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A moderate walking holiday through the whitewashed villages, muleteer trails and natural parks of southern Spain.
Overview
A week of walking through the most beautiful white villages of the Axarquía, with time to explore Cómpeta, taste local Moscatel wine, cross a hanging bridge and walk the old muleteer trails that once connected Andalusia to Granada. Designed for walkers in average shape who want a balanced mix of nature, culture and village life.
At a glance
Axarquía • Andalusia
7 nights / 5 walking days
6–14 people
Moderate
10–15 km
300–700 m
4–6 h per day
La Tienda Nueva, Cómpeta
Local certified mountain guide (AEGM / UIMLA)
Full board, except free day and 2 free dinners
Autumn (September–November)
The walking experience
Walks combine mountain trails, ancient mule tracks and historic paths connecting whitewashed villages across La Axarquía. Routes are carefully selected to showcase the variety of the region, from terraced hillsides and river valleys to open mountain landscapes and panoramic views.
Walking days are planned at a moderate pace, with time for breaks and to enjoy the surroundings. The emphasis is on experiencing the landscape and the villages rather than covering long distances, creating a relaxed but rewarding walking holiday.
Day by day
A varied week of walking through white villages, mountain landscapes and natural parks.
DAY 1 — Saturday: Arrival
Arrive at La Tienda Nueva, settle into your room, and meet the group. In the evening, welcome dinner at a local restaurant in Cómpeta with Rafa.
The rest of the day is free to relax, explore the village or enjoy a drink on one of the terraces before dinner.
DAY 2 — Sunday: Cómpeta · Canillas de Albaida · Árchez
From La Tienda Nueva, we walk up to the Ermita de San Antón before descending through terraces of avocado and olive trees to Canillas de Albaida, then continuing along an old water channel to Árchez and its 14th-century Moorish minaret. We finish with a Moscatel tasting at Bodega Almijara before returning to Cómpeta. Dinner: at a selected local restaurant.
DAY 3 — Monday: The Muleteer Trail
We follow the old muleteer path that once linked the Axarquía to Granada, climbing through pine forests to the Puerto Collado pass (around 900 m), past abandoned inns where traders rested centuries ago. Dinner: at a selected local restaurant.
DAY 4 — Tuesday: Cómpeta to Salares
We walk from Cómpeta down to Salares, one of the prettiest Moorish villages in the Axarquía, hidden among olive groves and citrus trees. Taxi back to Cómpeta. Dinner: free — choose your own.
DAY 5 — Wednesday: Free day
A day to rest, explore Cómpeta, visit Hierbabuena for a long breakfast, wander the white streets, or simply do nothing on the rooftop terrace. Meals: only breakfast included. Lunch and dinner free.
DAY 6 — Thursday: The Saltillo Hanging Bridge
A short transfer takes us to Canillas de Aceituno, where we begin one of the most spectacular walks in the Axarquía: along old water channels, across the famous Saltillo hanging bridge (54 m long, 70 m above the river), and on to Sedella. Dinner: at a selected local restaurant.
Day 7 – El Acebuchal, the Lost Village
A walk to El Acebuchal, the once-abandoned village hidden between the Sierras of Tejeda and Almijara, now slowly rebuilt and home to a handful of houses. Dinner: farewell dinner at a local restaurant with Rafa.
DAY 8 — Saturday: Departure
Breakfast at Hierbabuena and farewell.
What’s included
- 7 nights at La Tienda Nueva (en-suite double or twin room)
- Breakfast every day at Hierbabuena
- Packed lunch on the 5 walking days
- 5 dinners (welcome dinner + farewell dinner + 3 dinners in selected local restaurants)
- One drink per person at each included dinner
- 5 days of guided walking with a certified mountain guide (AEGM / UIMLA) ✓ Local transport on walking days
- Welcome briefing and route information
What’s not included
- Flights and travel insurance
- Airport transfers (can be arranged on request)
- Lunch on arrival day and free day
- 2 free dinners (Tuesday and free day)
- Extra drinks at included dinners
- Single room supplement (if applicable)
- Personal expenses
Accommodation
Accommodation is provided at La Tienda Nueva, a small and welcoming guesthouse located just seconds from the centre of Cómpeta. Set on the village’s main street yet in a quiet area, it offers easy access to local bars, cafés and restaurants.
Guests stay in comfortable en-suite rooms and share relaxed communal spaces, including lounge, kitchen and dining areas. The atmosphere is informal and friendly, making it an ideal base for a village-based walking holiday.
Dates & prices
Saturday to Saturday
Small-group walking holidays with limited availability. Prices are per person, based on shared accommodation.
Single rooms are available on request for an additional supplement.
Group size: 4–16 people
Single suplement: €195
Walking Holiday Dates Autumn 2026
Saturday 3 October – Saturday 10 October · White Villages of the Axarquía (Moderate) 745€
Saturday 10 October – Saturday 17 October · Peaks of the Axarquía (Challenging) 845€
Saturday 17 October – Saturday 24 October · White Villages of the Axarquía (Moderate) 745€
Saturday 24 October – Saturday 31 October · Peaks of the Axarquía (Challenging) 845€
Saturday 31 October – Saturday 7 November · White Villages of the Axarquía (Moderate) 745€
Walking Holiday Dates Spring 2027
Saturday 17 April – Saturday 24 April · White Villages of the Axarquía (Moderate) 895€
Saturday 24 April – Saturday 1 May · Peaks of the Axarquía (Challenging) 995€
Saturday 1 May – Saturday 8 May · White Villages of the Axarquía (Moderate) 895€
Saturday 8 May – Saturday 15 May · Peaks of the Axarquía (Challenging) 995€
Saturday 15 May – Saturday 22 May · White Villages of the Axarquía (Moderate) 895€
Interested in joining this walking holiday?
Get in touch to check availability or reserve your place.
Essential information
Fitness & walking
This holiday is suitable for walkers with a reasonable level of fitness. Walks are graded as moderate and follow a variety of terrain including mountain paths, tracks and village trails. Some ascents and descents are to be expected, with regular breaks throughout the day.
Walking days are planned at a moderate pace, with time for breaks and to enjoy the surroundings. The emphasis is on experiencing the landscape and the villages rather than covering long distances, creating a relaxed but rewarding walking holiday.
Weather & seasonal conditions
Autumn offers ideal walking conditions in southern Spain, with generally mild daytime temperatures. Weather can vary in the mountains, and walkers should be prepared for cooler mornings and occasional changes in conditions.
What to bring
Comfortable walking boots, suitable clothing for variable conditions and a daypack are essential. Walking poles are recommended and can be provided if required.
