Self-guided walking
7 nights,
single centre
Level: 2
Moderate
20.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
Midway between Cordoba and Granada, in the heart of Andalucia, the tiny white village of Zuheros sits high on the northern border of the Sierra Subbetica - a beautiful range of hills and National Park. The area is a dramatic limestone massif, weathered over millennia into a series of valleys and peaks, making it fantastic walking country.
The walks are all in or around the National Park on farm tracks, country paths and along the 'Via Verde', a panoramic disused railway line, once used to transport the olive harvest. Views open out to river valleys, tumbling waterfalls and olive groves against the backdrop of mountain sierras and hillsides sprinkled with red peonies and orchids. Routes take you to the tiny villages of Zagrilla Alta and Luque with their quince orchards and castle, and the stunning cave above Zuheros where Roman and Bronze age remains have been discovered.
Staying in such a small village guarantees genuine Spanish hospitality. The whitewashed Hotel Zuhayra, with its popular bar and patio restaurant, is a stone's throw from the Moorish castle and town square. There is a small pool for a refreshing dip after a day's walking. Your host, English speaking Antonio, will be on hand with advice on how to organise your week. He will help arrange your (included) taxi transfers where necessary for some of the walks, and tell you all about Zuheros' museums and other villages in the area. And for 'days off' or extra nights, the classic cities of Cordoba and Granada are less than an hour away by taxi.
To read more about this holiday, click here
This holiday has walking on farm tracks, narrow paths and over green countryside. There are great views but no dizzy heights. Walking boots are essential. As some of the walking paths are poorly defined, we also provide GPS files (.gpx) for this holiday.
Read more about this holiday in Silver Travel Advisor.
Arrive at your hotel in Zuheros.
You stay at Hotel Zuhayra.
The typically Andaluz Hotel Zuhayra is the perfect base from which to explore the Sierra Subbetica and the surrounding villages.
The homely country atmosphere is immediately apparent in the beamed wooden bar.
The clean white washed rooms are all ensuite and have tiled floors, wooden furniture and shuttered windows giving views over tiled rooftops to olive groves in the valley beyond.
A path climbs gently through almond trees above Zuheros before descending into the spectacular gorge of the Rio Bailon, then with golden eagles soaring above, you reach Cerro de Bramadero hilltop where you can relax under holm oaks enjoying wonderful valley views. You return past walnut trees and ancient wells on the way to the verdant river gorge that leads back into Zuheros.
We take you to the 14th century whitewashed hilltop chapel of Virgen de la Sierra - at 1216m it deserves its nickname 'The Balcony of Andalucia!'. You descend to valleys sprinkled with white narcissi, yellow daffodils and red peonies. Then after lunch by a sparkling waterfall hidden in the valley side, the trail returns under limestone cliffs and past huge holm oaks to Zuheros in time for a cold drink in the village square.
You could have a relaxing day in Zuheros, visiting the Archaeological museum and Museum of Arts and Local Customs or head further afield taking a taxi to Cordoba (Antonio will happily arrange) and spend the day exploring the fabulous Cathedral, palace and Mezquita, sparkling like jewels in the Moorish crown.
You may meet olivareros (olive farmers), with their mules this morning, diligently tending their olive trees on the hills above Zuheros, as you make the gradual ascent to Monte Abrevia (1129m), for lunch. Here you'll enjoy the best views of the week. A thyme scented descent affords perfect views of Zuheros as you approach the village along the Via Verde.
Look out for protected griffon vultures soaring high above you today as you pass through remote Spanish cortijos (farms) in beech and oak shrouded valleys and enjoy stunning views east towards Sierra de la Pandera - the next range of hills. Before long the olive orchards of Zagrilla Alta are visible below, and when you arrive you can enjoy a cold drink by the natural spring in the village before we meet you and take you back to Zuheros.
This morning sees you striding out east along the 'Via Verde' passing whitewashed farms and olive groves. A short climb brings you to Luque with its imposing castle and elegant square - a good lunch stop. Then up into the Sierra Subbeticas National Park - stunning views - before winding down through wild herbs as you descend towards Zuheros.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Hotel Comfort Dauro II, Granada; Hotel Becquer, Seville.
This modern 3 star hotel is situated in an ideal position, just 200 metres from the Cathedral and a 2-minute walk from the Plaza Mariana Pineda, the location of the municipal tourist office.
The hotel itself offers 53 modern and well-equipped rooms with a few traditional touches.
Room upgrades: Superior.
The 4 star Hotel Becquer is a lovely hotel, with lots of original features, and is just a 10-minute walk from the historic old quarter and cathedral. There is a large airy lounge with plenty of seating, a breakfast room and attached tapas bar.
The rooftop pool is open from 1st June to 31st October.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £168.
These flight inclusive prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £168.
Our aim is to provide holidays that are unbeatable for choice and flexibility. We've listed our most popular travel options below, however you aren't limited to these - we can tailor-make virtually any holiday to suit.
Air prices include our standard flights/transfers
British Airways Gatwick to Malaga, then transfer to hotel 90 minutes. Transfer to airport 90 minutes then British Airways Malaga to Gatwick
Business/club/first class seats are available on request.
Alternative Air Travel
Alternative flights, onward rail to your holiday area, and connecting private transfers can be arranged from most UK airports. If you would like to use one of the many 'low cost' airlines, we can book these on your behalf. We can also book UK shuttles to connect with your onward flight, please call for details and prices.
Alternative transfers
If you require alternative transfers (because you will be arriving at a different time to our standard flights), then we can usually arrange these for you (there may be an additional charge).
To find out more about the travel options available call our sales team on 01606 720199, use our live webchat (we're open from 9am today) or email sales@headwater.com
Should you require overnight airport accommodation, airport parking or even a uniformed chauffeur to take your car from your departure terminal and park it for you, we can arrange this for you through Holiday Extras. You can book airport parking, airport hotels and executive lounges through their website or contact us for further details. Early booking is recommended to obtain the best availability and prices.
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
single centre
Level: 2
Moderate
20.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App