Sierras to Sea Adventure in Andalucia
Hike, canyon, cycle and kayak from the mountains to the Mediterranean in sun-drenched southern Spain
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking guidesAccommodation
6 nights in two boutique hotels in Ronda and Conil de la FronteraMeals
6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinnersTransfers
Airport transfers to and from Malaga Airport, plus all other transfers during the tripEquipment
All of your kayaking, canyoning and cycling equipment, plus safety gear for the Caminito del ReySmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 14 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
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What's it like?
Tread the restored Caminito del Rey – a truly unique trail cut through the El Chorro gorge, it was formerly one of the world's most dangerous hikes
Hike the Pinsapar Trail among the pine-studded crags of the Sierra de Grazelama, and go canyoning through the stunning Garganta Verde
Head to the coast for dreamy days of pedalling and paddling, exploring epic beaches and gorgeous villages along the Costa de la Luz
Kick back in boutique hotels in historic Ronda and a beautiful beach town outside Cadiz, tuck into Andalucian dishes and taste wines at a local vineyard
Key Information
Day 1
Welcome to Andalucía!
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.
Day 2
Caminito del Rey
Hiking
Driving
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.
Day 3
Canyoning in the Garganta Verde gorge
Canyoning
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.
Day 4
Hike the Pinsapar Trail in the Sierra de Grazalema
Hiking
Driving
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.
Day 5
Kayaking in the Bay of Cádiz & Andalucian wine tasting
Kayaking
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.
Day 6
Cycle the Costa de la Luz to beaches and fishing villages
Cycling
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.
Day 7
Adiós, Andalucia
Driving
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.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Malaga Airport
Any time on Day 1
Ends
Malaga Airport
11:00 on Day 7
Transfers
Your host will meet you on arrival at Malaga Airport and transfer you to your first base in Ronda, which is about an hour away. If you are already in Malaga and want to make your own way to Ronda to join the trip, you can take a bus to Ronda for €15 from the Estación de Autobuses de Málaga. The journey takes two hours. On Day 7, your host will provide a group transfer from Conil de la Frontera back to Malaga Airport, dropping you off at around 11:00. This transfer takes 2.5hrs, and we advise you to not book any flights which depart earlier than 13:00 on Day 7.
If you are arriving or departing at different times or on different days to the start days, your host can arrange private airport transfers for an additional charge, subject to availability. Please see Optional Extras for prices.
Travel options
Malaga Airport is accessible via various direct flights from the UK and mainland Europe. There are also direct flights to Malaga Airport from Montreal and New York if you are travelling from North America.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2 – Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 7
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Throughout your trip you'll enjoy the rich culinary traditions of Andalucia, from fresh seafood along the coast to hearty mountain dishes in the Sierra de Grazalema. You'll have chance to saviour local specialities like pescaito frito (fried fish), payoyo cheese and huevos a la flamenca. Breakfasts will be buffet-style at your two hotel bases, with fresh juices and coffee, various breads and pastries, eggs, fruit, cereal and yoghurts. You'll have four picnic lunches in scenic spots, which will include sandwiches made from local cheeses, meats and salads, plus accompanying snacks. You'll also have one lunch in a village restaurant after canyoning in the Sierra de la Grazalema. Two dinners are included: one welcome dinner in Ronda and one farewell dinner at an Andalucian tavern on the Costa de la Luz. The other dinners have been left out of the trip price to give you the freedom of strolling around Ronda and Conil de la Frontera to sample the various culinary opportunities on offer – there are many! Your host will help with suggestions and tips, and can help make reservations for the group together. You should budget €25-30 for each dinner – this will cover a couple of courses and possibly dessert. You'll also have the opportunity to visit local wineries to taste the renowned wines of Andalucia, including those from the sherry-producing regions near Jerez de la Frontera – a famous local staple.
Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for – please just request this on your passenger info form. Fully vegan options are available, but do be aware that Spain's culinary culture is heavy on meat and dairy, so strict vegans may find food options limited.
What is the accommodation like?
