What a fabulous week we had walking in Andalucía, Spain in and around the National Park of Grazalema. Everything worked perfectly: from collection at the train station, great accommodation, transference of baggage and taxi collection between villages. Our hosts where helpful and the accommodation of an excellent standard. And then there was the walk - sublime! A diverse range of tracks through magnificent landscapes, over rocky mountains, across high plains, along paths lined with wild flowers taller than me, and beside rivers. As we were walking in June, there were no other walkers, so if you are planning to walk and socialise, pick a cooler time of year. Would do it all again in a heartbeat!
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.
Walking tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Canillas De Albaida, Competa, Se
Canillas De Albaida, Competa, Sedella, Salares, NERJA, Sierra De Alhama Natural Park
Enjoy a 8 multiday tour through Zaragoza, San Sebastian, Bilbao, Santander,Santillana, Covadonga, Oviedo, La Coruña, Santiago de Compostela, Rias Bajas, Vigo, and Portugal from Barcelona.End of the tour will be in Madrid. We have change this itinerary to make better this tour.
Bus toursCity sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
6-99 yrs
Operated in
english, spanish
Destinations
Zaragoza, San Sebastian, Santand
Zaragoza, San Sebastian, Santander, Oviedo, A Coruña, Camino De Santiago, Porto, Madrid, Barcelona
The vast expansion of its humble Roman roads connecting France and Spain has, over time, fanned out across Iberia and western Europe, making it one of the most unmissable long distance trails in the world.
On this seven-night walk, you'll start in Sarria, a large town famed for Galicia's antique fairs. From here you'll walk along farm tracks, paths and country lanes, and through vineyards, stopping off at churches to admire the frescoes and tavernas for lunch en route. Be sure to have your Pilgrim Passport stamped in bars, hotels and churches along the way to qualify for a certificate from the official Pilgrim Office in Santiago.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Sarria, Portomarín, Lestedo, O C
Sarria, Portomarín, Lestedo, O Coto, Arzúa, Rua, Santiago De Compostela
Less than 100 miles off the north west coast of Africa, in the centre of the Canary Islands archipelago, sits the volcanic island of Gran Canaria - often referred to as 'a miniature continent' with its extraordinarily varied landscapes ranging from the north's lush green forests and valleys, to the towering mountainous interior, to the desert-like dunes and beautiful white beaches of its southern shores. For millennia, the elements have sculpted the most outstanding natural beauty: steep volcanic mountains punctuated by deep palm ravines; imposing rocks towering above high plateaux; vast fertile valleys of prickly pear, aloes, almonds and figs - it's little wonder that nearly half of the island is protected by UNESCO Nature Reserves and offers some of the finest hiking in Europe.
This twin-centre holiday offers varied and interest packed walking routes, with easier and more difficult choices of walk daily. We take you from the cauldron of Bandama whose eruption, over 2,000 years ago, influenced the entire geography of the island, to the emblematic Roque Nublo, an imposing natural crag made of volcanic rock from which there are 360 degree views of the whole island. Then there is Gran Canaria's vibrant and colourful capital, Las Palmas, where you can step back in time in the city's charming historic old quarter.
You spend your first three nights at the La Hacienda del Buen Suceso, located in a quiet and tranquil setting above the village of Arucas, the Hacienda was once a country estate and has perfectly retained all its colonial charm. Nestled in the surrounding banana plantations, the Hacienda is just 15 minutes from Las Palmas and makes a perfect base for the first half of your trip. For your next four nights, you'll head to the very heart of the island and the Hotel Fonda De La Tea . There is the option to upgrade in Tejeda to the Parador de Tejeda, subject to availability and at a supplement.
Walking tours
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
12-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Gran Canaria, Los Hoyos , Calder
Gran Canaria, Los Hoyos , Caldera De Bandama, Barranco De Azuaje, Artenara, La Fortaleza, Roque Nublo
El Hierro is the least known, and most westerly, of the Canary Islands. In fact, it was the most westerly point of the 'old world'. El Hierro has escaped mass tourism and with a population of just over 6,500 it has a very different feel to the other Canarian islands. The Herrenos are fiercely proud of their island and are very welcoming towards visitors who come to appreciate the environment, such as walkers.
Like its neighbours, El Hierro was formed by volcanic activity along an offshoot of the mid-Atlantic ridge. There has not been an eruption on the island since the 18th century, but the cones of ash and old lava flows are a prominent feature of the island. The small central plateau, at 1000m or more, offers a mixture of volcanic scenery, pastures (cattle, sheep and goats provide fine cheeses), and the beautiful Canarian pine woodlands. To the north the lowland of El Golfo resembles a huge bite taken out of the island, and the impressive bordering escarpment, reaching 1500m in altitude, features in our walks. On the lower land of El Golfo vines, bananas and pineapples are grown. The islanders have preserved a number of local traditions and some of their sites are included in our routes. Overall, there is a surprisingly rich variety for such a small area!
