Walking in Andalucia

Amazing walking holiday from start to finish.

A wonderful walking holiday in Andalucia with a good mix of hiking, scenery, culture and amazing food, particularly at the excellent Cortijo Rosario farmhouse that acted as "base camp" for the week. It included great days sight-seeing in Sevilla and Ronda and an introduction to the local wildlife and biodiversity.

This trip was a great combination of walking in the beautiful countryside, visiting traditional villages, sightseeing in the cities as well as embracing the local culture & learning about the forna & floral! The trip is great for people wanting to try a walking holiday as the walks only take a few hours per day, allowing for rest in the afternoons. On several days, you can choose to complete part of the walk & return to the hotel if you are struggling which some of our group did. The Cortijo Rosario has a relaxed vibe so we felt at home straight away! The staff were fantastic & nothing was too much trouble for them! Additionally, the food was fantastic & gave us an authentic taste of Spain!

Everything about the week was exceptional and memorable. The hikes were different every day and highlighted the special and significant features of the area. Our group leader, Miquel/Mike, was an endless source of information on the human and natural history, and the flora and fauna, making a point to include what the group was interested in. Our group bonded well right from the first day, as we tackled a rainy hike and then the ensuing mud the next day. Mike was constantly aware of and concerned for everyone’s safety and adapted the speed of the walk to accommodate all of us. His pleasant demeanor, sense of humor, punctuality, and attention to detail made the week a pleasure for all. We could not have asked for a better leader!

Our group had an amazing week walking the hills and countryside of Andalucia. Our group leader, Mike (Miquel), was an endless source of information on the history, geography, archeology anthropology, and the flora and fauna of the area. Every walk was different and Mike highlighted this and added the details to bring this beautiful landscape to life! Our group bonded so well over these common interests, thanks also to Mike for recognizing and catering to our individual strengths and limitations.

We had a wonderful holiday not least because of the tour leader Miguel aka Mike who was knowledgeable and passionate about the culture and natural environment of Andalucia and thoughtful and generous in the way he engaged with every member of the group. The farmhouse provided good food, always delivered with a smile. The views across the valley are stunning. I particularly enjoyed hearing and seeing the variety of bird life, expertly pointed out by Miguel and others in the group. The walks themselves were interesting and varied. The group also bonded well together with lots of stories and laughter. The walks were interesting and varied. My personal highlights were a picnic lunch in the Grounds of an old monastery and the final walk of the week which not only was a beautiful trek up a local mountain but also allowed us to look out on the whole area we had walked around in the week giving a real sense of completion.

Our trip was wonderful! Miguel is a excellent guide with so much knowledge of the area including the history, plants & animals. Though a bit rustic, the Cortijo Rosario was lovely & very in keeping with the beautiful olive groves surrounding it- very homey / personal & perfect for me. The staff & food were fabulous as we're all of the fabulous acquaintances made. Thanks to all for a great trip.

We did the best we could considering we endured one of the wettest weeks in memory.

Our holiday in Andalucía was unforgettable, thanks in large part to our outstanding guide, Mike. His deep knowledge of the region’s history, agriculture, and wildlife brought every walk to life. He introduced us to native birds, local traditions, and the warmth of village life, with his fluent Spanish making each interaction effortless. From scenic trails to shared moments over sherry, Mike’s enthusiasm and expertise made the experience truly special. More than just a guide, he created a journey filled with discovery, connection, and adventure. Thanks to him, this was not just a walking holiday, but a deeper cultural experience.

A perfect blend of gentle walks, amazing views and accommodation that felt like a private house party.

The Level 2 tour in Andalucia, and it was nothing short of incredible!

This trip was very well organised in every way. The scenery was stunning and the accommodation and food were excellent

I can't fault anything about the holiday. The accommodation was good, the staff friendly and helpful, the meals excellent and my dietary needs catered for. The added bonus was the swimming pool at the end of a hot day's hiking. Our group was small and the majority of us got on amazingly well together. The walks were varied and interesting with the chance to visit several villages along the way.

Fantastic trip, a very small group of 7 Being small everyone had the opportunity to walk and talk and to get to know one another The villa had a lovely feel to it, Phillipe and his wife made you feel at home, with delicious home cooked food every evening.

