Algarve Odyssey
The coast, villages and countryside of the Eastern Algarve and then explore the treasures of this most westerly corner of Europe.
The world's more beautiful on foot...
Call us on 01707 331133
Or, email us at [email protected]
Call us on 01707 331133
Or, email us at [email protected]
Away from the coastline, the quiet villages of Competa and Capileira take us to a hidden world of deepest Andalucia. The network of paths, passing olive groves and orchards, cross the region and offer panoramic views as we go.
From£1,649
Andalucia
May
Oct
Dec
What does this mean?
Tour codes: 14150
Full day walks with moderate amounts of ascent and descent.
The paths are mostly good, but there may be some steep and rough ground.
Walks will last up to 6 hours and could involve as much as 750m of ascent and descent. Some walks will be less demanding.
Full day walks with appreciable amounts of ascent and descent.
These walks are in more remote areas such as Andorra or northern Portugal.
Similar to Grade 5, but with most of the walks at the upper level of ascent/descent, time and distance.
Overview
This holiday combines our Walking in Competa and High in the Alpujarras holidays.
Picture white villages perched on imposing hillsides reflecting the warm rays of the sun against a backdrop of the Sierra Almijara. Discover orchard valleys, olives groves and rural life as you make your way through the labyrinth of cobbled streets on your way up into the high country for panoramic views with Ramblers Walking Holidays.
The Andalucian town of Cómpeta is barely mentioned in any of the guidebooks on southern Spain, and the benefits are clear to see. One of the famous white villages, located in the Axarquia region, and steeped in Moorish history, Cómpeta remains an active farming town producing almonds, olives, avocados and even its own wine. It has a charming, thriving old town with two chapels, the one of San Sebastian and the other of San Anton, both from the 18th century. However, its magnificent 16th century Church of Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion dominates the town with its belfry towering over the Plaza Almijara, the main square and focal point of Competa.
There’s a good network of footpaths in the region enabling us to mix short and long walks into the hills, stopping at charming villages, giving us a glimpse of a more traditional part of Andalucia. Once in the high country, we have frequent wonderful panoramic views and occasional glimpses of the Mediterranean in the distance
South of the Sierra Nevada range and north of the Sierras of Lujar, La Contraviesa and Gador, lie the Alpujarras Valleys. We have been exploring the valleys and mountains of the Alpujarras since 1990 – we’re pretty sure even the locals don’t know the trails like we do! Our leaders return again and again to this still hidden and little known area of Andalucia.
Capileira, where we stay, is already at 1300m, a pueblo blanco perched above the Poqueira Gorge and the landscape is that of mountains and terraced lands of orchards, vines and olives, irrigated by surrounding deep gorges. There are numerous walks from the village with a myriad of fine scenic paths diverging in all directions. This rugged yet stunningly beautiful area includes mainland Spain’s highest peak, Mulhacen, at 3479m the Iberian Peninsula’s highest mountain, which owes its name to the days when these valleys were cultivated by the Moors. Weather permitting, we will walk high on the slopes of this imposing peak, surveying the mountains of the Sierra Nevada, and looking south to the Mediterranean.
Another hike, starting at the hotel, follows the pathways between six local villages, where red peppers and onions dry in the sun against white-washed walls and life moves very slowly. The circular Route of the Acequias takes us deep into the wild and remote valley beneath Mulhacen following ancient irrigation channels.
You will reach Trevelez, at 1700m the highest village in Spain, by a beautiful, long traverse along the GR 240, the long distance footpath which takes its name ‘Sulayr’ from the name the Moors gave the Sierra Nevada – the Mountains of the Sun.
Capileira is a charming small village, with it cobbled alleyways, craft shops and restaurants serving typical Alpujarran food. ‘¡Aqui se come muy bien!’, as the locals say.
Click the button below for a detailed Holiday Information Sheet containing all the particulars about this trip.
NOTE: Itineraries and Holiday Information Sheets can vary by a specific date chosen
Itinerary & Travel
Whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the outlined itinerary and advertised programme, local conditions can change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. This may mean that routes and timings need to be amended or the order of days may change, sometimes at short notice.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we may unfortunately need to withdraw a tour that is currently confirmed to operate and we therefore reserve the right to cancel your booking. We would always do our utmost to give you plenty of notice should we have to do this. Selected elements of this tour, including local attractions and restaurants, may change at late notice. Please ensure you have valid insurance cover before you travel.
Accommodation
Below is the accommodation featured on this holiday across all departure dates. Please refer to the Itinerary for more detail about each night's accommodation for each departure date.
