From the Mountains to the Mediterranean
Seven night, single base walking adventure
Designed and created for walking clubs & pre-formed groups of friends
This Cómpeta based guided walking holiday follows the length of the south facing slopes of the Sierra Almijara connecting pretty white villages on the way. The walk starts from the mountain village of Canillas de Aceituno in the west and ends in Maro, a tiny coastal village where the mountains dramatically drop to the sea. Each of the five sections of the linear trail are ‘classic’ walks’ in their own right with great scenery, views and interest. Based on our long running Silk Trail holiday, this version is primarily designed for pre-formed walking groups allowing us to be flexible with group size (up to a maximum of 20 guests) and take advantage of the excellent accommodation and restaurant options available in Cómpeta. We are also able to set the level of the guided daily walks to suit the overall fitness/preferences of the group. The first walk (Day 2) includes the option to cross the stunning Almachares Gorge via the El Saltillo route (with an easier option for likely vertigo sufferers!).
Mountains to the Med- Itinerary & Walks
Day 1 – Arrival day
The transfer from Malaga airport to the sierras takes an hour by road. Depending on arrival time we will offer an afternoon stroll, a great way to get the legs moving and the journey out of the system. In the evening, welcome drinks on our roof terrace with time to discuss the program and walks for the week ahead. This is followed by dinner in one of the excellent restaurants in the heart of Cómpeta.
Day 2 – Canillas Aceituno to Sedella
The transfer to Canillas de Acitetuno in the west takes about 35 minutes. We have a choice of walks to suit the preferences and overall fitness level of the group. The toughest option climbs into the foothills of La Maroma with great views of the mountain, coast and crossing stunning Almachares Gorge at high level. We can also cross the gorge at lower level using the El Saltillo route crossing the new hanging bridge. Although shorter, this exciting new route is not suitable for vertigo sufferers so we can offer an alternative walk. After a picnic lunch, the descent to Sedella is gentle with time for a drinks and then the road transfer back to Cómpeta. Walking Time Up to 5 Hours
Day 3 – Sedella to Canillas de Albaida
The road transfer back to Sedella to pick up the trail will take about 20 minutes. Again we have a choice of routes around the foot hills of La Maroma (2069m) with various elevation gains. We are likely to include the pretty village of Salares and end the walk down the valley of the Rio Cajula before the short but sharp climb up to Canillas de Albaida. Walking Time up to 5 Hours
Day 4 – Canillas Albaida to Cómpeta
The distance by road between these picturesque white villages is less than 3km but the choice of walks into the sierras is immense. Whatever option we choose we will walk through a hidden valley,climb a peak and have spectacular views sweeping down to the Mediterranean. Walking Time up to 5 Hours
Day 5 – Rest Day
Andalucia is full of interest. We are very happy to discuss and arrange excursions for groups but maybe after a few hectic days it maybe be best to just relax in Cómpeta and enjoy being in such a lovely place.
Accommodation
Depending on group size, accommodation for the seven nights will be in our own Casa Rurale in the heart of Cómpeta or the delightful Posada del Cani close by. Rooms with double occupancy will be allocated their own/en-suite bathrooms. Single occupance rooms may have to share bathroom facilities.
Travel & More Information
Airport transfers from and back to Malaga are provided for at a agreed time to suit arrival and departure times for the group. On departure, our transfer normally leaves Cómpeta after breakfast arriving at Malaga airport around 11.00 am. Transfers are normally by minibus and take just over an hour.
Meals throughout the week are taken at a variety of our favourite local restaurants. Some are simple and others are sophisticated, but they all provide excellent local cuisine and great atmosphere. We have breakfasts in the Plaza and for lunch we may stop for tapas on route or take bocadillos and fruit into the hills.
Walking levels will be discussed with group leader on booking but can be amended throughout the week to suit temperatures/group preferences . For interest, walks on on our regular Cómpeta Based holidays are rated as Level 2 (see notes on walking levels on FAQ page).
Dates & Prices
Autumn 2023 & Spring 2024
Dates by prior agreement
Prices
£645 p/p sharing double/twin rooms
£125 Supplement for guests requesting their own rooms
What is included
- Single base holiday with 7 nights accommodation in Cómpeta. (See Accommodation above)
- Breakfasts
- Evening restaurant meals including wine (except on rest day)
- Welcome drinks
- Five guided full day walks to suit requirements of the group
- Transfers to and from trail heads
- Airport transfers at specified times
Reviews & Visitors Book
“It was a splendid week walking the Silk Trail. Thank you for your skilful organization
in arranging such a great holiday. The magic of Spanish Steps continues! I thoroughly
enjoyed being back in the sierras of Andalucia with the profusion of wild flowers and
the wonderful views. We were as always well rewarded at the end of the day with
delicious meals and wine which was much appreciated.” Margaret (Berks)
“Thank you for a fabulous week on The Silk Trail, as memorable as ever , tough, challenging but thoroughly enjoyed. As always the meals and wine flowed and we had fun evenings! Always love the house in Competa and felt very much at home. Sallie (Surrey)
“Many thanks for a wonderful holiday. Walking was amazing. Challenging but in a
good way ?. Wild flowers and scents were beautiful.” Emily (Edingburgh)
“Thanks for an excellent holiday. Over the years I have been on 30 plus Ramblers or
HF walking holidays (three in the last year alone) and last week was the best and
most enjoyable of them all. Ian (York)