This was one of the best trips I have been on with Exodus. The accommodation was incredible and we all felt like it was home. The food amazing, the bedroom although small was homely. The staff so friendly. The drivers of the mini bus were always on time picking us up and the whole trip went like clockwork.

This trip leans more toward moderate walking rather than leisurely due to the terrain which is quite rocky. The weather the week I was there was clear, sunny, and warm. The countryside was filled with beautiful spring flowers which offset some of my disappointment in the general scenery and the walks through pasture lands where it was sometimes difficult to navigate holes hidden by grass, limestone outcroppings, and cattle paddies. The Cortijo Rosario was lovely and the staff very welcoming and accommodating. The dinners were very good and the staff very obliging to dietary requests without sacrificing taste or portions of substituted dishes. The only hiccup as far as our stay was being without hot water one evening. I would not mention it as we made do, and no one seemed upset over it, including myself, but I have read in other reviews that the same thing has happened. Algámitas is a very rural village with very few businesses (take what you will need), but the couple of times we made pre-hike morning stops for coffee at two of the cafes there were nice.

Excellent trip with a variety of terrain and something different to offer every day. As described, it's a grade2 level, with leisurely/moderate walking. The accommodation is homely and comfortable, the food great quality and variety, and the staff couldn't be more helpful and friendly. There's also a very reasonable honesty bar!

Excellent walking over varied ground and in different environments, great accommodation and food and lovely hosts

Varied walks in a beautiful landscape, some testing steep uphill sections (particularly on the “gentle” Day 2 walk) given the high temperatures at the beginning of the week. Comfortable farmhouse with spacious public rooms. Pleasant and accommodating staff. Good breakfasts, delicious varied dinners and packed lunches.

A top notch guided hiking trip to amazing Andalucia staying in a comfortable "cortejo" with excellent food

Beautiful scenery, excellent company, delicious wholesome local food, plenty of exercise - everything I look for in an exodus holiday.

Lovely trip - great walking combined with fascinating landscape, wildlife, history and geology. Very varied, from rugged Rocky Mountains to verdant forests and the city of Seville with a super bunch of people.

Every day was awesome during this trip. The guide, Michael, was experienced, caring, knowledgeable, and fun to be with. He made the entire experience enjoyable

Well planned walks and visits. Good accommodation - especially the food, which was top quality, well presented, and catered very well for special requirements.

Great varied walk, good group. Miguel-the guide-was the best ever. Weather was good too

A really enjoyable holiday despite the potential for disruption caused by the farmers' road blocks, deftly avoided by Michael, our very knowledgable guide, and his network of 'spies'. A good variety of walks, nicely paced to accommodate the mixed ability within the group. The day off in Sevilla is a must, as is the optional trip to Ronda. As an add-on consider exploring Malaga, if you've not been before. It's well worth the effort, and if slotted in before the walking begins, as I did, gently eases you into holiday mode.

Another fantastic holiday with Exodus with so much variety during the week walking and exploring in the Andalusian region of Spain with a superb leader Michael and a good day off spent in Seville. Stayed in a wonderful farmhouse with great hosts and food. A gem of a holiday.

This was a great centre based walking holiday in the heart of rural Andalusia which also included a day trip to Seville. The guide was excellent and the accommodation was very relaxing with excellent hosts providing some fantastic meals.

This was our second time on this trip and won’t be the last. The second time we returned with 3 friends. My husband is registered blind but has some residual vision which, with guidance, can allow him to take part. Michael is an outstanding leader who plans meticulously and anticipates any problems. We were part of a full group of 15 and had the benefit of Pat as an additional, exceptional leader. We cannot thank them enough for their support, kindness and empathy. They make this the best experience anyone could wish for . The walks are varied and interesting. Michael and Pat have brilliant local knowledge and insight. Cortijo Rosario is a comfortable farmhouse with outdoor pool, exceptional food and stunning views.

