Sierras to Sea Adventure in Andalucia

Meet your host on arrival at Malaga Airport and be whisked off through some gorgeous scenery en route to your base for the first half of the trip. Ronda is a magnificent mountain-top town dating back to Moorish times which has inspired writers and artists over the years, from the famous Spanish poet Federico García Lorca, to Ernest Hemingway and Orson Welles who spent summers in Ronda's old town and wrote extensively about the area's beauty and culture. Check into your hotel and chat with your guide about the adventure to come. Head out for a stroll around town to get a feel for Ronda's charms before a welcome dinner in a local restaurant.

You'll be driven 45 minutes outside of Ronda through lovely Andalucian scenery to reach the trailhead of the notorious Caminito del Rey. One of the most iconic hikes in Spain, it was once dubbed 'The Most Dangerous Hike in the World' with crumbling trails and very little protection against the steep drops below. Of course, this is no longer the case! In 2015, a multi-million Euro project to restore the Caminito was completed, and now a highly safe and secure network of boardwalks cuts through the El Chorro Gorge, high above the Rio Guadalhorce. You'll be fixed up with a safety helmet to protect against rockfall from above before setting off along the trail through woodland and along the walkways, now firmly secured to the cliff faces. The environment is incredible, with the gorge becoming so narrow at points you can nearly touch the other side, and a drop of several hundred metres to peer down over on the most exposed sections. Head back to Ronda later in the afternoon for some downtime to stroll around the town and grab a sundowner before exploring the myriad restaurants here. One of Andalucia's greatest cultural symbols is flamenco, and Ronda has plenty of spots where you can watch this evocative art form. The Casino de Ronda is a good option to try, with performances on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays for €20 which can be paid locally.

*It's good to be aware that the Caminito del Rey is a very popular route which can get crowded at times. We operate this trip outside of the peak school holidays, so numbers will be lower during the dates this trip runs.

Tuck into breakfast before you head off to Zahara de la Sierra in the heart of the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park. Spectacularly situated on a mountainside overlooking the valley and lake below, it's one of the region's most stunning villages and the gateway to the Garganta Verde (the 'Green Ravine'), a hidden canyon 400m deep with walls covered in lush vegetation. The canyon's network of natural pools create an amazing natural adventure playground. After half an hour's hike you'll reach the the Cueva de la Ermita, an impressive vault in the rock. From here you'll journey deeper into the canyon where natural slides into the fresh, crystal clear waters await. There are several rappels to tackle, but your experienced canyoning guides are there to support you through any tricky spots, and there are several chances for epic pool jumps. Exiting the canyon after a wild few hours, you'll dry off and head for a late lunch (Spanish-style!) in a nearby village, with iconic Andalucian whitewashed houses set against a beautiful landscape backdrop. Head back to Ronda where the evening is free for you to explore again with your fellow adventurers after an epic day.

Bid farewell to Ronda after breakfast today – it's time to head away from Andalucia's canyons and villages and out into the wide, open sierras. You'll be tackling the Pinsapar Trail, a cracking half-day hike through a biosphere reserve. You'll start with a gradual ascent, eventually reaching the top of a ridge with views across to the dramatic peak of San Cristobal, the craggy buttresses of El Torreón, and classic white Andalucian towns nestled in the green swathes below. Take in the views before continuing along the ridge, descending into a dense forest to unique Spanish firs called pinsapo. Pinsapo can only found here and in the Moroccan Rif Mountain, which played a key role in this area being declared a biosphere reserve and natural park. In places, the forest is so thick that the light barely filters through the dense canopy, creating a unique and tranquil atmosphere (and some welcome shade from the sun). You'll tuck into a leisurely picnic lunch halfway through, and as the hike winds up after five hours or so, you'll settle into the van and hit the road for 2.5 hours to reach the Mediterranean coast. Arrive at your boutique hotel in Conil de la Frontera, a small but vibrant beach town on the Costa de la Luz near Cadiz. Settle into a restaurant nearby for dinner and enjoy into the laid-back beach vibes.

Grab breakfast and squeeze in some beach time and a swim in the sea this morning before heading a short way up the coast to the Bahía de Cádiz Natural Park. You'll be hopping into a kayak to explore the coast here; depending on sea conditions, you'll either kayak out into the bay to the island that houses the historic Sancti Petri Castle, or explore the protected network of the Sancti Petri marshes. Tuck into a picnic lunch on the beach and grab a swim in the Mediterranean. Later in the afternoon you'll head to a wine cellar in the cute town of Chiclana de la Frontera to taste the renowned wines of Andalusia, including those from the sherry-producing regions near Jerez de la Frontera. Back at the hotel, enjoy a free evening with your pick of the local restaurants and beach bars to while away the evening.

Hop on two wheels today to explore a stunning stretch of the Costa de la Luz. The Trafalgar Lighthouse route starts at Zahara de los Atunes and winds you along the glistening blue coastline, cutting in land through sections of pine trees, passing dramatic cliffs en route to the iconic Trafalgar Lighthouse and the stunning Playa de los Caños de Meca. The going is mostly flat throughout, with a small bit of elevation gain and loss to cover in total. Enjoy another scenic picnic part-way along the circular route before finishing up at the beautiful beach of Zahara de los Atunes. Soak up the expanse of golden sands and dive in for a swim before heading back to the hotel in the mid-afternoon. After some downtime, head out to celebrate the end of an epic adventure in style as your host takes you to a tavern to tuck into a traditional Andalucian dinner.

The adventure comes to an end today as your host takes you back to Malaga Airport. It's a 2.5-hour drive, so you shouldn't book any flights departing before 13:00. The Cadiz coastline is a cracking place to add on some bonus time after the trip to explore Andalucia further, or to simply laze on the beach for a few more days.