the Sierra de Cabra. We stop along the banks of the Bailón River for a picnic lunch before completing our hike and returning to Zueheros. Enjoy a crisp glass of Albarino wine before dinner. The Hike: about 14 km (8.7 mi). Duration: 5 hrs. Uphill 550 meters/1,760 ft. Overnight Zuheros. Hotel, and all meals included.
We transfer you out into the countryside along a scenic route to start today’s walk in the nearby village of Zagrilla Alta. The trail leads you through olive groves, rocky gorges, and meadows of wildflowers to the town of Luque, just a few kilometers from our home in Zuheros. We enjoy a picnic lunch along the way. We return to the hotel to enjoy a little downtime before our visit to an olive mill, where you’ll learn about the centuries-old techniques that produce some of the best olive oil in the world. We return to the hotel before we enjoy dinner together. The Hike: 6.6 km (4.1 mi), Duration: 2 hrs and 45 mins. Uphill 265 meters /850 ft. Overnight Zuheros. Hotel, breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner included.
Continue south this morning to visit another UNESCO World Heritage site, “El Torcal,” a spectacular landscape of twisted and layered karstic limestone. You will hike the Route of the Ammonites, which features an extraordinary amount of fossils and sweeping vistas over the largest karstic formation in Europe. We have a late lunch in the village of Villanueva de la Concepción before continuing to our final destination: the fabulous city of Granada. Your guide will take you for an orientation walk to introduce you to the historic city center before a free evening in Granada. Overnight at a four-star hotel in the city center. The Hike: 11.2km (6.9 mi). Duration: 4.5 hrs. Uphill 520 meters/1,650 ft. Overnight Granada. Hotel and breakfast included. Dinner is not included.
A short transfer out of Granada brings us to an unexpected trail that features waterfalls, swimming holes, narrow tracks, hanging bridges, and wide-open vistas, all in a few hours. You will enjoy spectacular views of the valley from the trail's upper reaches. The green meadows are a riot of colorful wildflowers if you are here in the spring. We have lunch in Monachile village before heading back to Granada. Some people opt out of this walk for free time in lovely Granada. Get together again tonight for a special dinner to celebrate a wonderful week. Overnight Granada. The Hike: 8.7 km (5.4 mi) Duration: 3 hrs. Uphill 350 meters/1,120 feet. Hotel, breakfast, and dinner included.
This morning, we have a guided visit of the stunning Alhambra, a massive medieval complex of fortresses, palaces, and gardens home to the Islamic rulers of Spain for centuries. It is now Spain’s most visited monument. Afterward, join us for an optional walk through the Albaicín neighborhood, a picturesque jumble of streets and alleyways, churches, and high-walled gardens, where you can get a great view of the Alhambra framed by the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada. The tour officially ends after the visit, so you can travel to your next destination or have a leisurely lunch and spend another evening in Granada on your own. Breakfast and Alhambra visit included.
Please note: Some details of the itinerary may change according to the departure date of your tour. Whenever we run a tour we make new discoveries. Sometimes they are good discoveries, like a wonderful new trattoria, and sometimes they are bad, like a trail has been washed away. The result is that we sometimes change our itinerary to improve it by adding new wonderful elements to the tour or by removing something that does not work anymore. Rest assured, our goal is to always provide you with the best possible experience. We will advise you of any changes to the original itinerary prior to departure.
The hikes in Andalusia contain moderate hills over some uneven terrain, but nothing particularly "technical." We usually hikebetween 3-5 hours a day, divided between morning and afternoon. We have designed the trip so that there is always some free time in the late afternoon so you can relax, read, or explore the towns we stay in. Breakfast is included every day, and dinners reflect the excellent traditional food of the region. Daily distance between 8 and 14 km (5 - 9 miles).
Activity Level 3.5 out of 5 = Moderate "Plus":
Level 3.5 in general, This is a Moderate tour for fit hikers and will be a little challenging but do-able for less fit hikers. We have added the .5 to make it a 3.5 out of 5 rated tour, not because of the distances or the elevation gain but mostly because the trails can be rocky and narrow. We are taking you off the beaten track, so sometimes sections of the trails can be a little overgrown. Also, there are some short but relatively steep downhill segments that require your attention.
Level 3.5 Terrain: Rolling to hilly terrain with frequent climbs and descents, often over rocky terrain. May have some short, relatively steep climbs and descents.
Level 3.5 Level 3.5 Actual hiking time: between 2 - 5 hours per day, mostly in the morning but also in the afternoon.
Level 3.5 Distances: Usually between 8 - 12 km (5 - 7 mi). Max distance is 14 km (8 mi).
