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The Silk Trail - From the Sierras to the sea
By the 10th Century the Moors had established al-Andalus as the major silk-producing region in the western world. The warm south facing slopes of the sierras of the Axarquia perfectly suited the silk moth. Mulberry trees were cultivated in great numbers and villages sprang into life. The trees have gone but the pretty pueblos to the east of Malaga still cling to the hillsides. Many of the ancient paths still exist and are the theme for this unique 8 day three centre walking holiday.

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The ' trail ' walks the length of the south facing slopes of the Sierra Tejeda and Sierra Almijara, connecting villages on the way. It starts to the west at an altitude of 2,000ft and ends in the east where the mountains dramatically drop to the Mediterranean. Accommodation on the way is in three carefully chosen rural hotels. all with pools. The walks are rated as Level 2. For those that choose there is a longer option on some days, extending the walks by 1 to 2 hours to Level 3. It is possible to opt out of any of the walks but few choose to do so.

Itinerary Spanish Steps - Into another world

Day 1 - Arrival day
The transfer from Malaga airport to Canillas de Albaida takes an hour by road. We stay in Antonio's new Mirador hotel on the edge of this tranquil village, two miles to the west of Cómpeta. The hotel has comfortable en-suite rooms, a small pool and great views across the pueblo to La Maroma. In the evening we have welcome drinks on Antonio's terrace and discuss the week ahead. We have dinner in the pretty village Plaza, a short stroll away.

Hotel Terrace


Day 2 - Sedella to Canillas de Albaida
A short road transfer take us to Sedella and the starting point for the trail. We walk though the village and into the hills, passing the kalif's house where dues for the silk trade were collected so many years ago. The walk has some fine views of the white villages, mountains and sea. For lunch, we stop for tapas in Salares, one of the most photogenic pueblos blancos in the Axarquia. In the evening, we may stroll into Cómpeta and have dinner at one of our favourite restaurants.

Day 3 - Canillas de Albaida to La Fabrica
From the hotel we climb to the top of the vilage and into the hills. There is a further steady climb to a saddle and spectacular views of the Sierras sweeping down to the Mediterranean. The walk follows part of the ancient Cómpeta to Granada ' silk path. We are likely to have our picnic and one of the old 'ventas' on the route before a gentle but stunning descent to Casa de la Mina and into the Pradillas valley. Our walk ends by the stream at La Fabrica and transfer back to Canillas.


La Mina

Day 4 - La Fabrica to Frigiliana
We say farewell to Antonio and transfer back to La Fabrica. Our linear walk continues into the hills using another ancient path connecting Frigiliana to Granada via El Acebuchal. This once abandoned village has now been brought back to life in a spectacular fashion. We have time for a tapas lunch before the final part of the walk to the delightful Posada de Morisca, 2 km to the west of Frigiliana. This hotel is our home for two nights and a great location for our non walking day.


Day 5 - Rest and Relaxation !
El Fuerte, the hill towering above Frigiliana was the scene of the final battle expelling the Moors from al-Andalus, marking the end of the silk era. The gardens and pool of the Posada are a pefect place to relax. The bedrooms are a joy, all are furnished in Moorish style with individual terraces and Mediterranean views. Those wising to explore may fancy a short walk to Frigiliana and a leisurely lunch, or perhaps visit Nerja and the beach. Others may succumb to the lure of El Fuerte !

Day 6 - Frigiliana to Maro.
Another classic walk with spectacular sea and mountain views. The route leaves Frigiliana through the Higueron valley and into the sierras. For lunch we stop at the Rio Chillar, surely one of the most beautiful and seemingly remote valleys in Andalucia. The walk ends with a gentle descent to the coastal village of Maro passing close to the famous caves. We stay for the last two nights in the Playa Maro, a simple but comfortable hotel on the edge of the village.

Day 7 - Maro beach and caves
The Maro caves, below the Sierra Almijara, are some of the largest and finest in Europe and too good to miss. Our last walk is a half day stroll taking coastal paths and tracks linking Martello towers, built as defences against invaders from the south. Towards the end of the walk there is the chance to swim from one of the nearby beaches followed by a late lunch and visit to the caves. A truly fitting end to a remarkable journey.


Day 8 - Buen Viaje
Farewell breakfast and transfer to Malaga airport or onward travel.

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Dates & Prices

Autumn 2008
Sat Sept 6 -13


Cost £495* p/p

Spring 2009
Sun March 29- April 5
Sat May 30 - June 6

Cost £535* p/p

What is included:-
  • 7 Nights en-suite accommodation. - Three nights in Mirador de Canillas. Two nights Posada de Morisca, two nights Playa Maro.
  • Breakfasts.
  • Six evening meals with wine
  • Guided walks for all elements of the trail.
  • Entrance to Maro Caves.
  • Transfer of bags between locations.
  • Transport to and from walks as required.
  • Airport transfers from and back to Malaga airport.

* All rooms are doubles. The extra charge for single occupancy is £95 per week.

The starting point for the holiday is Malaga and we provide transfers at specified times from the Malaga airport to Canillas de Albaida and return from Maro. On arrival, transfers normally leave from Malaga airport at 2.0 pm and return to the airport at 11.00 am. Click here for travel and booking information.