Andalusia is a privileged site to enjoy all year round: good weather, natural parks and long sand’s tongue that creates a system of dunes and very thin sand beaches perfect in order to do all kind of activities.

During our trip we will follow nature and natural light; that means waking up early in the morning. After breakfast we will start the day. There are only two transfers by road (Aracena and Doñana) but they will never take more than two hours. We will have time enough for enjoying both tracks and villages.  

What’s Included: 

• 5 Nights in Double or single room in apartments in Isla Cristina
• 4 Nights in Double or single room in Posada del Castaño guesthouse, Sierra de Aracena
• Breakfast each morning 
• Specialized guides throughout
• Transfers to/from Seville airport
• All activities in the program (bicycles, kayaking, Doñana Natural Park, sailing with skipper and appetizer, walking and cycling in the Sierra Aracena Natural Park)
• All transfers in private vehicles

Accommodation:

You will spend your first 5 nights in Apartmens at Isla Cristina.

The following 4 nights, you will stay in Posada del Castano Guesthouse in Sierra de Aracena. Situated in the highest village in the Sierra, the ‘Posada’ is converted from a traditional, large village house and retains many of the original features so valued by the rural inhabitants of times gone by - from the rustic terracotta floor tiles to the age-old, chestnut roof beams. The terrace and courtyard offer possibilities for relaxing in the sierra sunshine and the large cobblestone entrance hall recalls the days when farm animals were led in through the house to a trough in the basement. The ‘Posada’ now comprises 8 rooms (of which all but one has private facilities) two lounges, a dining room and a terrace overlooking a cobbled courtyard and garden.

Your itinerary

DAY 1 - Transfer from Seville airport to Isla Cristina. (NB. Pick-ups can also be made in Seville city centre) Upon arrival at the offices of Faro del Sur we are briefed about the week’s activities. Accommodation in our apartments.

DAY 2 - Kayak Excursion. After a short safety/training talk we take advantage of high tide to immerse ourselves in the tranquillity of this coastal wetland and learn about its unique ecosystem. Slowly traversing areas of salt pans, marshes and navigation channels we’ll enjoy a rich diversity of flora and fauna. There are ancient mills, shore carpenters, fishing ports and fish markets offering tastes and smells it seems we’d almost forgotten.

No previous experience is necessary for the kayaking – the only requirement is that you are able to swim. The excursion takes 4 to 5 hours and the remainder of the day is free to visit the old town with its port, fish market and daily fish auction - a fascinating opportunity to savour the sights and smells of this lively town.

•       Kayaking time: Four-five hours.

•       Overnight in Faro del Sur’s Apartments. Included meals: Breakfast

DAY 3 - Doñana Protected Area. This is doubtlessly the most eagerly anticipated excursion for bird lovers. With our biologist guide we’ll leave early in the morning to enjoy a full day in this, one of Europe’s most famous stopover points for migratory birds. Doñana’s entire ecosystem is a vital haven and wintering ground for a multitude of birds that come there to feed and breed. Over 360 different species are seen at various times of year. We’ll begin in the well-known village of El Rocío, where the marshes become waterlogged with the first autumn rains, flooding the clay soil and creating a fantastic place for spotting waders such as flamingos and other animal species such as wild horses and organically reared livestock.

We can also see a huge variety of birds of prey on the wing, such as kites, western marsh harriers and if we are lucky, the spectacular western imperial eagle. Springtime sees the arrival birds from Africa which come to breed - plenty of colour and activity. We’ll then visit the Mediterranean forest which is home to deer, wild boar, rabbit and the elusive Iberian lynx. In the afternoon we’ll approach the Dunas del Asperillo Natural Park by a path that ends at a deserted beach. For those interested it’s possible to enjoy a horse-ride across the dunes of the park. Later we return by road to Isla Cristina.

•       Bird Watching and walking time: Whole day.

•       Overnight in Faro del Sur’s Apartments. Included meals: Breakfast

DAY 4 - Portugal by Bicycle. Today we take our bicycles and cross the Guadiana estuary by ferry to the Portugal. Following a “Via Verde” or ‘green way’ (a specially conditioned cycle track reclaimed from an old railway line) we pass salt pans, marshes and tidal mills. We’ll stop to visit a traditional salt plant, one of the last in Spain, nowadays engaged in supplying the modern demand for artisan salt. Finally our “Via Verde” brings us to the town of Ayamonte where from the quayside we’ll take the regular ferry to the Portuguese town of Vila Real de Santo Antonio. Like many towns along the Algarve, Vila real was destroyed by the great earthquake of 1755 and was subsequently laid out and rebuilt in the enlightenment style.  We’ll have time to stroll the pleasant town with its marina, stylish 18th century architecture and highly celebrated town plan. We can extend our cycle ride following the banks of the Guadiana to the wide open beach where the river opens to the Atlantic Ocean. There should be time to swim before returning to Isla Cristina in the afternoon.

•       Cycling: Distance 20 kilometres.

