Walking in Andalucia
How long were you there for?8 days based in Canillas de Albaida, a hilltop village on the edge of the Sierra Tejeda Natural Park, nestling at altitude 600m approx. between the Sierra Tejeda and Sierra Almijara mountain ranges. Peaks are equivalent to Snowdon and Ben Nevis. Highest peak is Mt. Lucero (1779m).
What was the single highlight of your trip?Being in sleepy Canillas, pop. 700m approx, quiet except for church bells at 8am, and women coming back with bread and chatting at the fountain under my balcony, traffic free centre, great sunsets and warmth and 6-8hrs. sunshine in January.
Any lowlights/cautionary tales?Not really ... well, go easy on the Rioja, which is cheap but good, if you're walking the following day. And stay away from the bodegas at lunchtime, or the return walk might be a stagger.
Any absolutely MUST see sights/activities?Walking along the various mountain trails gives plenty of views of white-washed hilltop villages and takes you off the beaten track.
Any absolutely DON'T see sights/activities?Not really ... January is off season, so few tourists around.
If you could give one piece of advice, what would it be?Take good walking kit and head for the hills. Some steep ascents and descents in places but doable if you're reasonably fit. Mt. Lucero at 1779m is a serious day's hike. Fleece and shirt is OK at lower altitudes, but hat gloves, the works when higher as it's cold when the mist comes down.
Any other comments?I did this trip last minute with Explore (Moorish Trails) but it can be done independently. A visit during the San Anton Festival is great for an experience of Spanish customs. A side trip to the Alhambra in Granada is well worth it the 2 hour drive. Food is big - fish and meat -not much veg.
View all Just Back From Entries from this member