Ronda
Your base for the first half of the trip is in magical Ronda – one of Spain's oldest towns, majestically perched on a mountainside with a precipitous gorge cutting the town in two. Home to a wealth of Spanish history and culture, you'll have time to wander the picturesque streets after your hikes and canyoning in the Sierra de Grazalema. You'll stay in the Hotel Palacio San Gabriel – a 4-star boutique hotel in a carefully restored 18th-century building, nestled in the most historic district of Ronda. It retains much of its original charm, including the stone façade and a coat of arms. There's a library corner, as well as a typical Andalucían courtyard full of plants and a trickling fountain where you'll tuck into breakfast each morning. There is even an intimate cinema room with red velvet seats taken from the city’s old cinema. You'll stay in twin-share rooms with ensuite bathrooms.
Costa de la Luz
Your base for the second half of the trip is at the small but vibrant beach town of Conil de la Frontera, on the dreamy Costa de la Luz outside of Cadiz. You'll be staying at Alzocaire Hostal Boutique, a 4-star boutique hotel in a cracking spot just back from the seafront. There's a bar and rooftop terrace with stunning views, perfect for sundowners after packed days of adventuring. You'll stay in twin-share rooms with ensuite bathrooms.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room throughout the trip can be booked for an extra charge - see Optional Extras for prices. Please note that private room upgrades are subject to availability, so please request this at the time of booking.
This trip has been rated as Moderate
You won't need any previous experience of hiking, canyoning or kayaking; however, you will need to be relatively fit and active and be comfortable doing 4-5 hours of activity per day in a variety of natural environments. For the bike ride on Day 6, you will need to be able to ride a bike and ideally will have some experience of riding on easy gravel and natural trails, however, none of the cycling is technical and the going is easy without too much elevation to tackle. The hike on Day 4 along the Pinsapar Trail involves 700m of elevation gain and loss over around 5 hours, which is the biggest physical effort of the trip.
It is important to note that sufferers of vertigo will not enjoy the Caminito del Rey hike on Day 2. The hike itself is extremely safe, with a modern boardwalk and full safety gear provided, but you will be exposed with sheer drops into the gorge below. If you want to book this trip but are scared of heights, we recommend you skip the Caminito Del Rey and explore Ronda independently on Day 2. All other activities will be fine for vertigo sufferers.
What if i need to skip an activity?
You are welcome to skip any activity at any stage during this trip.
What will I need to carry?
Your main pack will stay in your room at the two bases for the trip in Ronda and Conil de la Frontera. You will just need a small daypack of 15-30 litres to pack personal items and water for the hikes on Day 2 and Day 4, and the cycling on Day 5.
We run this trip from April to June, and September to October. The peak summer months of July and August are uncomfortably hot for outdoor activities, and there are more tourists in Andalucia during those months, so we do not offer trips during the peak of summer.
April and October in Andalucia are generally mild and pleasant months to visit, with a mix of sunny days and the odd rainy spell. The landscape is more lush and green in the spring and autumn, making it a beautiful time to visit.
May, June and September are dry and sunny months to visit, with higher temperatures perfect for the water activities on this trip. See below for a summary of temperature deviations to expect, depending on which month you book.
April: average 15-20°C (59-68°F), with highs occasionally reaching 25°C (77°F) May: 18-24°C (64°F-75°F). Highs can reach 28°C (82°F) in inland areas June: 22-30°C (72-86°F.) In some areas, especially inland, highs can reach 35°C (95°F) September: 24-32°C (75-90°F). Coastal areas can be slightly cooler, around 22°C-28°C (72°F-82°F) October: 18°C-25°C (64°F-77°F). Nights become cooler, especially inland, with lows of around 12°C-15°C (54°F-59°F)
We’re still waiting to collect any reviews from other travellers on this trip. However, all our hosts go through an extensive vetting process to ensure that your adventure is awesome.
Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear
In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.
What's included?
- Tandem sea kayaks, paddles and life vests
- All your canyoning gear
- Front suspension hardtail mountain bike and helmet
- Safety gear on the Caminito del Rey hike
What do I need to bring?