Level 3.5 Surfaces: Trails consist mainly of compact earth and/or gravel and sometimes gravel roads, with occasional rocky and uneven trails.
Level 3.5 Footing: Good, but on occasion you have to pay attention to where and how you place your feet. Proper hiking shoes with thick soles with good treads are required. Sport sandals, running shoes and tennis shoes are not adequate.
Level 3.5 Hiking Poles: Highly recommended but not required.
Level 3.5 tours other: This tour is appropriate for fit, first-time “hikers” who enjoy hiking and who have a good balance.
Level 3.5 list of tours: Tuscany Chianti, Dordogne Hike, Sicily Hike, Spain Andalusia, Lake Como Hike, and Corsica Hike.
Spain Andalusia HikingTour Specifics: Most of the hikes are on wooded trails. Still, some occasionally open out along mountain slopes, which could potentially bother someone suffering from vertigo (but there’s nothing literally on a cliff’s edge). The toughest hike is 11.2km (6.9 mi), durations: 4.5 hrs. Uphill 520 meters/1,650 ft.
Compared to the Cinque Terre: The Cinque Terre is the perfect example of a 3+ rated tour. Our most common comment about the Cinque Terre walk and other tours rated 3+ is “More challenging than I expected but I am glad I did it”.The Andalucia tour is slightly easier than the Cinque Terre.
As a point of reference, what is a 1 out of 5 Activity rating? A 1 out of 5 rated tour is a tour without any hiking. Walks would be in towns, cities, and villages, and the countryside walks would be on paved, or gravel/dirt roads, and occasionally on some packed earth trails. Elevation gain and loss would be negligible.
As a point of reference, what is a 5 out of 5 Activity rating? A 5 out of 5 rated tour is a tour that would be physically challenging and technically difficult even for very fit and experienced hikers. The hikes would have steep ascents and descents on narrow, exposed trails with challenging footing, such as on scree fields, or through rock falls and boulders. Distances would be up to 25 km/16 miles per day and feature ascents of over 1,000 m/3,200 feet in a day. A 5 out of 5 tour would also mean you would carry a heavier-than-normal pack. None of our tours are rated 5 out 5. Our most challenging tours are 4.5 out of 5, and they are the Dolomites Alta Via (because of some exposed trail that requires some technical expertise) and our Republic of Georgia tour which has some long hikes with over 1,000 meters of elevation gain.
Getting There: the trip starts in Seville, which is connected to Madrid and Malaga by Spain's effecient high-speed rail network. There is also an airport which has frequent flights to many European hubs.
Air: most trans-continental flights to Spain arrive in Madrid or Barcelona, but you can find frequent connections from European hubs into the Seville airport and also the Málaga airport, which is a key destination for many low-cost airlines. For more information see our "Transport Info" page that has links to all of the major airports.
Rail: trains from Madrid, on the high-speed AVE service, take under 3 hours, and from Malaga 2 hours. From Barcelona the journey time by AVE is under 6 hours, and there is also a sleeper train which takes 10 hours. For more information, see the Spanish train service (RENFE) website.
Getting Away at the End of the Trip: the trip ends back in Granada after breakfast on Saturday morning. We can arrange taxis to take you to the airport or train station.
If you book a trip with us you will receive detailed information about how to get to the start of your trip, or feel free to e-mail us with any specific travel questions.
5
5
Another spectacular, eternally memorable adventure created by the genius of those at CustomWalks. Our days were packed with dazzling new experiences: breathtaking hikes through the stunning, serpentine, Spanish countryside; gastronomical delights at superb restaurants; lodgings in stellar hotels; and tours of sites drenched in history - unlike any I have ever seen. A very special and heartfelt mention goes out to Marco, our illustrious, preeminent guide, who batted 1,000 (aka ‘perfect score’) at picking the most delectable wines and indigenous fare, and who always went above and beyond to make sure that we had everything we needed. Our group was small (five) and we explored magnificent places in solitude - without the clamour and bustle of other tourists. Marco had an intimate knowledge of all of the trails, establishments, and out-of-the-way places we visited. I felt like I was touring my own, private Spain. I’m so excited to choose my next destination!
5
We did this tour with Custom Walks in May, 2019. Marco and Luca were the guides. We had an incredible experience. The guides went out of their way to find extraordinary places to stay and eat. We had a broad selection of Andalusian cusine and wines. There were lots of "surprises" that the guides designed that complimented the trip. We would go back in a heart beat.