The walking is designed to pass through the variety of landscapes on the island and to seek out the most spectacular views and a number of locations of cultural and historical significance to the islanders. No two days are the same. Your El Hierro experience begins in the small town of Valverde up on the plateau- the official capital of El Hierro. For early arrivals there are short walks locally to help you to get the feel of the island. From Valverde the route winds across the plateau, down to El Golfo and up again, then across to the far west of the island before heading back again across the plateau to descend and finish by the east coast.
You accommodation is a mix of simple and charming apartments and hostels, to 3 star hotels. All have restaurants either on site or very close by and so we have included half board for you on this holiday.
Walking tours
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Hostel
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
El Hierro, Mocanal , La Frontera
El Hierro, Mocanal , La Frontera , La Restinga, Las Playas, Tenerife
One of the first destinations in the world to be awarded the special certificate as a Biosphere Reserve, the landscape is unique and awe inspiring, with magnificent volcanic craters, stark lava fields displaying a myriad of different colours, and beaches, ranging from white sands to volcanic black dust.
The island is very easy to drive across, the journey from the northern tip of Orzola to the beaches of Papagayo in the south takes just over 1 hour drive, giving you plenty of opportunity to explore.
Some of the best food and wine in the Canaries can be found here, so make sure you try the local specialities, Canarian potatoes, mojo sauce, estofado stew and the delicious boquerones, (anchovy fillets), perhaps accompanied by a locally produced wine, the widely regarded Malvasi - again the result of the rich volcanic soil.
This self-guided, single centre holiday highlights the best of Lanzarote; from its pretty inland villages with verdant terraces and fields, to the varied coastline and beaches, the exquisite volcanic landscape, and the gently pervading influence of Cesar Manrique. Whatever you decide to do either taking a slow and relaxed tour of some of the best locations, or a varied itinerary of walking, swimming and cycling on La Graciosa, there is something for everyone here.
Your week is based at the Rural Finca La Florida in San Bartolome. Originally a family home, the 15 spacious rooms of this delightful hotel with its superb on site restaurant, provide the perfect base for your holiday. The hotel has everything you will need including a fabulous restaurant, swimming pool , sun terrace and even spa treatments for a bit of downtime!
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Home-stay, Hotel
Age Range
12-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Lanzarote, Playa Quemada, Calder
Lanzarote, Playa Quemada, Caldera Blanca, Soo , La Graciosa
The hotel in Esporles is very convenient for the Walks thus minimising travel, but I had to ask for a plug for the sink and the stairs are extreme. But the food at dinner and breakfast was very good and plentiful, excellent hot water, very comfortable beds and the staff are delightful
Second hotel was good: soulless but efficient and perfect site for starting the Walks
The first day walk was too short and there was nothing to do in the hotel or Esporles - suggest you look at afternoon visit to La Granja up the road and on the bus route
Our Guide was Dago who was Excellent - very thorough, helpful, summarised the Walks well and was flexible when the weather dictated change of plans. One of the best guides - please pass this on
Walking toursBeach
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
We have change this itinerary to make this tour better¡¡Enjoy a 8 multiday tour through Zaragoza, San Sebastian, Bilbao, Oviedo, La Coruña, Santiago de Compostela, Vigo, Porto and more From Madrid
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
6-99 yrs
Operated in
english, spanish
Destinations
San Sebastián de La Gomera, San
San Sebastián de La Gomera, San Sebastian, Santander, Oviedo, A Coruña, Santiago De Compostela, Porto, Madrid
Throw yourself in the vibrant culture of southern Spain's historic cities, delectable cuisine, and picturesque landscapes on this active eight-day adventure. Discover the rich history of Córdoba and Ronda on guided tours, and stay active with hikes through olive groves and farmland to Benaoján. Be enchanted by the smaller towns of Baeza and Úbeda, and experience the thrill of walking the cliffside paths of the Caminito del Rey, with stunning views of the gorge below. Let Spain's vibrant traditions and flavours elevate your journey as you explore, hike, and savour every moment.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Go deeper into the Picos de Europa than ever before, hiking rugged mountains watched over by golden eagles and griffon vultures and staying in the heart of an authentic mountain town. Guided by an expert tour leader, we trek through limestone peaks and lush valleys, summiting mountains to gaze over the oldest national park in Spain. Our hotel in Arenas de Cabrales is in the perfect spot to explore the town, while our friendly hosts and tour leader can show us the local people’s favourite restaurants and bars.
Most departures of this adventure are rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate). However, if you want to test yourself, join one of our Activity Level 5 (Challenging) departures. See the Itinerary and Dates & Prices tab for more details.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Arenas De Cabrales, Demues, Cain
Arenas De Cabrales, Demues, Cain, Collado De Pandebano
