Situated in the heart of the dramatic Andalusian Ronda mountains and now a declared UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the Sierra de las Nieves is a stunning location to explore with your fellow ramblers.
We journey through the valleys, hike through national parks, get immersed in local village life, swim in natural pools and even spot wildlife. From the river banks, to the pine forests, to the waterfalls – our four fully guided days of walking ensures we leave no stone unturned.
This Spanish walking holiday is tipped to be one of our most popular walking breaks of the season, in one of the most sensational settings on our books.
Medium/Hard
Extras
After arriving at Malaga Airport, we transfer to the lovely ‘Hotel del Balneario’ where we enjoy our welcome drink and first evening meal together.
Our first walk of the week is a circular walk starting and finishing at our hotel. Our route begins with a steep climb through pine forests to hit a natural mirador, where we enjoy spectacular views over the magnificent River of the Horses (Rio de los Caballos) valley. The walk takes us along the river to discover waterfalls such as the highest of Malaga’s waterfalls (51 m high) – La Rejía. Along the way, there are natural pools where we can stop for a refreshing swim.
This morning, we take our bus and head to Puerto Saucillo, 6 km away from the white village of Yunquera. Along this walk, we enjoy magnificent views of the Sierra de Las Nieves National Park. Walking through the heart of this recently declared National Park, we can experience the well-known karst topography, home to the mineral landscapes, large caves and sinkholes on the highest section. Interestingly in contrast, partly covered by the amazing world’s largest Pinsapo fir forests dating back to the last Ice Age. As we descend, we come across the centuries old Quejigos (Valencian oak) forest. We continue downwards to the breathtaking La Caina limestone cliff before walking through the Pinsapo forest toward Puerto Caucon and Puerto Saucillo where we began.
Today can be spent at leisure to take a well-earned rest in this lovely village or perhaps take advantage of an excursion to visit the magnificent village of Ronda. Or why not visit a local bodega for a spot of wine tasting (payable locally).
Today, we leave the National Park and take our bus to experience the unique and spectacular aerial path Caminito del Rey – ‘the kings little pathway’. Named after King Alfonso III who officially opened this feat of engineering in 1921, it is said to be one of the most spectacular routes from beginning to end. We experience walking along suspended walkways over 100m up on a sheer cliff face offering unforgettable jaw-dropping views running through the cliffs, canyons and valleys. We cross the landscapes of Desfiladero de los Gaitanes, a gorge with walls 700m high, carved out by the River Guadalhorce.
Take a well-earned rest in the village or perhaps take further advantage of an excursion: an extra-guided walk or a birdwatching trip in Guadalhorce. (at own cost)
After breakfast, our final day of walking is spent exploring the beautiful hamlet of Jorox and surrounding area, with its traditional orange and avocados terraces. As we walk around, we discover caves and small natural pools hidden around the hamlet. Our route encompasses great views of the Rio Grande Valleys and as we walk back to Tolox, we’ll see beautiful natural water pools nestling between the hills covered with olive and almond groves.
Distance 15 km/ 9,3 miles
Ascent 550 m / 1804 ft
Grade Medium
Walking Time 4-5 hours
After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer to the airport for our flight home
This 19th Century traditional three-star hotel situated at the foot of the Sierra de las Nieves mountains is within walking distance from the Andalucian white village of Tolox.
Facilities include bar, restaurant, lounge ,Wi-Fi , swimming pool and garden
The comfortable rooms include en-suite bathroom, hair dryer, safe, TV, Wi-Fi, balcony with views over the garden or mountains
Frequently Asked Questions
The transfer time from Malaga Airport to our accommodation is approximately 1 hour depending on traffic
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 to Hard and you can expect to walk between 7 to 16km 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 hotel approx €10.00
Below are the distances for each walk, however please bear in mind these are approximate and subject to change due to local conditions.
La Rejía & La Virgen Waterfalls : Length: 16 Km / 10 miles Ascent: Around 400 m / 1312 ft Difficulty: Medium to Hard
Sierra & Pinsapos : Distance 16 km / 10 miles Ascent 690 m / 2260 ft Difficulty: Medium to Hard
Caminito del Rey : Distance 7,7 km/ 4,8 miles Ascent 150 m / 495 feet Difficulty : Medium/Hard ( walking on wooden walkways) Transfer Time – 75 mins approx
Jorox & Rio Grande : Distance 15 km/ 9,3 miles Ascent 550 m / 1804 ft Diffioculty Medium
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
To enter Spain your passport must meet 2 requirements. It must be:
less than 10 years old on the day you enter (check the ‘date of issue’)
valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)
Check both the issue date and the expiry date in your passport. If you renewed your passport early, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. This could affect the requirement for your passport to be less than 10 years old.
A visa is not required by holders of passports endorsed “British Citizen” for stays of upto 90 days in any 180-day period. Please note that stays in other EU countries counts towards this 90 day period.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct visa, a valid passport and any other travel documents for your holiday. All information provided relates to British citizens who hold or are entitled to apply for a British passport. For the most up-to-date visa information please visit; Spain Foreign Advice
If you are not a British citizen and do not hold a British passport, you must make your own enquiries as to the applicable requirements.
Compulsory vaccinations: None.
All clients are responsible for acquainting themselves with up to date health information of the countries being visited and where necessary take the required precautions. We recommend that you check with your doctor prior to departure as this information can change. You can also visit the travel health website for more information; Travel Health Spain
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 |
“I’m sure you will enjoy it, I have been on three solos holidays to date and the people I’ve met have been great.”
“I’ve been travelling with Solos for nearly 20 years, on and off. The reason is for exactly what you want – you meet like minded people… and have loads of fun!”
“I’ve been on loads of trips with Solos over the years and can honestly say you will not regret booking your 1st one!”
“The feeling you have once you go away on your own is worth all the nerves before! I was so very anxious the first time but now having done it 4 times, I love it!”
