Silk Trailo end

Sierras to the Sea

7 Night guided walking holiday

through mountains & white villages

to the Mediterranean coast

 

“Thank you for another wonderful holiday. It was a fantastic week and the walks were truly spectacular”

This unique 7 night guided walking holiday follows the length of the south facing slopes of the Sierra Almijara connecting pretty white villages on the way. It is a revised version of our long running Silk Trail holiday staying in Cómpeta and using minibus and 4WD  transfers to and from trailheads. The walk starts from the mountain villages of Sedella or Canillas de Aceituno in the west and ends in Maro, a tiny coastal village close to Nerja 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. The walks are rated as Level 2  with the offer of more strenuous options on some days, including an exciting new Day 2 walk crossing the stunning Almachares Gorge. It is possible to opt out of any of the walks but few choose to do so.

 Itinerary & Walks

Day 1 – Arrival day
The transfer from Malaga airport to Cómpeta takes just over 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  our favourite restaurants close to the house

Day 2 – Sedella/Canillas Aceituno to Salares
The road transfer to and from the trail headsWe have multiple options for this first walk depending on the walking preferences of our guests. The full walk starts in Sedella and climbs into the foothills of La Maroma with great views of the mountain, coast and stunning Almachares Gorge. In addition to the normal walk we may offer a more challenging option which start in Canillas de Aceituno and cross the gorge using a little known high level path or the GR249 El Saltillo route crossing the new hanging bridge. Although short, this exciting new optional route is not suitable for vertigo sufferers. After a picnic lunch the descent to Sedella is gentle with time for a drink in the plaza and road transfer back to Cómpeta. Walking Time Up to 5 Hours

Day 3 – Sedella to Canillas de Albaida
The road transfer back to Salares 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

Cómpeta is a very pleasant place to ‘rest up’ with interesting shops, tapas bars, local swimming pool and pretty streets. For the more energetic there is a morning bus down to the coast for perhaps a swim, coastal walk or visit the large Thursday market in Torre del Mar.
Day 6 – Cómpeta to El Acebuchal/ Frigliana
Again plenty of options. Just a matter of choosing the route to the south east over the mountains towards the coast. All have spectacular views down to the coast. Most likely the walk will end the once abanadoned village of El Acebuchal. Retun to Cómpeta by 4WD transfer  Walking Time – Up to 5 Hours 
Day 7 –  Frigiliana to the coast
The road transfer to Figililana takes about 40 minutes. All walk options start in the centre of this popular and pretty pueblo.  The longer walk to Maro is surprisingly remote and quite tough.  The shorter routes ending in Nerja maybe the prefered option to ensure time for a dip in sea and/or drinks on the beach. Walking Time  5 Hours (or less strenuous option)
Day 8 – Departure Day  
See notes on Travel & More Information
 
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Accommodation & Food

Depending on group size and room requirements, accommodation for the seven nights will be in Spanish Steps Casa Rurale or, if extra rooms are needed, the Posada del Cani close by.  Rooms with double occupancy will be allocated their own/en-suite bathroom. Single occupancy rooms may have to share bathroom facilities. Both these delightful village properties are located close to the bustling Plaza Almijara. This the meeting and focal point for our group holidays in Cómpeta and also where we enjoy generous ‘al fesco’ breakfasts each day.

Main meals of the day are provided (except for the rest day) at excellent local restaurants. Some are simple and others are sophisticated, but they all provide excellent local cuisine, one or two glasses of good complimentary wine 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.

Travel & More Information

The starting point for the holiday is Malaga airport with transfers at specified times to Cómpeta (normally leaving the airport no later than 2 pm). At the end of the week transfers are provided  (normally arriving at Malaga airport at 10 am).
The historic centre of Malaga is also highly recommended for spending some extra time. There is much to see and enjoy and an overnight stay could be a great option if you are restricted to early return flights. Bus and train transfers from the city centre to the airport are inexpensive, frequent and convenient.
If you would like to extend your holiday and fancy something a little more relaxing do have a look at malagaeast.com. This excellent website provides useful information on coastal and inland villages close to the end of the ‘Silk Trail’. The site also includes some very interesting historical information on El Acebuchal, Frigiliana and Maro, all of which feature on the walk.

 Dates & Prices

Spring 2024

Sunday April 21 – 28

Sunday May 5 – 12


Autumn 2024

Sunday September 8- 15

 

Cost £645*

*Single occupancy supplement £75

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 from the Sierras to the Sea. 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, 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)