Spain - Genal Valley Walk

DAY 1: Transfer from Málaga to Jubrique

From Malaga a 2 hour transfer takes you to your B&B in the Andalucian mountain village of Jubrique. You will need to book a plane arriving in Malaga airport before 3pm, or a coach/train arriving before 4pm to take this transfer. Your evening meal will be served at a local restaurant.

DAY 2: Walk to Genalguacil and descend to River Genal, then ascend to Benarrabá (4.5-5hrs)

Today you will make a steep descent down to the River Monarda crossing the river by footbridge, passing the fascinating remains of a ruined water-mill. From the valley you climb up to the ridge of Benajarón, soaking up the panoramic views before arriving in the village of Genalguacil. This village is renowned for its summer sculpture master classes, the results of which can be seen in the streets. You will be provided with a plan and a suggested route to see the best examples before continuing to the Venta Las Cruces, on the outskirts of Genalguacil where your pre-ordered midday meal awaits. In the afternoon, taking a very pretty path, you descend to the River Genal where you may want to have a dip in the water before you continue through typical Mediterranean forest to the village of Benarrabá. Dinner will be served in the hotel restaurant.

DAY 3: Walk along the higher slopes of the west side of the Genal Valley to Benadalid (4.5-5hrs)

The route today takes you through the higher slopes of the narrow, wooded Genal Valley. You will pass through the delightful white villages of Algatocín and Benalauría en route to Benadalid. Lunch is at the Mesón La Ermita in Algatocín. Late afternoon you reach Benadalid, an interesting settlement with a wealth of historical sights to discover. Your accommodation and evening meal are at a hotel in Benadalid.

DAY 4: Free day - option to visit Ronda

A rest day today to visit Ronda with our special historical topo-guide and to do some shopping, travelling by local bus along a scenic route from Benadalid (50 mins – 2 Euro each way). A picnic lunch is provided by your hotel. Your accommodation and evening meal will again be in Benadalid.

DAY 5: Walk through the wide Guadiaro Valley (6-6.5hrs)

After breakfast you take a short bus journey to Atajate village to begin your walk through the wide Guadiaro Valley which is in stark contrast to the narrower wooded vales of the Genal. The route will take you to the quaint village of Jimera de Líbar, and past several farms with their herds of goats, sheep and black pigs, and it is likely you will sight Griffon vultures – common in this area - circling overhead. A picnic lunch is provided for you
today and you may like to eat it by the River Guadiaro. At the end of the day climb up to a pass in to the Genal Valley to return to Benadalid.

DAY 6: Walk to Jubrique (5-5.5hrs)

From Benadalid the walking route takes you through some delightful countryside to its ‘twin’ village, Benalauría, a well-preserved and pretty little settlement. Continuing through chestnut groves and Mediterranean forest, you walk down to the Genal River where you may as well have a dip in the water as you will get wet crossing the river anyway(!) and head up to Jubrique. This route affords splendid views of this central section of the valley. Picnic lunch provided by the hotel and dinner and accommodation at a guesthouse in Jubrique.

DAY 7: ’Los Hoyones’ walk around Jubrique (5-5.5 hrs)

A last day of walking to savour the upper Monarda valley with its numerous orchards and aromatic pine forests, along with the most unusual (and internationally renowned) local geological feature, the Peridotite. Picnic lunch is provided. Dinner and last night in Jubrique.

DAY 8 Transfer to Malaga, trip concludes

Morning transfer to Málaga where trip concludes on arrival. The earliest you will arrive in Málaga is 10:30am.