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Exploring Spain

Hiking and cycling in the Sierra Subbeticas

Your Itinerary

Day 1 - Explore Malaga

You will be greeted at the airport by your driver who will bring you into the city of Malaga where you will check into your centrally located Malaga apartment. Take the rest of the day to explore the beautiful historic centre of Malaga. We can recommend some great places to eat and drink.

Day 2 - Walking tour and Picasso

Today we have arranged a morning guided walking tour of the city which takes in the prestigious Alcazaba fort. Situated in the historic centre of the city, the Alcazaba is an iconic landmark of Spain and a renowned example of Moorish architecture. The rest of the day is at your leisure but we highly recommend popping into the Picasso museum in the afternoon before you wind down for the day.

Day 3 - Chillar River Hike

This morning, after you collect your hire car, you will head up the coast to the beautiful town of Nerja where we recommend you head out early on a hike up the Chillar river. This is a wonderfully refreshing and unique hike that takes you up a river gorge. Pack a picnic lunch or eat in one of the many gorgeous tapas bars in Nerja before heading onto the Sierra Subbetica; your base for the rest of your trip.

Day 4 - Bailon River Canyon

This morning we recommend heading to Zuheros where you can pick the hiking trail for the Bailon River Canyon. This stunning hike leads you through a canyon, ascending for a fantastic view before looping back down to the town. There are a couple of great tapas bars in the picturesque town of Zuheros for lunch. Take a stop off at the Cueva de los Murcielagos for fascinating for paleolithic paintings and impressive stalactites. Take this afternoon at your own pace; relax by the pool, enjoy the views of olive groves and the Sierra Subbetica mountains on the horizon and head out on an evening stroll from the hotel.

Day 5 - Via Verde

Today you will head out early to cycle along the Via Verde, a repurposed old railway line that now provides you with endless flat cycling through the stunning landscape. Stop off in Zuheros for a delicious lunch and continue along the route for as long as like.

Day 6 - Cycle and lunch in Iznajar

Today we recommend a days hiking or cycling. We have plenty of routes to recommend and there are amazing villages to stop for a great lunch to recharge. A fabulous cycle route leads you passed mountain ranges and through rolling hills of olive trees towards the lakeside village of Iznajar. A steep climb after lunch will reward you some great descents back to your hotel. This is a about a95km cycle with around 1,850m climbing!

Day 7 - Olive oil tour

Morning hike from the hotel through the gorgeous rolling olive groves. This afternoon you will have the chance to delve into the world of the Spanish staple; olive oil. A tour of a local olive oil producer and tasting is a perfect way to start the day before a delicious lunch in a picturesque white village of Priego.

Day 8 - Day at leisure

Today is at your leisure. Choose to relax by the pool, head out on another of the many walking trails or we can arrange for bicycle hire if you’d prefer to peddle! Tonight is your last night in this beautiful part of the world so enjoy dinner on the terrace and start planning your return!

Day 9 - Farewell

Today is your last breakfast in the Sierra Subbetica before you drive back to Malaga for your flight home. Safe travels!

What's included?

Including

2 nights self catered accomodation

6 nights accomodation including breakfast

Malaga airport transfer

Guided tour of Malaga

2 days bike hire

Olive oil tour

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Retreat to the olive-tree speckled hills, walk the mountain paths, cycle the quiet roads of the sierra, and breath in the fresh, rosemary scented air. The Sierra Subbetica is a largely undiscovered gem which sits not far from the lively cities of Malaga, Granada and Cordoba.

The spectacularly rugged Sierra Subbeticas are dotted with ‘pueblos blancos’, white towns that retain an authenticity unspoiled by hordes of tourists. With visible remnants of its Moorish and Roman past scattered amongst the sierra, you’ll find yourself truly immersed in Andalusian history.

We have put together this itinerary on the bases of flying in and out of Malaga. However, this start/end point can easily be swapped with other airport cities like Seville or Granada, or you can even fly in one and leave through another.

Remember that this is only an example itinerary to give you an idea of what a trip in the Sierra Subbetica could look like. Get in contact with us and we can shape this to exactly the trip that you want spain@fleewinter.com

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