As featured on the BBC's 'Living in the Sun'

Hiking/Walking

In this area of Southern Spain, there are many classic walks around beautiful lakes and white-washed villages, but to start hiking all you need to do is walk out of the villa. This is a traditional area and so the shepherds walk their goats and sheep around all day to eat the vegetation so there are paths which have been worn over years. You can expect to walk through wild rosemary and thyme and the smell is out of this world. You can also walk among the olive and almond trees and citrus groves, and there is an abundance of wildlife and birds around this area.

The most popular walk we do is the river walk at Nerja. This walk is for any age from very young to the more senior of you. A river walk does not really explain what this activity entails, you won't be walking by the side of the river but in the river itself. Due to this you will need to bring either an old pair of trainers or walking boots, as you will be walking in the water on the small rocks, also you will need a pair of shorts, as you will get wet. We have had hikers who have walked all over the world and they have rated this walk as one of there top 10. There is only one way up and back down, so you never get lost. You can go as far as you like and the total walk takes around 6 hrs but we tailor it to you. There is a waterfall to play in and also a plunge pool to take a cool off, this is situated after around an hour from the start. You walk within a gourge and the surrounding rocks move closer together the further you walk up, which allows for a break from the midday sun. Sam, Su and even Arun guide you on this walk and this is one activity not to be missed. The slope is very gentle so you don't have to be fit to be able to do this walk.

To reach some of the more challenging walks you don't have to travel far to get into the heart of the Andalucian mountains where there are many summits to be climbed. There is also a nature reserve 30 minutes drive from the villa which is well worth a visit. It is not uncommon in these mountains to see vultures and eagles, and there are also wild tortoises and chameleons to be seen. At one of the lakes which are frequented by flamingos, at a certain time of the year you can pay to tag a baby, so you can follow its life.

For your lunch, Su will either set you up with a packed lunch or you can stop at a local restaurant, and of course Su will supply you with bottles of water. Due to the climate out here walking can be done all year round. In the summer months it can be rather tiring in the heat of the day but there are always streams, waterfalls and lakes to be found to have a nice cooling off dip.

We can use a professional guide if required, but this will incur a cost, otherwise Su is quite willing to show you some walks and come along with you.

In the winter you can also do snow walks in the Sierra Nevadas. This is only an hour and a quarter away and Sam will be there to drop you off and pick you up. (I am sure you will find Sam skiing down the mountains while you are walking up).

When you are booking, if you could inform Sam and Su what type of walking you wish to do and whether you want a guide, just want to walk with Su, or just wish to explore on your own, we can make the necessary arrangements