Walking in Andalucia

Start your journey from Malaga and head towards Cortijo Rosario, a converted farmhouse nestled in the Andalucían countryside. This serene location is just a short walk from Algamitas, a peaceful traditional village far from the hustle and bustle of big cities. It's the perfect place to experience the real Spain while still offering easy access to popular walking spots and towns such as Olvera, Setenil, and Seville.

Take a guided walk on the trails and paths around the cortijo and on to the neighbouring village of Villanueva. The countryside surrounding Algamitas is picture-perfect, covered with olive trees, beautiful farmland, and rolling hills. During the walk, our leader will give us a good overview of the rural lifestyle and traditions in this part of the world, which are largely based around the production of olive oil. An optional tapas lunch in the village gives us a chance to soak up the authentic Andalucían atmosphere.

Our private bus will drive us high into the Grazalema Mountains, over the Pass of the Doves. Designated a Unesco biosphere reserve in 1977, the Sierra de Grazalema is one of the most ecologically outstanding areas in Spain. It is best-known for having a spectacularly rugged limestone landscape of cliffs, gullies, caves, and gorges. We walk up past this fantastic scenery and down into the white village of Benaocaz.

Today we set out from Cortijo Rosario, walking through Algamitas farmland to the abandoned monastery of Caños Santos, where we will have lunch. In the afternoon, follow the Ruta de los Molinos along the river that runs through the white village of Setenil de las Bodegas. Built under the overhanging ledge of a gorge, Setenil is not only known for having standout architecture but also for bars, restaurants, and food shops, which are the best in the region. We have free time to discover Setenil and later return to the cortijo by private minibus.

In the morning we transfer by private minibus to magnificent Seville. Now the capital of Andalucía, the city was one of the first conquests of the Moors. The day is free to sightsee at our own pace. Near the city centre is the evocative Giralda, an architectural masterpiece dating to the 12th century. Close by is the magnificent Alcazar, a complex of palaces dating from Roman times and later used by both Moorish and Christian rulers. It has fine examples of Moorish and Mudejar architecture and stunning sculpted gardens. After immersing ourselves in history and culture, we enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the city in the evening, returning to the cortijo after dinner.

A short drive takes us to El Chorro gorge, where we are dropped off at the Guadalhorce Dam and reservoir to begin our walk. We'll head to the start of El Caminito del Rey, a narrow cliffside path hanging 328ft (100m) above the Guadalhorce river. Originally built around 1905, and improved around 1921, it fell into disrepair, earning it the moniker 'the most dangerous path in the world' or even the 'walk of death'. The new Caminito del Rey was reconstructed and reopened to the public in 2015, with the route and design replicating (as much as possible) the old one, but with higher safety standards. After, there will be a chance to relax and rest by the reservoir.

Today we walk around the impressive Peñon Crag, which looms over Cortijo Rosario. El Peñon is the highest point in the Seville province, 3,700ft (1,130m) above sea level, offering dramatic views of the landscape around Algamitas and the neighbouring villages, hills and farmland. On the way back to the cortijo, we stop for drinks on a lovely panoramic terrace.

Our final breakfast is the perfect chance to reflect on the many highlights of this unforgettable Andalucian escape. Once you're full up, bid a fond hasta pronto to our hosts, who may well feel more like family by now, before starting your return home.