Situated between Cadiz and Malaga, the spectacular Sierra Grazalema is one of Spain’s most stunning areas of natural beauty. Experience soaring limestone mountains, dramatic plunging valleys and gorges, surrounded by picturesque white-washed villages all with a stay in a rustic, traditional village Inn. This walking week of discovery and splendour is fast becoming a favourite amongst the Solos portfolio of walks.
Grade – Medium/Hard
Extras
Arrive at Malaga Airport. Transfer to our lovely traditional accommodation Casa de las Piedras in the centre of Grazalema village where we have our welcome drink and enjoy our first evening meal.
Our first days walk is a lovely circular walk starting and ending in Grazalema. Our route today takes us along paths populated with the Mediterranean holm oak of which we will see cows and goats roaming free over this impressive limestone rock landscape. We first go upwards to the Sierra Endrinal through pine forests where interestingly we can see a variety of orchids. As we arrive at the summit, we will be able to see remnants of snow holes where ice was taken for the consumption of the “Gentry” living in the Spanish main cities. We then start our return back to Grazalema, taking in the beautiful scenery where we see a mix of Mediterranean and mountainous vegetation. This is where we may come across a Spanish Ibex and perhaps see the odd eagle or two!!.
Approx Details
Distance 10km/6.2 miles – Ascent / Descent 450m
Walking Time 4 hours
Grade Medium
After breakfast we take our transfer towards the traditional “Pueblo Blanco” village of Montejaque. We begin todays walk from a track on the outskirts of the village. From here we take a number of trails slowly heading back towards Grazalema. Along this route we can see a different aspect to this mountain area where the different soil allows the spectacular cork oak forests to grow. We will see trees where the cork has been stripped and harvested which creates an impressive artistic landscape. Within the forest we will see an abundance of flora and fauna including the famous black iberian pigs, varieties of mushrooms and many different species of birds. This beautiful route follows along rivers and streams where we can see birds such as the colourful Bee eaters nesting on the banks of the stream. Following the theme of the previous day walks, we will see many Griffon vultures gliding over head as the Sierra Grazalema shelters the biggest colony of Griffon vultures in Europe! With their wingspan reaching almost 3 meters it’s an impressive sight to see.
Take a well-earned rest in this lovely village or perhaps take advantage of an excursion such as a visit to Jerez de la Frontera (payable locally)
Today’s walk we start climbing through a pine forest and and from the top, we have a fantastic view overlooking Grazalema village on the right and on the left over the valley of El Pinar. Our route continues along the mountains where we might come across the odd Spanish ibex or two We stroll down through the unique Pinsapo forest,deriving from the last ice-age. Its natural history and the landscape is fascinating to see in this part of Spain. We then continue through a Mediterranean oak forest with amazing trees, and we may see the indigenous vultures gliding overhead
Approx Details
Length: 15 Km / 9 miles Ascent: 450 m / Descent 950m
Grade – Medium / Hard
Take a well-earned rest in this lovely village or perhaps take further advantage of an excursion such as guided visit to nearby Ronda (payable locally)
For our final days walk we transfer to the start of our walk to discover the La Garganta Verde (“The Green Gorge”). Our route takes us down through the Garganta Verde, gouged out of the limestone by the river running through. The gorge descends to 1,200 feet at its deepest point. This spectacular walk is a short but intense experience with fantastic surroundings, passing close to the home of a colony of the Griffon vultures of which we can see gliding above us. The end of the route finishes at a natural cavity where the rock formations interestingly change colour from pink to green and the acoustics gives us a church like feel.
After breakfast at the hotel, we will transfer to the airport for our flight home
Situated in the centre of the village, this traditional family owned rustic Inn, popular with walkers and back-packers was the first hotel to open in Grazalema making it a delightful place to stay and experience this picturesque village, along with being a perfect base for our weeks walking adventure. The Inn includes comfortable rooms, small cosy lounge and a self-service small honesty bar. Breakfast will be taken each morning in the hotel along with our evening meals.
