Walking Holidays in Southern Spain
Andalucia in the South of Spain is one of the best walking areas
in Europe – it simply cannot be rivalled for variety of scenery,
climate, spectacular mountains, history, culture and some of the
most interesting flora and fauna to be found anywhere in the world.
After a short drive east of Malaga you will be in the Axarquia
region, one of Spain’s wild places preserved from the clutches of
property developers, and in the shadow of the impressive peaks of
the Sierras of Tejeda and Almijara.
Axarquia has a natural environment of great richness and variety –
splendid diversity of wetland zones, mountain ranges and bird
migration routes.
It’s a region of historic white villages with a distinctive Arabic
influence scattered amongst dramatic hills and mountains, and where
grape vines, mango trees and kiwi fruits thrive alongside ancient
olive and almond groves. Many of these white villages have been
preserved so that today they can still be appreciated in their
typical and original condition.
Agriculture is still an important part of the Axarquian economy, and
the markets are full of an incredible range of locally grown
produce, including avocados, grapes, mangos and tomatoes. All grow
in abundance in this lush semi tropical fertile area.
In the tapas bars and ventas (small, family run restaurants) try the
vegetable and pulse stews, game dishes, paellas and Mariscos
(Shellfish), which are the essence of this region’s cookery. The
region is also famous for quality cured meats such as Serrano hams
(cured ham), considered to be among the best in Spain, excellent
olive oil and the local sweet white Muscatel wines.Andalucia's sub-tropical climate is the most agreeable in Europe.
Enjoying over 3,000 hours of sunshine every year, pleasant summer
days begin in February and often last well into October. Even at its
warmest, a cool Mediterranean breeze makes this area pleasant and
non-oppressive. The outstanding features of the climate are hot, dry
summers, mild winters with variable rainfall, almost constant
sunshine and an absence of frost. There is no cold season, which
makes the area ideal for walkers.
Walking is a relatively new but growing pastime in the region of
Axarquia, where conditions are ideal for hiking. More and more
people visit these areas in order to discover the wildlife and
vegetation as well as deepen their knowledge of the culture, cuisine
and traditions.
 It is always best to begin your exploration of this wonderful place
in the company of local guides who can share their knowledge and
enthusiasm for the area.
The Andalucian Olive Oil Route is a great place to start. It
begins in Riogordo and continues to Alcaucin crossing many
interesting pueblos such as Colmenar, Alfarnate, and Periana, which
are part of the Axarquia. Walking in this area allows you to get
back in touch with nature, where the air is clean, fresh and
invigorating. You can enjoy the history and culture of these
highlands, experience the hospitality of the friendly mountain
people or simply take a rest and enjoy the spectacular scenery.
Of course, the only way to appreciate what the Axarquia has to offer
is to visit it and see for yourself. We recommend that you
contact
walk-andalucia.com, a company based in the south of Spain
which is run by a British couple offering walks in the Sierras
Tejeda and Almijara where the mountain roads are surrounded by olive
trees and panoramic mountain peaks.
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