We stay at the friendly three-star Hotel Balcon de Competa in the dramatically set Competa. White houses with balconies bursting with flowers crossed by sinuous streets characterise the town, and surround the hotel. You will also enjoy modern amenities inside, with free Wi-Fi, swimming pool (although this may not be in use year round), tennis court, restaurant, cafeteria,bar in the gardens. A hint of walking to come can be seen in the countryside around the town, with views of La Almijara mountain range and the Mounts of the Axarquía dotted with vineyards. On the horizon, the unmistakable blue of the Mediterranean.
Continental breakfast and dinners are included and will be provided by the hotel. Lunches are not included, and can be bought using the banks, supermarkets and bakery that are within 400 yards of the hotel.
Our hotel, the rustic Finca Los Llanos in Capileira, is conveniently located in the village with amenities including a supermarket, bank and a bakery all close by. In the heart of the Alpujarras, it is part of the white town that appears to cling to the hillside.
The hotel has a swimming pool (open May-October), terrace, lounge and restaurant.
Continental breakfasts will be taken at the hotel and dinners (included in the holiday charge) will be taken in local restaurants. Our first meal is dinner on day 1 and our last is breakfast on day 8. Lunches are not included.
Trip Information
During our first week in Competa, we will walk at Grade 5 level, which includes walks with moderate amounts of ascent and descent. The paths are mostly good, but there may be some steep and rough ground. Some walks will involve as much as 800m of ascent and descent and daily mileage between 8-10 miles. The walks are characterised by excellent views and airy lunch spots whilst there are plenty of opportunities to sample local food and drink. Our accommodation is located at approx. 600m above sea level and the maximum altitude reached on our walks is 1211m.
During the second week, from Capileira, the Grade 6 moderate walks includes full days with moderate amounts of ascent and descent. The paths are mostly good, but there may be some steep and rough ground. Walks will last up to 6 hours and could involve as much as 750m of ascent and descent. Some walks will be less demanding but equally rewarding.
Local Transport Costs
All local transport costs in conjunction with the advertised activity programme are included in the holiday cost. There may be occasions where additional visits or excursions are added to enrich your experience, these will be paid for locally by you if you choose to participate. Local transport can be a mix of private hire coaches, taxis, local buses and ferries depending on the itinerary.
Optional Excursions
A range of local excursions and activities may be available to book at your destination through a local operator. We have no involvement in such activities or excursions which are not run, supervised or controlled in any way by us. Your contract will be with the local activity supplier and we accept no responsibility for their actions or omissions.
Holiday Budgeting
When budgeting for your holiday, you will need to consider drinks, any meals not included in the holiday price, non-included entrance fees, optional excursions you may choose to participate in locally and any souvenirs or additional services such as laundry. A general guideline for lunches and drinks is £10-£20 per person per day.
Currency in Spain
The currency in Spain is the euro.
Tipping
Although entirely at your own discretion, tipping is an important aspect of tourism and hospitality life and expectations are fairly high. In order to simplify tipping, we strongly recommend that you allow your leader to take care of making sure tips are given to hotel and restaurant staff and to local guides and drivers. This will be done using some funds provided by us together with, if you wish, a contribution from you, which he/she will collect during the holiday.
Tour Leaders
Your tour leader makes the world of difference to your holiday and ours are as passionate about discovering the world on foot as you are. They're resourceful, organised and widely travelled. They will handle all the local administration and other needs that might arise to ensure that you don't have to worry about planning your days and you can enjoy your holiday. Although leading group holidays, they won't forget that every group is made up of individuals. Each tour leader has their own individual style, talents and professional backgrounds and all are trained, qualified, experienced and dedicated to making your holiday as enjoyable, interesting and inspiring as possible.
Leader's Evening Briefing
Each evening, your tour leader will discuss with you the programme for the following day. This will be your opportunity to discuss the details and ensure the planned activities suit your walking ability. If you have concerns on clothing or equipment, this can be discussed then also. If you do not wish to join the organised group programme, please let the leader know.
Booking Your Own Travel Arrangements?
If you wish to organise your own flights from a non-UK or provincial airport or travel by rail or car to your holiday destination, 'land only' reductions are often available. Please contact us for details.
Before finalising any independent travel arrangements, please check with us first - especially if doing so 12 weeks or more before your intended date of travel. If you do intend to join your holiday locally please do tell us at least 14 weeks in advance.
