Opportunities for carrying out walks in the region are rising steadily due to the growing popularity of rural tourism and the increased commitments by local tourism authorities. Improved maps, guide books, and walking holiday companies have etched their way into the region – all providing interesting insight and opportunities for visitors. Whether a visit to Andalucia is based on the costas or even further inland, a fascinating walk is usually never more than a half-hour away.
     Traditionally, a visit to Andalucia focused on fine beaches, golfing, night life and winter sun. Now, thanks to the particularly good access inland and due to the provision of fine village services and the implementation of protected National Parklands, there is an abundance of virtually untouched nature at one’s disposal. Today many visitors to Andalucia combine their relaxing beach holiday with short visits into the region’s hinterland. Helpful tourist centers in the white villages offer a variety of literature in English and it seems that access to the “real” Andalucia is becoming more and more available.

     Choosing walks in the region parallels to dining in a fine restaurant. The menu is full of variety and specialties that suit everyone’s tastes. Walks can vary from open grassland rambles overlooking seascapes while others descend craggy gorges with tropical vegetation and aqua pools filled by cascading waterfalls. If high peaks are your passion, there are tracks ascending 3,000m that pass through alpine meadows and skirt ridgelines with views as far as Africa. In fact, one could be walking at snow level in the morning and on a sunny beach by the afternoon – with relative ease.
     If family walking is your priority, there are short 20-minute nature paths to gentle ½ day rambles that would suit all ages and abilities. Moreover, opportunities for combining an afternoon’s walk with perhaps a white village tour, wildlife viewing session and/or a scenic train journey are only some options to broaden the holiday experience. Another popular choice for families – particularly those with toddlers, is to carry out the unique walks that surround the age-old Moorish villages inland from the coast. These ancient cobbled tracks of varying lengths tend to link old farmsteads, bubbling streams, fruit groves and sun swept meadows – stimulating the curiosity of all ages! On many village walks, friendly shepherds greet walkers with delight and if one is fortunate, a bit of inside knowledge about local flora and fauna might be passed on.

     Sampling Andalucia’s walks in some of Europe’s most exotic natural and cultural landscapes under blue skies is an opportunity not to be missed. Witness the Roman’s and Moor’s fascinating imprint left on the mountain villages and stroll the ancient Smuggler’s Paths between them. Wander up through ancient Phoenician ruins that lay beneath the ominous presence of caves that for centuries held bandits and revolutionary fronts.
     For those passionate about flora, be prepared for a myriad of year round wildflowers, exotic tree species such as the rare Pinsapo Firs, and a wonderful mixture of semi-tropical plants along lush river paths. Fauna comprising of wild boar, deer, big horned sheep, wild cat, mongoose, otter, reptiles and more can be located in most walking regions, greeting visitors at some of the least expected moments! Most notably, however, will be the significant number of birds – particularly the large vultures, eagles and buzzards that hover above at a strikingly close range. In fact, there is so much undiscovered beauty and treasure in the region that the Spanish government is in the process of declaring the area one massive National Park in the very near future!
      So what are Andalucia’s most delightful areas for walking activities? The provinces of Granada, Almeria, Malaga, Jaen and Cadiz tend to have the best concentration of diverse walking options. Best of all, these places can all be reached in 2 hours or less from the major coastal resort areas. Options for getting to and from the walking bases are increasing and while hire cars in Andalucia are some of the cheapest in Europe, regular train and bus services run efficiently throughout the area – however, at times smaller connections by taxi may be required.

     Accommodation options surrounding the walking areas have improved immensely in recent years and variations in price and quality offer some choice for the visitor. From charming log cabins to luxurious mountain resorts with pools and breathtaking views there is a level of comfort to satisfy most adventurers.
     Alongside horseback trekking, multi adventure, cycle and mountain bike tours, organized walking holidays in the region have grown significantly in the last decade. Companies offer a wide range of services from gentle ½ day walks to full 2 week excursions – trekking from village to village and covering a wide range of terrain. Hiring a guide for an excursion can be especially beneficial if you wish to make the most out of your holiday as guides often provide the luxury of mini bus transport, trail lunches and expert knowledge of the area.
     So when is the best time to walk through Andalucia’s diverse countryside? With the exception of mid-December to mid-January, when showers can be frequent, nearly all other times of the year are pleasant. Winter months can offer temperatures of up to the mid 20C, though evenings will be cool. Spring and the arrival of wild flowers is a fantastic time for walking along with the autumn period and the quiet calm after the busy tourist season. July and August can be drastically hot although morning walks can be quite pleasant. No matter what time of the year ensure that you bring plenty of water and have appropriate clothing, maps and area information before setting out on the trail. Additionally, for any outdoor pursuit it is advisable to inform someone of where you are walking and what time you expect to return.
     So if you are seeking a healthy adventure option on an otherwise relaxing holiday in the sun then Andalucia’s stunning hinterland and lovely coast provides the perfect balance. Whether you are travelling alone, in a group or with the family, opportunities for getting out in the gorgeous countryside are abundant. Get active on your next holiday – you will be amazed at how refreshing it really is... See you on the trails!