White Villages of Andalucia Walk
White Villages of Andalucia Walk
White Villages of Andalucia Walk
8 Days Starting and ending in Canillas De Albaida
Visiting: Spain
Tour operator:
Tour code:
W07AA
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 16
Age range:
15-99
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Tour Overview
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.
Did you know you can travel by train to this trip? Find out more here
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Canillas De Albaida
Meals Included: Dinner
Arrive at your hotel in Canillas de Albaida. (Staying at the Finca el Cerrillo, Half Board)
Day 2 : Competa Walk
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A 5-minute transfer takes us to the church of Santa Ana in Canillas de Albaida from where we head towards Competa passing smallholdings with avocados, maize, artichoke and citrus trees. We stop at the Bodegas Almijara where Maria will show us around and explain about wine making in the region - of course you'll get to enjoy a taste! It's then on to Competa for a tapas lunch in the lively main square, Plaza Almijara. We wind our way back to Santa Ana Church and either take the transfer back to the hotel or continue walking along the mule path from the village back to the Finca. (Staying at the Finca el Cerrillo, Half Board)
Day 3 : Sedella Walk
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we head to the white village of Sedella where a track takes us above the village passing Roman terraces, still farmed today. We head up through almond groves to the Molino de Montosa, beneath the imposing La Maroma (2,096m), the highest peak in the region. On a clear day we can see North Africa's Rif Mountains. It's big bird country here too with regular sightings of griffon vultures and other birds of prey. After stopping for a picnic we head back down to Sedella and enjoy a cool drink in Salvador's bar before heading back for a lazy afternoon by the pool or in the library. (Staying at the Finca el Cerrillo, Half Board)
Day 4 : Free Day
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
There is the option of an excursion to the beautiful city of Malaga (payable locally) where you have the day to explore at your leisure. Your starting point is the Castillo de Gibralfaro, a Moorish fortress with spectacular views to the port and town below. From here venture down into the old town where you can explore the Alcazaba, the Moorish Palace next to the Roman ruins. The 16th century cathedral is in the heart of the old town and a short distance from here is the Picasso museum with over 200 of the artist's paintings on display. (Staying at the Finca el Cerrillo, Half Board)
Day 5 : Salares Walk
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We head along a track through olives and citrus groves before dropping down past the bat house with resident horseshoe bats. We'll then continue alongside woodland, listening out for the river running beneath us and watching out for golden orioles. We enter Salares over the Arabic bridge which provides a great photo opportunity! There is an interesting church, Santa Ana, still bearing an old Moorish minaret. Lunch is taken at Theo's bar before a transfer back to the Finca. (Staying at the Finca el Cerrillo, Half Board)
Day 6 : Nerja Caves And Gorge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A 45-minute transfer takes us to the spectacular Cuevas de Nerja where a 750m walkway takes us through a series of caves to a large column 32 metres high. We then head back out to start our walk along the Barranco de Maro. Wildflowers line the gorge with amazing rocky overhangs providing shady spots. After lunch explore Nerja town where you can people-watch from the Balcon de Europa, a rocky promontory made famous by King Alfonso XII. Relax on the beach or head to Nerja Museum to discover more about the caves. It's then back to the Finca before dinner in a local restaurant. (Staying at the Finca el Cerrillo, Half Board)
Day 7 : Loma Del Daire
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is all about views - a 4x4 drive takes us into the Sierra de Alhama Natural Park where we stop at a viewpoint - a stunning vista of jagged peaks and the coast. The drive and the views continue until we reach the start point for the walk. We begin with a gentle climb surrounded by cistus, rosemary, thyme and an abundance of wildflowers. The trail flattens and contours round the mountain, below Cerro Verde, before meeting up with the historic silk trail taking us into Granada Province and back to the viewpoint. (Staying at the Finca el Cerrillo, Half Board)
Day 8 : Leave Canillas De Albaida
Meals Included: Breakfast
What's Included
-
Accommodation
7 nights single-centre accommodation is included.
-
Meals
All meals are included, including wine at dinner.
-
Fully Guided
Services of an experienced walking guide are included.
What's Not Included
-
Travel insurance
-
Single accommodation (available on request, compulsory supplement)
-
Visas or vaccinations
Accommodation
The Finca el Cerrillo is an absolute gem of a place to stay. There are 13 individually styled en-suite rooms. The living areas include a wonderfully atmospheric beamed lounge - cool in summer and kept cosy on winter nights with a blazing log fire, dining room, small library and 'honesty' bar. The terraced gardens, with 100-year-old carob and palm trees, surround both sunny and shaded patios with comfy seating areas. The pool affords stunning views of the valley below and the pretty Moorish village of Archez with its 13th century Moorish tower.
Food
All meals
Andalucía’s base their cuisine on traditional fresh fayre. Onions, tomatoes and peppers feature liberally, simply cooked in olive oil and served as a starter seasoned with local herbs and accompanied by good fresh bread. Dinner often consists of Fish (pescado) or meat (carne) served grilled or deep-fried in olive oil. A good alternative for vegetarians is ensalada de garbanzos y tomate - a delicious salad of chickpea and tomatoes. Local specialities depend on the region: in the mountains, you’ll be offered delicious hams and game, down by the coast seafood will be more prominent.
Tapas was invented in this region and several different mini snacks can make a cheap, fun way to try the various dishes on offer. If you want larger portions, ask for ‘raciones’. Seville is the best place to tapear - tour the many bars sampling their tapas!
Mode of Transport
The tour includes a 5-minute transfer to the church of Santa Ana in Canillas de Albaida, a 45-minute transfer to the Cuevas de Nerja, and a 4x4 drive into the Sierra de Alhama Natural Park. Transfers back to the Finca are also provided after certain activities.
Check out our Q&As
-
What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides accommodation at the Finca el Cerrillo, a 200-year-old olive mill with 13 individually styled en-suite rooms. The property includes a beamed lounge, dining room, small library, and an 'honesty' bar. The terraced gardens have both sunny and shaded patios, and the pool offers stunning views of the valley and the Moorish village of Archez.
-
Are all meals included in the tour package?
Yes, all meals are included in the tour package, and wine is provided at dinner.
-
What activities are included in the tour itinerary?
The tour includes various walking activities such as the Competa Walk, Sedella Walk, Salares Walk, and a visit to the Nerja Caves and Gorge. There is also a 4x4 drive into the Sierra de Alhama Natural Park and an optional excursion to Malaga.
-
Is there an opportunity to explore local culture or history during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes visits to Moorish white villages, the Bodegas Almijara for wine tasting, and historical sites such as the Arabic bridge in Salares and the Castillo de Gibralfaro in Malaga. There is also a chance to explore the Alcazaba and the Picasso museum in Malaga.
-
What wildlife might be seen during the tour?
During the tour, participants may see griffon vultures and other birds of prey, especially in the Sedella area. There are also opportunities to spot golden orioles and resident horseshoe bats near Salares.
-
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
-
Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Saturday - Saturday
Feb 15, 2025 - Feb 22, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Mar 15, 2025 - Mar 22, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Apr 12, 2025 - Apr 19, 2025Saturday - Saturday
May 17, 2025 - May 24, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Sep 27, 2025 - Oct 04, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Oct 04, 2025 - Oct 11, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Oct 18, 2025 - Oct 25, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Nov 08, 2025 - Nov 15, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.