An excellent reminder of the beauty and contrasts of Andalucia. Each day is different. Based at the lovely Cortijo made everything so easy. Simple but comfortable rooms, a lovely small pool at the end of each day and the friendliest service from Joke and Cartouche. They create a relaxed but efficient mood - and top quality food at the end of each day. But the biggest credit goes to Michael - undoubtedly the best guide I have experienced. The schedule means there is always time to relax in the pool followed by a drink before dinner.

Lovely walks in the olive groves of the Andalusian foothills with a spectacular walk down the gorge at the Walk of the Kings at Caminito del Ray. Fantastic guide whose knowledge of all things fauna, ornithogical, geological and historic was as impressive as it was compelling. Great organiser. The 14 person team of ramblers gelled immediately and made the week very special. A wonderful adventure.

Thoroughly enjoyable and well organised as ever. Marvellous countryside with great walking, strenuous but not too hard. Lovely rural setting in the heart of olive growing country in Andalucia, 1 1/2 hr drive from Malaga. Micheal was an excellent guide, well informed and thoughtful about the needs of the group. It's obviously a trip that's been run many time as it works like clockwork. Accommodation good but the food not really what I'd have expected. I'd have liked a bit more variation at breakfast and something more locally flavoured in the evening; a choice of food and especially wine would have been appreciated. Transport worked very well.

It was a very enjoyable week, almost too hot to walk with temperatures in the mid 30s most days, but the guide was very careful that we stayed safe in these temperatures. The walks were varied and interesting - our favourites were Day 3 (walk in the Sierra de Grazelma) and Day 6 (El Chorro gorge and walk El Caminito del Rey). The optional Sunday lunch tapas on Day 2 in Villanueva de San Juan was excellent and it was great to see the locals out for their lunch too. The hotel was excellent, beautiful location with stunning views. It was well-maintained, clean and we had a lovely room with a balcony. The dinners were delicious, especially the last night-paella; the lunchtime baguettes were also excellent. The hotel was very good catering for our dietary requirements. It was lovely to return to the peace of the hotel (and the pool) at the end of every walk. The day in Seville was brilliant, with several optional extras offered (Alcazar tickets, a flamenco show and a tapas lunch), but there was no pressure to join any of these activities and you could do your own thing if you wanted. I would recommened this holiday to other Leisurely/Moderate walkers

This trip was an excellent introduction to Exodus travel itineraries, and to southern Spain.

I very much enjoyed the holiday - the hotel was comfortable with good food, the walks were varied (in length, difficulty and scenery), and the day in Seville exceeded my expectations. It was a very well thought out itinerary, and all the staff we encountered were very helpful, especially our guide, Michael. We had a fairly large group of 14, but we all got on very well, helped by the friendliness of the local staff. We were lucky to get very good weather at the end of April (as hot as summer!), so we could make good use of the hotel pool, and eat our evening meals outside on the terrace.

We very much enjoyed this holiday, due to the perfect combination of good walks, great company from our sociable group, an excellent leader and the lovely Cortijo to stay in (exclusive to Exodus). Highlights included the Sierra de Grazalema scenery, the white village of Sentenil with its cliff houses and kestrels, and the Caminito del Rey. After the walks we usually stopped at a bar with view for refreshment, and could swim in the pool, or sit comfortably outside in the shade, once returning to the Cortijo, which was very homely. It was nice to have an honesty bar and to be able to make our own hot and cold drinks at any time. The Cortijo catered well for our dieteryneeds.

We have just returned from this excellent trip and can highly recommend it. It is good value for money and provides an excellent insight into the region. There are opportunities to explore the region away from the touristy areas as well as a chance to see Seville, Setenil and Ronda. We were part of a lovely group that bonded well and made the whole experience even more worthwhile.

Three generations of Yanks walked through Spanish landscape and culture and made some history of their own with a unique group of walkers lead by a great guide

Everyday had something different to offer, the walks were varied from gentle strolls along wide paths to much more challenging terrain. Magnificent views of olive groves and mountains, plenty of wild life and interesting fauna despite the dry conditions at this time of year, would love to see the wild flowers in spring. The accommodation was not luxury but very comfortable and very welcoming, the staff are lovely, food was homemade and tasty.