Facilities include cosy lounge area with small library, TV, self-service honesty bar, Wi-Fi, relaxing furnished patio areas
Our traditional, pleasant rooms include twin/double beds, private bathroom, TV
Frequently Asked Questions
The transfer time from Malaga Airport to our accommodation is approximately 2 hours
Four guided walks are included in the programme. Your walking guide will advise you in resort of the daily programme. The walking programme is graded as Medium and you can expect to walk between 6 to 18km per day, with some ascents/descents and sometimes rough underfoot terrain and medium altitudes involved. Lunch items are not included. These can be bought from the local supermarket or alternatively Picnic lunches can be purchased for the day from the café where we take breakfast approx €8.00.
Below are the distances for each walk, however please bear in mind these are approximate and subject to change due to local conditions.
El Pinsipar
Distance 15km / 9 miles
Ascent 450m / 1470ft
Grade Medium / Hard
Walking Time 4.5 hours
La Garganta Verde
Distance 6km / 3.7 miles
Ascent 440m / 1460ft
Grade Medium / Hard
Walking Time 3 hours
Transfer Time – 25 mins approx.
Montejaque- Puerto de los Alamillos – Grazalema
Distance 16km/10 miles
Ascent 300m Descent 165m
Grade Medium
Walking Time 6 hours
Transfer Time – 35 mins approx.
Grazalema – Sierra del Endrinal – Grazalema
Distance 10km/6.2 miles
Ascent 450m / 1470 ft
Grade Medium
Walking Time 4 hours
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in your chosen activity holiday. If you are unsure as to whether the walks are within your capabilities, please contact the office to discuss this matter, thus making sure you appreciate the terrain that you will be walking.
You could be walking across uneven ground in some areas and extreme care must be taken, especially if wet. If used to using a pole/stick, it is advisable to bring it. Please appreciate the route and content of the holiday may change at the time and at the discretion of the guide/organiser, should conditions require. Solo’s Holidays Ltd cannot be held responsible for personal injury, accident or damage to property whilst on these walks other than incidents arising out of the company’s negligence. The guide has the right to refuse to guide a walk with anyone not properly attired.
It is of paramount importance that you have the correct footwear. It is essential to wear walking boots that are comfortable and preferably lightweight, with some ankle support and a good grip. If you already have a pair of boots that you are happy walking in (including during hot/wet weather and on hard ground), then bring these along. However, if you are bringing new footwear, do make sure they are well broken in before you arrive. Experience has shown that wearing 2 pairs of woollen socks adds to comfort.
Whilst we would hope for good weather during your holiday, it is of course impossible to guarantee this. We would therefore recommend you travel with clothing suitable for all conditions, and suggest you use the following checklist as a guideline of what to take:
We suggest a Group Collection to cover transfer drivers, and hotel staff of €20 per person. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). As is customary, ‘the hat’ will be passed around for the driver and guide on all optional excursions. For any meals that are not included in your itinerary, or taxi fares, your Tour Leader can advise of an appropriate % to add on.
There will be plenty for you to see and do during your own leisure time during the course of your holiday, full details of which will be given out at your Information Meeting by your Tour Leader. Please note that prices shown are approximate and may vary according to numbers. Full details will be given at your Information Meeting. All tours must be paid for in euros only. Your Tour Leader will help arrange these for you and explain where you will need to go but may not necessarily accompany you.
Above prices are approx and subject to change
Average Temperatures
| Month(s) | Highest temperature | Lowest temperature |
|---|---|---|
| January - February | 11 °C | 3 °C |
| March | 14 °C | 5 °C |
| April | 17 °C | 7 °C |
| May | 20 °C | 9 °C |
| June | 25 °C | 13 °C |
| July - August | 29 °C | 15 °C |
| September | 26 °C | 14 °C |
| October | 20 °C | 10 °C |
| November | 15 °C | 6 °C |
| December | 12 °C | 4 °C |
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