If you are joining and leaving your holiday overseas we assume, unless you advise us otherwise, that you will join and leave the holiday at your hotel.
Although airport transfers are not included for those making their own independent travel arrangements, if you wish to join the group at the overseas airport, depending on your flight arrival time, you may be able to be included on the group's transfer. Please contact us at least 5 weeks before departure for more details.
Please note that your flight must arrive within 30 minutes of the group flight to be able to join the group transfer. We also need your flight number, arrival time and departure point so that the group leader is able to meet up with you.
Regional Transfers
Regional Flights (R2). We offer regional flight options on this holiday but due to the location and travelling time to our resort we operate just one transfer vehicle between the airport and hotel. This may mean that there is a wait at the overseas airport in one or both directions.
Luggage Allowance & Travel Documents
For all those booking a flight or rail inclusive holiday, details of your travel arrangements and baggage allowance will be confirmed in your travel documents, sent to you approximately 10 days prior to departure.
Personal Details Check
To ensure that we can accurately administer your holiday arrangements, please confirm that the personal details we hold for you are up to date and that you have provided the information we need to secure your holiday travel and accommodation arrangements. Please check your passport details, date of birth and any other important details necessary for us to properly manage your holiday booking. You can view and update information already provided, and add details not yet asked for, by using the Manage My Booking facility on our website www.ramblersholidays.co.uk, or by calling our Sales and Reservations team on +44 (0)1707 331133. When you receive your booking confirmation please check the details as soon as possible.
General Passport Advice
It is a good idea to carry photocopies of the personal details pages of your passport. Should you lose your passport, this may assist with the issue of replacement documents and your return to your home country.
Passport and visa requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you inform yourself from a professionally qualified source on, and comply with, such requirements.
General travel and destination advice for UK nationals is available from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office at www.fco.gov.uk/travel and at www.gov.uk/travelaware.
Brexit Passport Advice
You should have at least 6 months validity left on your passport from your date of arrival.
If you renewed a 10 year passport before it expired, extra months may have been added to your passport’s expiry date. These extra months will not count, so you should ensure that your passport is not older than 9 years and 6 months from the date of issue at the time of travel.
You may wish to renew your passport sooner rather than later, in order to make sure you have it in time for your holiday or travel plans.
Please ensure to regularly check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website for updates on passport requirements leading up to and after Brexit or contact us for more assistance.
UK Government Brexit Information for Passports can be found at www.gov.uk/guidance/passport-rules-for-travel-to-europe-after-Brexit.
The UK Government has published a website tool to check the validity of your passport under these rules which can be found at www.passport.service.gov.uk/check-a-passport.
In the event the UK leaves the EU without a deal, UK citizens will be able to visit the EU for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. The UK Government also has information for travellers available at gov.uk/EUexit
Non British Passport holders should consult the host country’s embassy for applicable passport and visa entry requirements.
Continental breakfast and dinners are included in the holiday charge. While we are in Competa, dinners will be taken at the hotel and will be three courses menus, and on one evening we have a food and wine pairing evening, with local Andalucian wines. From Capileira, dinners will be taken at the hotel and also in good local restaurants, giving the opportunity to enjoy typical cuisine in a village atmosphere. Lunches are not included, but you will be able to purchase supplies from the local supermarkets and bakeries, and a lunch stop may include a local cafe on some days.
Footwear
Lightweight waterproof walking boots with a good moulded sole (such as Vibram or similar) and a deep tread and which provide ankle support are strongly recommended and may be essential for some walks.
General Kit List
Outdoor activities are always safer and more enjoyable if you are prepared.
If you have not travelled with us before the following list might be of use:
This list is not exhaustive and every walker is different and may have their own preference.
Travel Documents Checklist
Documents and Information to take with you:
Electricity in Spain
Electricity is supplied at 220 Volts. If you wish to use electrical equipment you will need a European two pin adaptor with round pins. More information can be found at https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/
Water To Go
An alternative to bottled water from single-use sealed water bottles is filtered water from a refillable bottle containing its own water filter such as a Water-to-go bottle available from www.watertogo.eu. Just fill up from any water source and save the environment from disposable plastic bottles.
We have negotiated an exclusive 15% discount with our partners Water-to-Go for you as a thank you for helping the environment. Please go to their website at www.watertogo.eu and enter the code RWH17 when ordering. In addition, Water-to-Go will match the discount with a donation to our charity, Heart & Sole, which will allow us to continue to make a difference in the countries you visit on our holidays.
