If you are looking at this one week holiday why not make your stay two weeks by joining us on Natural Parks of Southern Spain.
Nestled in the Sierra de las Nieves National Park, just beyond Spain's picturesque Andalusian coastline, our base is the charming white village of Tolox. This idyllic location serves as the epicenter of Spain's newest National Park, spanning an expansive 200km2 of incredibly diverse protected landscapes. Tolox is home to an extraordinary array of native flora, including fir, pine, carob, and mountain oak trees, alongside the unique Pinsapares, providing a stunning display of springtime flowers.
Tolox, with its Moorish heritage, serves as the gateway to the National Park's most dramatic valleys. A network of historical trails leads us through mountain paths, quaint villages, valleys, forests, karst formations, olive groves, and terraced orchards, offering breath taking panoramic views. This region is perfectly suited for two leader, two grade walking adventures.
Our carefully curated walking program highlights the region's main attractions, including pristine waterways comprising streams, waterfalls, and numerous natural springs. You'll also encounter intriguing geological features, such as the rare peridotite rock of the Sierra de Tolox, the marble mountain ranges of the Sierra Blanca, and the dramatic limestone cliffs, rock formations, and sinkholes found in the highest peaks of the Sierra de las Nieves. Additionally, our exploration delves into the area's ethnological heritage, as we trace the ancient irrigation channels or 'acequias' from the Moorish era, learn about olive groves and olive oil production, and discover the remnants of lime kilns and ice wells. These remnants offer glimpses into the historical dependence of this rural Andalusian region on human stewardship of its bountiful land.
Tolox has been renowned since the late 19th century for its therapeutic thermal spa waters. The century-old 'Balneario' or spa building has welcomed guests from all corners of Spain for generations. Visitors have been drawn not only by the health benefits of the rejuvenating waters but also by the enduring warm hospitality of the Toloxeños, which continues to be felt today. In recent decades, the Sierra de las Nieves has gained recognition as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and Spain's inaugural European Destination of Excellence (EDEN), celebrated for its ethnological significance and commitment to sustainable tourism practices.