I loved everything about this trip: the blue skies, the heat, the fabulous scenery, the lovely Cortijo Rosario and the wide variety of interesting trails. The leader Michael was top class all round: attentive to everyone’s individual needs, knowledgeable and passionate in telling us all there was to know about the landscapes we walked through and super conscious on safety. The itinerary succeeded brilliantly in showing the charms of the local environment as well as the more spectacular highlights such as the Caminito del Rey through the El Chorro Gorge. Evening meals were exceptionally tasty and varied and all eaten outdoors on a patio overlooking the olive groves. Everyone got on happily with Michael and with one another. I would strongly recommend this trip to other Exodus fans.

This was a wonderful walking holiday, staying the week in a homely villa set on the hillside above Algamitas, used just by our group. The owners were friendly, and the chef served delightful meals every evening on the terrace overlooking the surrounding countryside. The area is varied, so the walks are different and generally easy going terrains, and provide great views and interest. Three of them started from the villa and three needed minibus trips. It was lovely to have the pool at the end of the day. The day trip to Seville was an interesting change where we were able to have a restaurant meal, experience flamenco, see the Alcazar and other sights, and sup the occasional beer. Our group was friendly and sociable and Michael, our guide provided the perfect amount of guidance, with superb local knowledge, a real polymath. Nothing seemed too much for Michael to ensure we felt safe, at home and well-provided for. I have done a number of Exodus walking holidays and would thoroughly recommend this one. I extended my trip to visit Granada, which was well worth it (but pre-book the Alhambra).

Trip walking in Andalusia. Accommodation very good and swimming pool a great relax after the walks. As a vegetarian I was very well catered for bye the hotel staff who went to the trouble of preparing individual meals. Hotel staff very friendly and very helpful. Our guide Michael was excellent.The walks at level 2 were pitched very well in terms of distance, difficulty and especially gave a very wide range of differing terrain types in the area. Michael has a VERY great knowledge of the area and very well considered, but never intrusive, health and safety precautions due to possible heat. His arrangements for our "free day" in Seville option were very well planned and his care pre-booking entrance to the Real and for our evening meal made the day. Michael took similar extra care to facilitate our group walk through the Canyon Del Ray, a stunning walk. A highly recommended trip for the accommodation, scenery, walks and our guide

Cortijo Rosario is a lovely place to stay, just outside the village of Algamitas in a beautiful part of Andalucia. Our room was fairly spacious with a comfortable bed and en-suite. The public areas had been fully refurbished with a small bar, lounge and dining room. There is also a reasonable sized pool which we used every day after the walks to cool down. The food was delicious and there was plenty of it; the Paella on the last night was superb. We ate all our dinners outside on the terrace with the added attraction of a wonderful view. The walking was enjoyable without being too challenging with a fair variety through the week from easy tracks to mountainous limestone scenery.

My husband and I loved this trip! The walking is varied, in quite different but equally stunning areas. It is correctly labelled as leisurely/ moderate, as the walks are not technically difficult at all and are not too long for most reasonably fit people - but are long enough for the heat, and leisurely enough to give us plenty of time to look at the rich variety of flora and fauna and to observe the huge number of birds that live here or pass through, which included large birds of prey such as eagles and flocks of vultures.. Michael, our guide, is simply superb. His knowledge of nature is second to none and he was well -organised and kind too. The base, a coverted farmhouse which we had sole use of, is not 'luxurious' but is homely and very welcoming. The owners are lovely! Our room was clean and comfortable and the shower was very good, although the hot water took a bit of time to arrive! The views from our balcony were stupendous. The food was plentiful. The breakfasts were a bit limited in choice but the lunches were very good and the evening meals - taken on a terrace with stunning views in every direction! - were massive and delicious (Ref a previous review: They definitely did NOT lack piquancy!). Our group were friendly with a lot of solo travellers, nice people to spend time with!

I can’t find any fault with this holiday. The walks are well planned and varied, and the week is designed to give a good overview of Andalusia. All the walks offer lovely views, varied terrain and lots of interesting history, geology, flora and fauna. The Cortijo is beautiful and provides a relaxing ‘home from home’.