5
This was our 4th trip with Customwalks, and we have never been disappointed. Andalusia is as beautiful as people have said. Luca & Marco planned an itinerary that gave us a wonderful sample of the region with a variety of walks, olive oil and wine tasting, fascinating tours of historic mosques and hilltop palaces, along with “surprise” dinners with a variety of menus reflecting the culture of the region. We can’t say enough superlative comments about this trip. This was a huge value for the modest price of the trip,
4.3
Our first trip with Custom Walks in Andalusia was terrific! We traveled with a large friendly group and 3 guides. There was so much to see and do that we had an action packed itinerary. I found the walks in the National parks to be my personal favorites. Guides Marco, Luca, and Manuela did a wonderful job and were able to adapt our hikes and accommodate all of us . The cultural activities were beyond compare and we were able to experience wonderful things the average tourist wouldn’t even know about. Thanks for the daily surprises! (Does Luca know everyone in Spain?) Memories of El Torcal, the Mezquita , the Alhambra ,flamenco and 2 extremely special dinners will never fade. Thanks Custom Walks!
5
It goes without saying that the Alhambra, Mezquita and the white villages in the hills of Antequera are spectacular- an amazing first trip to Andalusia. Yet, what made this trip remarkable were the creative and personal experiences that Luca and Marco provided.- An exceptional lunch at a family winery, dinner in a courtyard home in Córdoba , an intimate evening with an extraordinary flamenco guitarist. And of course the lovely hikes, the camaraderie of our fellow hikers and the warmth and exuberance ( not to mention the organizational skills) of Manuela , our third guide all made this a memorable experience. Lots of great food and wine, and much good humor. Saludos!
4.8
Andalusia tour was breathtaking from white washed villages to rivers, streams, mountains, historical sites, cobbled stones streets, wild flowers and much more. Lots of planning and details went into this trip with almost daily surprises (in a good way!). The hotels were charming. Each unique in its own way. The locations chosen for the hotels couldn't be better. They were in the middle of the cities where everything was accessible. It was a packed and active itinerary. We had a bit of mixture between hiking and visiting the cultural sites like Alhambra's amazing palaces and gardens and the Mezquita in Cordoba and finishing the trip a the Hammam. Luca and Marco did a wonderful job in planing this tour and they were very attentive in addressing any concerns or requests. With both of them, you can just relax and enjoy the day. Also, Manu who was the guide in training was a great addition to the tour. She was ready to chip in and help at any capacity (thanks Manu for lending me your extra sweater on the sierra nevada hike 
! ). The specialized tour guides were very knowledgeable and provided historical account for the various sites and national parks we visited. It was truly a custom trip to remember for a life time.
5
Wonderful experience in every way. Every day a surprise. Never dissatisfied. Guides were excellent and concerned about our experience. Great communications. Everything was positive and professional. We would do it again. Andelusia is wild and wonderful. Beautiful scenery and people. Jim A.
5
Another great trip with custom walks. A nice rhythm of hiking, dining and touring remarkable sites in southern Spain. The guides were fantastic--this was an elaborate trip to organize and they shared perspectives and their interests in the area and in life. Andalusia itself is fascinating--centuries of enlightened Moorish rule with beautiful preserved sites and a regional culture that includes flamenco. I enjoy a week of only having to make one decision---red or white wine. For many years we made our own travel arrangements, but with these trips I became aware of the wear and tear that can distract from simply experiencing the day and the place. Let go, let guide.
5
From our first contact with Customwalks about our desire to customize our trip (by choosing our companions and requesting longer hikes) to the end, when we said our sad goodbyes to our guides and to Andalusia, we could hardly have been more pleased. Luca and Marco were knowledgeable, organized, attentive, friendly, creative, and fun. We’re richer from knowing them and are eager to hike with them again!
If you have any questions or specific requests about any of our tours, we’re here to help. You can fill in the form below, send us an email, or call us and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Perfection! The hikes, hotels, food, wine, activities, and sites were all unforgettable. Marco, our guide, ensured every detail was exceptional. Can't wait to do another Customwalks trip.
by Judy K
Another spectacular, eternally memorable adventure created by the genius of those at CustomWalks. Our days were packed with dazzling new experiences: breathtaking hikes through the stunning, serpentine, Spanish countryside; gastronomical delights at superb restaurants; lodgings in stellar hotels; and tours of sites drenched in history - unlike any I have ever seen. A very special and heartfelt mention goes out to Marco, our illustrious, preeminent guide, who batted 1,000 (aka ‘perfect score’) at picking the most delectable wines and indigenous fare, and who always went above and beyond to make sure that we had everything we needed.
Our group was small (five) and we explored magnificent places in solitude - without the clamour and bustle of other tourists. Marco had an intimate knowledge of all of the trails, establishments, and out-of-the-way places we visited. I felt like I was touring my own, private Spain.
I’m so excited to choose my next destination!
by Cathy Harris
