"The accommodation was fantastic! I enjoyed the walks - challenging but not too hard. Exactly what I wanted. I loved all of it...." Melody Mitchell, April 2011
Holy Week, Semana Santa, in Andalucia is an event that literally transforms towns and cities across this region. Processions of elaborately decorated floats with Jesus and Mary statues, groups of pointy-hood wearing Nazarenos (penitents), and shrill brass bands, walk slowly through the streets, from their parish church to the cathedral and back. It is an amazing experience, and a great time to come to Andalucia if you want to imbibe some deeply-held traditions that have less to do with religion than with social groupings and rituals. You will never see anything like it again.
Highlights
Watch a typical Easter procession through the village - witness the emotion and drama at first hand Five star walking with experienced guides Traditional white village away from the crowds
Package includes:
7 nights' accommodation
Breakfast starter pack
All main meals + wine (except on rest day)
Semana Santa Parades on Easter Sunday
Programme of Walks
Picnics on Walks
Note: Walk Andalucia provides all transport during your holiday on a courtesy basis
SAMPLE ITINERARY
(subject to variation)
Day 1: Airport transfers, welcome lunch, walking tour of Torrox Pueblo, evening drinks and discussion of timetable, dinner at Village restaurant
Day 2: Cortijo Malteza & Stone Arch 7.5Km (4.5 Miles) / 1050 feet / 3-3.5 hours
Shorter walk through quiet, unspoilt countryside via the Aroyo de los Colmenalejos (dry river valley named after beekeepers who still use this area for honey making). Pass under an incredible natural stone arch and climb to a ruined farm with lovely views to the higher peaks and down to the sea.
Circular walk around historic Comares, one of the highest villages in Andalucia (c.2500 ft), with views of Sierras Enmedio and Tejeda, including La Maroma, climb to summit of Masmullar and ruins of 9th century Moorish settlement.
Evening : Vegetarian Feast at Cortijo la Paz
Day 4: Rio Torrox Circular (via Loma Coscoja) 11Km (6.75 miles), 1100 feet, 4.5 hours
Circular walk from rear of village, initially along the fertile Rio Torrox valley - watch out for olive trees, almond, orange, lemon, nispero, nispero, chirimoya, avocado and a wide range of vegetables. Then climb to a ridge with spectacular 360 degree views, including the Sierra Almijara, La Maroma, Frigiliana, Nerja and, of course, the sea.
15:00 Andalucia Feast at Maria's Cortijo
Evening Free
Day 5: Free
Day 6: Acebuchal & Ermita la Caliza Extension - Grade 3 12Km (7.5 miles), 1500 feet, 4-5 hours
Walk through recentluy restored and re-poppulated pretty white mountain village o f Acebuchal, then up dry river valley through pine trees. Start to climb along good track, then over pass into wild valley beyond. Route takes us close to impressive high peaks of Cerro Cisne and El Lucero, and up to r uins of Ermita, an excellent picnic site with sea and mountain views. Return via forest track.
Dinner at Village Restaurant
Day 7: Cerro Atalaya 9.5Km (6 Miles) / 2050 feet
Exhilerating circular walk from disused hydro-electric station at Canillas de Albaida through lush, shady forest to rocky summit with the very best views of the Sierras Tejeda, Alhama & Almijara.
Dinner at local restaurant
Transfer to Airport and Adios from Walk Andalucia!