A great week, with a variety of walks and a comfortable place to stay. The pace of the walks made for a relaxing week, and allowed time to appreciate the beautiful countryside. The Cortijo is a really comfortable place to stay, with lovely food and a warm welcome. The trip to Seville was an added bonus.

This holiday had all the ingredients that you could wish for, for a great holiday. Amazing olive-growing countryside; a lovely friendly hotel; wonderful food; a chatty group of other guests; and a superb, knowledgeable, caring leader.

What a perfect holiday! After a long time full of Covid restrictions, it was the perfect get a way. Yes, not my first choice, BUT I am so, so glad I was on this trip. Not one regret! A week with beautiful, relaxing walks in different regions; some very well known like Caminito del Rey (but defenitly a must see), others a in less touristic region but nevertheless still worth the climb (El Penon and Sierra de Grazalema). All this guided by a wonderful guide, with an overall great knowledge and fun character. The free day in Seville is defenitly to recommend. The small hotel is a little gem in between the olive trees, lovely owners an d a very good chef in the kitchen.

An interesting and varied walking trip with a side trip to Seville.

Thoroughly enjoyed our trip, with Michael Newcomb doing a first-class job as leader - passionate, widely knowledgeable, full of great recommendations and more than willing to go the extra mile for his guests, the best Exodus guide I've had out of several other trips (all of which also had excellent guides). This trip is based in a very remote rural location in Andalusia, in a region not usually visited by tourists. The walking is mostly fairly gentle if you are reasonably fit, but you explore some stunning scenery and are usually the only people on the trails (with the exception of walking the Caminito del Rey, which is busy but you wouldn't want to miss it). The holiday is based at the Cortijo de Rosario, which has gorgeous views and provides a cosy 'house-party' atmosphere (Exodus having the sole use of it). The day out in Seville is wonderful. We travelled at the end of October/early Nov, and were very lucky with the weather - dry and sunny every day we walked, some days being very warm.

Walking in Andalucia is up there with the best walking holidays we have done with Exodus. The combination of an outstanding trip leader in Michael Newcomb, a lovely group of people to share our holiday with, comfortable and relaxed accommodation in the Cortijo Rosario which is set in stunning countryside and the five extremely interesting and varied walks together with a fabulous day in Seville makes this an exceptionally enjoyable holiday.

A fabulous and varied trip, walking the hills of Andalucia and the breathtaking Caminito del Rey. With a free day in the absolutely stunning city of Seville and the knowledge of an expert guide, Michael Newcombe... this trip is a must.

I tried to book this holiday in March 2018, but as there was not a single room available and as I wanted to fly from my local airport and couldn't meet the group transfer in time, I decided on another trip with a competitor of Exodus, but this year the flights meant I arrived in time to meet the group at the airport, and despite my reservations about going in May and it being a bit too warm for walking, the whole group coped with the 27c.

A lovely relaxing week in a charming farmhouse with a pool. The five walks were all very different, and the day 'off' that was spent in Seville was different again. Each walk took you through different aspects of Andalusia, olive groves, holm oak woods, the spectacular caminito del rey. It was difficult to pick a favourite, they all had things to commend them, and the fact that each one featured a bar for a refreshment stop was very welcome. I thought the day in Seville might be long and tiring, but though it was very hot there was enough to do that the time didn't lag, and the lovely gardens of the Alcazar were a good place to relax before the evening's flamenco show. The farmhouse was very comfortable, and the food was good. As a vegetarian I didn't feel I was missing out. All in all one of the best Exodus holidays I've been on.

The week was wonderful: we had great weather; the comfortable, laid back cortijo is set in an unspoiled Andalucian landscape; our 13 fellow guests were great and amusing company; our guide, Michael, as other reviewers have pointed out was a one of the best we have had on our Exodus trips (highly knowledgeable, caring, supportive and and happy to have a laugh); and the walks were pitched just right. -

Therle was no downside to anything about this trip (apart from 38degree heat in Sevilla!) Our guide, Miguel, was so knowledgeable about every aspect of the area, history, flora and fauna, and the itinerary of walks was varied to suit all tastes. He dealt with minor crises extremely calmly and efficiently, and put up with our teasing etc with patience and as if he hadn't heard it all before! thank you Miguel. The Cortijo on a stunning hilltop with beautiful views across the valley and to the village, was comfortable, the food plentiful and tasty, and all staff friendly and helpful. Our driver was very safe and the vehicle clean and well maintained, The group enjoyed each other's company and all had a great time.