The Map Shop
Maps and guidebooks relating to the areas you will be walking in may be bought before your holiday from The Map Shop at www.themapshop.co.uk
Weather
Visit the following websites for an idea of the climate in your destination:
Health requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you inform yourself from a professionally qualified source on, and comply with, such requirements at least 6 to 8 weeks before departure. Advice on vaccinations is available from your GP.
Health Advice for Spain
No compulsory immunisations are required for visits to Spain. You should be up to date with the usual immunisations recommended in the UK. Tetanus immunisation is recommended.
Further Travel Advice
For further advice please visit:
You might wish to take a small bottle of antibacterial hand gel with you for times when you're unable to wash your hands.
You must be adequately insured to join our holidays. You will be unable to participate in our local walking and other activity programmes without being able to demonstrate that you have valid travel insurance.
Please ensure that as a minimum your travel insurance policy covers you for travel to your holiday destinations (country and geographical region) and for medical expenses, mountain rescue (including helicopter rescue) and emergency repatriation to your home country in the event of illness or injury. Your policy should also provide adequate cover for the activities, included and optional, you are likely to participate in during your holiday.
Whoever you insure with, please ensure that you take full details, and ideally the policy itself, with you on holiday and provide our tour leader with your insurer's name, the policy number and emergency assistance contact numbers.
Please note that it is very difficult to obtain travel insurance once your holiday arrangements have started.
EHIC Cards
From January 1st, 2021 UK travellers can continue to use their European Heath Insurance Card (EHIC) – which can last up to five years, until its expiry date, to gain access to medical assistance during your holiday. However, you will no longer be covered in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. Travellers without a valid EHIC can apply for a new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which will replaces the EHIC once it has been phased out. Please note however that the EHIC/GHIC should not be considered a substitute for medical or travel insurance.
For more information, please visit www.nhs.uk/ehic
The UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office provides up to date information on security and local laws for travellers, together with current passport and visa information, at www.gov.uk/travelaware. Please take a few minutes to look at the current advice on your planned destination.
Please be aware of what's going on around you, take sensible precautions with your credit cards and passport and avoid displays of wealth such as wearing expensive jewellery or watches. Do not carry more cash on you than you will need for each day, and we recommend that a money belt is used.
Responsible Travel
We're committed to ethical tourism in all our destinations. Our holidays are designed for you to discover the essence of the country you are visiting. Travelling in small groups not only gives you an up close and personal experience of your destination, but minimises your impact on the immediate environment. We feel that the most important starting point to protect the environment is to be out in it. For more details visit our website.
The Ramblers Holidays Charitable Trust
Unlike many tour operators we have our own trust through which RWH Travel’s profits are channelled back into a variety of outdoor, walking-related or environmental conservation projects in the UK. The focus of the Trust’s financial support is Britain’s leading walking charity, The Ramblers, and their role in promoting the benefits and importance of walking to the British public. In addition the Trust welcomes applications for small grants from local organisations in the UK who need support for walking-orientated activities. This includes the establishment of footpaths and bridleways, funding for rebuilding bridges and renovating huts, as well as bursary funding for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award for children who could not otherwise afford to do it. Please visit the ‘About Us’ section of our website and click on the Charitable Trust link for more details.
Heart and Sole
We appreciate that we are in a fortunate position to be able to use our profits to help make a difference to people's lives. Heart & Sole is a venture managed by our office staff, whose aim is to reach the heart of the communities in the countries we visit. Through Heart & Sole, we hope to make more of a long term, direct impact to these communities, particularly in less developed countries where even a small amount goes a long way. See our website for more information and details of some of the projects we support.
Mobile Phones
Please do provide us with a mobile phone contact number. We will only use this to contact you with important information relating to your holiday arrangements.
Do keep your mobile phones switched on and readily available when travelling to the airport or if delayed in transit so that we can contact you with any last minute information relating to your travel arrangements.
As a matter of courtesy, please switch off your mobile phone during walks, or endeavour to minimise its use. Please also try to minimise the use of mobile devices during group meals.
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Useful Information
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Language
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Visas and Passports
January
Avg. Rain: 59mm
February
Avg. Rain: 51mm
March
Avg. Rain: 47mm
April
Avg. Rain: 49mm
May
Avg. Rain: 42mm
June
Avg. Rain: 27mm
July
Avg. Rain: 14mm
August
Avg. Rain: 18mm
September
Avg. Rain: 37mm
October
Avg. Rain: 61mm
November
Avg. Rain: 69mm
December
Avg. Rain: 69mm
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