Hikes and Drives
1. Hike from Alajar to Linares de la Sierra
The Sierra de Aracena is defined by soaring cliffs, wooded valleys and whitewashed villages. A good hike along the marked trails is the 6-km (4-mile) route from Alájar to Linares, via the hamlet of Los Madroñeros. It begins at the main square in Alájar and follows the old road, with only one steep section.
2. Rio Borosa Hike
From the visitors’ centre at the village of Torre del Vinagre, near Cazorla, this hike takes you along the narrow rock walls of the Cerrada de Elías gorge above the Río Borosa, criss-crossed by wooden bridges.
3. Hike around the Villages of the Southern Taha
This hike begins in Pitres and descends south, to arrive first at Mecinilla, then along a ravine to Mecina-Fondales. From here, you take the short or long route to Ferreirola, climb up to Atalbéitar and then back to Pitres.
4. Hike from Rute to Iznajar
Leave Rute on the A331 south, veer left at the fork and then take the trail on the right about 500 m (550 yd) further on. This leads down to the reservoir; turn right and continue to a rocky promontory. Enjoy the views, then go up the hill and cross the bridge to the scenic village of Iznájar.
5. Serrania de Ronda Hike
An easy, picturesque hike connects the village of Benaoján Estación with Jimera de Líbar Estación. Begin at the Molino del Santo hotel, walk down the hill and left along the railway and then over at the second crossing. Across the river is the path; when it divides, take the left fork and continue on to Via Pecuaria and into the town.
6. Drive from Nerja to Almeria
A route along some of the region’s most panoramic coastline. Nerja is built up on cliffs, and as you approach Almería City the views are dramatic.
Rte N340
7. Drive from Ronda to Jerez
The attraction of this drive is the pueblos blancos along the way, in particular Grazalema, Zahara and Arcos de la Frontera. You can also include the Roman ruins at Ronda la Vieja, and a sidetrip to Olvera.Rte N342
8. Drive from Tarifa to Cadiz
This wild sweep of the Costa de la Luz is the best of the Atlantic shore. Expect immense cliffs, mammoth sand dunes and a scattering of rather subdued resorts. The villages of Bolonia, with its ancient Roman sites, and Vejer de la Frontera, which is steeped in Moorish heritage, both make excellent sidetrips.Rte N340
9. Drive from Guadalquivir Valley through Cordoba Province
Starting to the east of Córdoba, in the attractive hill town of Montoro, this drive follows the river downstream. West of Córdoba, visit the once-fabulous Medina Azahara, enjoy the view from the castle walls at Almodóvar del Río, and end at Palma del Río.
10. Drive in Las Alpujarras, Sierra Nevada
This zone comprises scores of villages and hamlets, many perched on the slopes of the Sierra Nevada. Begin at Lanjarón, then head for the market town of Órgiva. Continuing eastward, the landscape becomes more arid; eventually you’ll come to Yegen, made famous by Gerald Brenan’s autobiographical South from Granada.