We had a thoroughly enjoyable week on this holiday. The walking is not too strenuous but is varied and picturesque. Our guide, Michael, made this holiday for us. He was so knowledgable and interesting but friendly and cheerful also. He knew so much about the local area & its plants and wildlife. The accommodation is comfortable with plentiful tasty food (although coffee in a local bar in Algámitas was better than at the cortijo! ) We were able to see all the sights of the beautiful city of Seville which was an added bonus. Felt quite privileged to spend some time in an unspoilt area of Spain with a friendly bunch of people.

A very pleasant week's walking.

A peaceful, relaxed walk amongst olive groves, outstanding scenery and quiet, white villages. Based in a cortijo which served superb food.

An excellent walking holiday in Andalucia with a first class guide who was vey competent. Vast knowledge about the geography and the history of the area and a superb knowledge of the plant / wild life of the area all with a very engaging manner.

As a single traveller I was a bit apprehensive about joining a group for a week's walking. I needn't have worried. My fellow travellers were charming, good company and great walking companions. The accommodation was comfortable and clean. The double rooms with balconies had views - but not mine sadly. The food at the cortijo was plentiful and tasty, the breakfast coffee could be improved though. The walks were the highlight: disturbing dozens of griffin vultures feeding on carrion and watching them take flight; being in the natural landscape beyond the ubiquitous olive groves and not least Miguel, our guide who was just superb the whole time.

This was a lovely (grade 4 ) holiday in a rural, unspoilt part of Andalucia. The cortijo is very comfortable with fantastic views over the surrounding countryside. The laid back approach made it feel like a house party and Cartouche & Joke must be congratulated on this. Tea & coffee available all day and a bar with amazing measures. There were 12 of us in the group and we all got on well with lots of laughs. We were fortunate to have perfect weather all week with blue skies, no clouds and temps in the mid 20’s. The walks were varied and the day off in Seville was well worth doing. We all went to the Flamenco dancing in the evening and one of the group was so inspired by this that the next morning she gave us her personal interpretation by the pool before we set off on the walk.

I really enjoyed everything about this group hike. This was the challenging version in March 2019...which was a great time to visit with temperatures in the Low 70's F. Everything went off without any problems but that was most likely due to the guide, Michael Newcomb. He is probably the best guide I have ever encountered. Not only is he very personable, he has taken the time to learn a LOT about the area and wildlife. He took the time to interact with all of the members of the group and he paid close attention to the pace to make sure those at the back didn't fall behind too far. He was simply outstanding. The Cortijo (farmhouse) was a really great place to stay. I had the single room and it was clean and comfortable. Note that there were dogs barking during the night but they are on nearby farms so the owners cannot help this. The owners, Joke and Cartouche, were very friendly and helpful as were their staff. I was able to pack lighter because they offered a laundry service that I took advantage of halfway through the trip. The food for the evening meals was fine (not bad) but I had hoped for a bit more Spanish cuisine. Breakfast was fairly light but sufficient. As a side note, Cartouche is also a talented tattooist and he has a small shop on the premises.

This was a fantastic holiday in many ways. From booking till the day we left to go home, it was all done with great professionalism. The pace was just right and the group size was perfect. Well done Exodus.

I would unreservedly recommend this trip. Michael Newcomb our guide was brilliant- enthusiastic and very knowledgeable about the land and the landscape and the flora and fauna and especially the trees and birds of the region. Our Hotel was comfortable with a terrace and panoramic views and an inviting well maintained swimming pool and Cartouche and Joke were warm welcoming and friendly. The food was excellent and Doug provided back up and the two resident dogs were a delight. The bed rooms were well sound proofed and very comfortable and the residents' sitting room comfortable and cosy with a log fire in the evenings. The walks were varied and gave us a great feel for the local landscape. Our day in Seville -one of the great European cities was fascinating.