•       Overnight in Faro del Sur’s Apartments. Included meals: Breakfast

DAY 5 - Ocean Sailing. Today we set sail aboard our ocean-going yacht, Alcyon. If weather and sea conditions permit then we’ll take to the open ocean to learn the ancient art of navigation.  There will be opportunities for everyone to crew the boat and help steer a steady course in search of soaring seabirds and dolphin riding the waves.  Swimming at sea is possible and the excursion includes a snack aboard ship. For a few hours we’ll feel the magic of the ocean and discover a world of wind, sea, sky and tides. 

•       Sailing time: Four-five hours.

•       Overnight in Faro del Sur’s Apartments. Included meals: Breakfast

DAY 6 - Circular walk from Castaño del Robledo to Alájar 

A 2hr early morning transfer takes us to the tiny village of Castaño del Robledo in the mountains of the Sierra de Aracena Natural Park. After an introductory talk detailing the programme for the next few days, we commence a gentle trek across hills clad in chestnut and cork oak to the dramatic viewpoint and historical shrine of the Peña de Arias Montano. This limestone promontory allows startling views over the ranges to the south and to the pretty white village of Alájar below.  A short but steep descent brings us down to the village from where we re-ascend via the ‘hippy’ village of El Calabacino to Castaño del Robledo once again.

•       Walking time: Four and a half hours. Distance 12 kilometres.

•       Overnight in Posada Del Castaño. Included meals: Breakfast

Day 7 - Short transfer to Navahermosa and walk to Castaño via Valdelarco and Galaroza

A short transfer of 15mins brings us to the tiny one street hamlet of Navahermosa.  From there we begin our hike through the secluded Talenque Valley. Emerging into a landscape of steep gorges and wide valleys we approach the village of Valdelarco, where we have a chance to explore something of its picturesque charm before continuing towards Galaroza. Descending a rocky trail that passes its way along hillsides blanketed in cork trees, we then follow the pretty trail out of Galaroza and through the Rio Jabugo Valley back towards ‘El Castaño’.

•Walking time: Five hours. Distance 15 kilometres.

•Overnight in Posada Del Castaño. Included meals: Breakfast

Day 8 – Transfer to Hinojales and cycle to Cortelazor with the further option of an off-road cycle to Fuenteheridos

We start this morning with a scenic 40 min drive to the village of Hinojales where we begin today’s cycle excursion. The drive takes us through some of the more remote areas of the Sierra and is a pleasure in itself. In Hinojales we mount our 21 speed mountain bikes and, after a safety briefing, set off for the 20km ride to the pretty village of Cortelazor. The route is almost never used by motor vehicles and crosses some of the prettiest countryside in the park.

Although there are two uphill sections of approximately 3.5km each, the majority of the route is downhill on gently curving asphalt. With motorised support throughout there is the option for a limited number of participants to ride in the support vehicle on the uphill sections and, for the final uphill section to Cortelazor, there is also the option to leave your bike with the support vehicle and walk the old cobbled trail up to the village. The more energetic also have the exciting option of a further 6km on dirt tracks back to Castaño del Robledo. Those wishing to end the excursion in Cortelazor must take a taxi back to the Posada.

•Cycling: Distance 20 kilometres.

•Overnight in Posada Del Castaño. Included meals: Breakfast

Day 9 - High level walk to Almonaster and transfer to Aracena to explore the town and caves.

Setting off from Castaño we follow the high ridge that traverses the park in the direction of Huelva province’s second highest peak – the Cerro San Cristobal.  Our route threads through chestnut groves whilst all the while enjoying distant views across the rolling landscape of the sierra.  Once on to the flanks of Cerro San Cristobal our little-used trail rises to offer magnificent views out to over 5 distant villages before a final steep ascent. From the top some equally marvelous views open up to the south including the historic village of Almonaster la Real with its 9th century mosque below.  

Descending to the village we will have time to explore the mosque before our transfer vehicle takes us on the scenic back-road to Aracena through the villages of Santa Ana, Alájar and Linares.  Once in Aracena there will be time to visit the renowned Cave of Wonders and explore the pleasant streets of the town dominated by a ruined 13th century castle and Templar church.  We’ll take advantage of the wide variety of restaurants in the town to take our evening meal before transferring back to Castaño.

•Walking Time: 5 hours. Distance 15 kilometres.

•Overnight in Posada Del Castaño. Included meals: Breakfast

Day 10 - Transfer out to Seville airport

Today there may be some free time to relax in the village before our transfer vehicle takes us on the 1½ hr journey to Seville airport for your flight out.

WHAT TO PACK

It is highly recommended you bring the following items:

•  Comfortable light clothing for summer (cotton trousers and shirts, long and short sleeves T-shirts, sweater, light waterproof jacket, shorts, swimming costume, towel, etc.).

•  Warmer clothes for the rest of the year (including waterproofs)

•  Comfortable trekking boots in winter. For summer trainers and flip-flops.

•  Small rucksack , canteen or water bottle

•  Bike shorts

•  Hat, sunglasses and towel

•  Spare glasses or contact lenses for those that use them.

•  Personal first aid kit.

•  High protection suntan lotion and insect repellent.