SECRET VALLEYS OF RONDA

New for 2008, this independent, single centre walking holiday explores Andalucia’s lovely Alto Genal, one of the best kept secrets in Spain and a magnificent landscape of dramatic limestone mountains, high cliffs and mysterious cork-shrouded valleys. Scattered throughout these valleys are scarcely trodden rural tracks and walking paths linking seven timeless white Moorish villages that cling limpet-like to the verdant hillsides, their churches and alleyways rich with history and charm. Bird life here is especially varied too with opportunities to spot eagles, vultures and brightly coloured African species on the last leg of their migration.

Your base for the week is gorgeous Cartajima, the highest village in the valley, where life continues as it has for centuries. Here you stay as guests of world traveller, yachtswoman and anthropologist, Di Beach and her partner, John, at their 7 room boutique villa in the centre of the village. The villa has been exquisitely designed in keeping with North African influences with al fresco terraces, plantfilled roof gardens and hidden courtyards with brightly coloured cushions and tiny fountains. Most spacious, beautifully appointed double bedrooms have individual balconies (you’re even provided with sketch pads and pencils!) and there is a panoramic roof terrace, with plunge pool, where you can relax with an early evening cocktail before a fine candlelit dinner.

Some of the walks start from the hotel, however, in order that you can fully explore the neighbouring National Parks – the Sierra de las Nieves to the east and the spectacular Sierra de Grazelema to the west – we have included a hire car. This also allows you to explore the famous bullfighting town of Ronda, just 20mins drive away.

For more infomation about this holiday, including hotel descriptions, travel options and full holiday itinerary, please see our new 'further details' section.