BAGS
- Main bag: duffel, rucksack or suitcase to be kept at bases in Ronda and Conil de la Frontera
- Daypack (15-30 litres)
- Waterproof liner for your daypack
- Small drybags if you want to take your phone with you on the water-based activities
CLOTHES
- Lightweight waterproof and windproof jacket
- Fleece jacket or similar for cooler evenings
- Buff or neck scarf
- Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts
- T-shirts
- Underwear and socks
- Swimwear - multiple sets
- Sunglasses with leash
- Sunhat
- Hiking boots or trail runners (worn-in)
- Old trainers/trail runners for the canyoning
- Flip flops or sandals for beach time
OTHER
- Universal travel plug adapter
- Power bank or solar charger
- Passports (and visas)
- Travel insurance documents
- Ear plugs
- Insect repellent
- Suncream
- Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
- Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
- Quick-dry towel
- Alcohol hand-gel
- Reusable water bottle x1 litre (or x2)
- Biodegradable wet-wipes
- Energy bars and snacks - read our article on Best Hiking Snacks
Single/Twin/Double room in Ronda room in Ronda
Payable Before Departure
Single/Twin/Double room in Ronda room in Ronda
… Per Night
Single room in Conil de la Frontera (April-June trips)
Payable Before Departure
Single room in Conil de la Frontera (April-June trips)
… Per Night
Single room in Conil de la Frontera (October trips)
Payable Before Departure
Single room in Conil de la Frontera (October trips)
… Per Night
Single room in Conil de la Frontera (September trips)
Payable Before Departure
Single room in Conil de la Frontera (September trips)
… Per Night
Twin/double room in Conil de la Frontera (April-June trips)
Payable Before Departure
Twin/double room in Conil de la Frontera (April-June trips)
… Per Night
Twin/double room in Conil de la Frontera (October trips)
Payable Before Departure
Twin/double room in Conil de la Frontera (October trips)
… Per Night
Twin/double room in Conil de la Frontera (September trips)
Payable Before Departure
Twin/double room in Conil de la Frontera (September trips)
… Per Night
Optional Private Room Upgrade - Apr, May & Oct trips
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room Upgrade - Apr, May & Oct trips
…
Optional Private Room Upgrade - Jun & Sep trips
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room Upgrade - Jun & Sep trips
…
Private airport transfer - each way (1-4 people)
Payable Before Departure
Private airport transfer - each way (1-4 people)
…
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 198kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
- A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
Your host is an expert in outdoor adventure activities in Spain and have operated many trips for Much Better Adventures in various parts of the country since 2019. If conditions affect any of the activities on the trip, your host will rearrange the order of activities or make suitable substitutions where needed. The trip has been designed and the departure dates selected to take advantage of the best conditions for a smooth adventure.
You'll have a main guide with the group from start to finish, and additional canyoning, kayaking and cycling guides will join the group for these activities during the trip.
Your main luggage can remain at the bases in Ronda and Conil de la Frontera while you head out on each day's adventures. It will be transported for you from Ronda to Conil de la Frontera.
The tap water on this trip is safe to drink. In Ronda the water is drinkable, but it's known as being quite hard and doesn't always taste nice. The majority of people, locals and travellers alike, drink filtered water - your hotel will have filtered water available to fill up from. You may also like to check out our article on the best water filters for adventurers if you wish to have filtered water on the go.
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion and are non-compulsory on this trip. Of course, if you feel that your guides provided an exceptional experience then you are welcome to tip as much as you feel is appropriate. You should factor in tipping 10% on top of the bill in any bars and restaurants during the trip.
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
You'll kayak in double-berth, sit-on-top kayaks which are very easy to navigate even for first-time kayakers. The water temperature in this part of Spain is comfortable all year round, so there's no need for full sea kayaks with spray skirts.
The full combined weight limit of a tandem sit-on-top kayak is 500 lbs / 226 kg / 35 stone.
You'll be riding a hardtail mountain bike with front suspension and flat pedals. You'll be fitted for the correct size of bike based on your height.
This trip visits locations where daytime temperatures can be extremely high during the times of year when this trip operates. High humidity and limited access to shade can also be factors, and warm temperatures can continue into the nighttime, which additionally influence the body’s ability to cool down. Personal care should be taken to keep as cool as possible in the conditions, such as wearing appropriate clothing and proper hydration. Very high temperatures can impair an individual’s physical abilities to perform an activity that they may otherwise be able to do competently at cooler temperatures. People may experience symptoms associated with dehydration and Heat Stroke. Your guide(s) are trained to mitigate the risks associated with high temperatures, by carefully managing the intensity of the activity, and to provide the appropriate support response should someone feel ill during the trip. Should you experience health issues during your trip you should inform your guide immediately so the proper care can be provided.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing.
Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.
We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.
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