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Day 1: Join tour Malaga; transfer to Canillas de Albaida
Joining the tour at Malaga airport we transfer to Canillas de Albaida by minibus, a journey of about one and a half hours, where there should be some time to freshen up and relax before a briefing this evening about the coming days ahead. Our base for the next few days is a picturesque village of white washed houses lying on the edge of the Sierra Tejeda Natural Park, in the shadow of the Atalaya and Verde Mountains. Moorish in origin (Albaida comes from the Arabic for white), its history dates back to the 13th century and the village today is an engaging collection of steep narrow streets that meander up the hillside and lead down to a traditional square. The shrine of Santa Ana dominates the village from its lofty promontory overlooking the surrounding landscapes of pine and oak trees. These vistas are home to eagles, mountain goats and wild boar and the terraced fields that circle the village are traditional reminders of the Moorish farmers who once worked these fertile lands. This rich mix of cultural styles is also reflected in the food of the region, where Moroccan and Spanish influences make for some delicious local delicacies, including fennel broth and almond and garlic soup.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Day 2: Walking to Competa
Our first full day sees us departing the hotel after breakfast and following a track to the bottom of the valley. From here we continue along the course of the Cajula stream, passing through a landscape of avocado and citrus groves, before descending into the Turvilla River valley and past oleander trees, ascending up to Canillas for a tapas lunch. The Tejeda and Almijara ranges cover over 20,000 hectares, much of it protected and presenting us with a rich mix of scrubland, forest and terraced farming, making for some superb walking. Following an old mule track after lunch we continue to the nearby village of Competa, considered by some as the 'pearl of the Axarquia'. Offering some stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the Mediterranean, this lovely village is famous for its locally made wine and presents us with a picturesque setting of labyrinthine streets and whitewashed houses cluttered around the towering minaret of a 13th century tower. Built in the Baroque- Mudejar style, this dominating edifice towers above the village streets, and ascending to the top affords some spectacular views of the village and its surroundings (optional). After our visit we head back to Canillas for dinner and, doubtless, a well-earned glass of something refreshing. Total walking approx 12km, 6 hours, 400m ascent.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Day walk following old silk route
Taking a taxi this morning we head first for Competa. From here we follow a track that passes above Casa de la Mina before joining a mule track that takes us towards Puerto Blanquillo, via the ancient silk route that once ran through these limestone landscapes to Granada. The arrival of the Moors in the 8th century brought silk manufacture to the Iberian Peninsula and these ancient trails are littered with the historical reminders of those once lucrative journeys across Arabia and into the Islamic heartlands of southern Europe. Stopping for a picnic lunch at a ruined inn, we then continue through the afternoon, back towards Canillas. Total walking approx 14km, 6 hours, 250m ascent.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Walking through Moorish villages
Crossing an old Roman bridge this morning we ascend a goat track, following the trail up towards Finca el Cerrillo, a converted olive mill. Continuing uphill we then negotiate a landscape of ancient oak woods, following a mule track up to the summit of Fogarate, a hilltop lookout that lies in the shadow of the lofty peak of La Maroma. After taking in the fabulous views we continue along an easy dirt track that skirts the valley and takes us up towards a ruined inn, before we follow the valley along an irrigation canal to the old Moorish village of Salares. By 720AD the Moors controlled much of the Iberian Peninsula and their faith, art and architecture spread through much of southern Spain. This new part of the Islamic empire became know as al-Andalus and was at first ruled by the caliphate of Damascus, the powerful Umayyad caliphs. Over time these lands split into smaller Muslim enclaves, making them more vulnerable to the emerging Christian kingdoms to the north, which eventually culminated in the Christian re-conquest of the south in the 10th and 11th centuries. Much of this region has retained its Moorish character though and many of the villages still display the distinctive styling of Mudejar architecture, a form developed specifically by the Muslims in these Christian areas and often presenting a rich fusion of Islamic and Gothic styles. The church of Santa Ana in Salares is a perfect example of this hybrid of styles, built on the sight of an old mosque, but retaining the minaret as a church tower. After a wander through the steep, winding streets of this picturesque village and lunch in Theo's simple but special bar we will return to Canillas by taxi. Anyone wishing to make the return journey by foot may do so (this will add an extra couple of hours and another 6km to your day ascent 350m). Total walking approx 8km, 4.5 hours. 420m ascent.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast
Day 5: Free day; optional trips to Granada, Antequera or the coast
Today has been designated as a rest day. There is the possibility of taking an optional trip to Granada today, or spend your time exploring Antequera or the coast. Granada is one of the most famous cities in the region, a superb mix of Moorish elegance and Renaissance grandeur that includes the Albaicin, the old Moorish quarter whose white walls and narrow streets give the city its distinctive Arabic feel. A major highlight is the sumptuous Alhambra palace, built by Muhammad al-Ahmar, the founder of the Nasrid dynasty, in the 13th century and considered the finest example of Moorish architecture outside the Arab world. Its exquisite interiors and stucco exteriors evokes the elegance of a civilisation at the peak of its artistic and cultural epoch and the ceilings of its glorious throne room represent the seven heavens of the Muslim cosmos, creating a little piece of Arabic heaven here on earth. Another highlight worthy of mention is the Generalife, one of the most beautiful landscaped gardens in the world, which surrounds the summer residences of the Caliphs. Wandering up to the highest points of the city presents some stunning views out across these glorious testaments to Muslim craftsmanship. Another alternative today is the vibrant market town of Antequera, once a border fortress protecting Granada and today boasting a delightful collection of Baroque churches, a 13th century castle and a massive series of burial chambers (dolmens) on the outskirts of the town that are believed to date back to around 2500BC. For those who would prefer something a little more scenic, the Mediterranean coast is not far away, presenting an ideal destination for a gentle exploration of Spain's beautiful southern coastline.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast
Day 6: Ascend Cerro Verde via Honeymaker's Cave
Another taxi this morning takes us to La Fabrica la Luz, from where we begin our walk up the valley and past the Honeymaker's Cave, travelling on via the chestnut and cork woods of El Chaparral Farm. These remote and beautiful landscapes contain a rich wealth of fauna and flora, many of which is endemic to the sierras, particularly its raptors and mountain birds. Amongst these landscapes of boxwood and olive groves, yew and Mediterranean woodland, with luck we can get occasional glimpses of golden and Bonnelli's eagles, peregrine falcons and golden orioles. These landscapes are also renowned for large numbers of indigenous mountain goats that only a century ago were on the verge of extinction. Climbing up through these idyllic rural settings we head towards the summit of Cerro Verde (1,346m), a peak similar in height to Ben Nevis, where we enjoy a picnic lunch on the summit, overlooking the panoramas and enjoying the fresh Andalucian air as we look out across the limestone landscapes. After lunch we move south towards Cerro Atalaya, a dramatically craggy peak that is popular nesting site for birds and where, if we are lucky, we may spot some Bonelli eagles. Descending from the coll via a wide firebreak we are treated to views of the coast and, on a clear day, as far as Gibraltar. Our descent this afternoon brings us full circle back to La Fabrica, where we rendezvous with taxis once more for the return journey back to Canillas. Total walking approx 12km, 5-6 hours, 726m ascent.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast
Day 7: Optional walks
Today has been left free. You may choose to relax around the village, visit Granada or the coast or enjoy a self guided walk in the area. For those looking for something a little more arduous, you may consider an ascent of El Lucero (1,769m), it presents the perfect way to round off this comprehensive exploration of this captivating region and its characteristic grey and white palates. A fairly strenuous ascent of some 10 hours and 19km, taking you up approx 1000m to the summit.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast
Day 8: Tour ends Malaga Airport
Passengers on our group flight to London will be transferred back to the airport in time for their return flight (this may vary from the Land Only ending time as shown above). Please note that the transfer to airport for Land Only passengers may be unescorted.
Included meals: Breakfast
