Spain :: Walking in Axarquia

We just came back from a lovely walking holiday in southern Spain. (The Brits call it walking, but Americans would consider it hiking - feel free to use whichever term makes it sound more hard core to you.)


We stayed in Canillas de Albaida, at the scenic Posada La Plaza, run by Gustavo and his family.























***


Our walks took us all over the valley and across the hills, with views all the way to the Mediterranean Sea.












sweet chestnuts


***


We also spent time in the neighboring town of Cómpeta, with its distinctive minaret...








...and festive ice cream. After our first day of walking, we felt we had earned our helados.





***





The second day of walking was longer, but felt better - possibly because much of it was flat and there was a fair amount of shade. We also had our first views of El Lucero, the big scary mountain for the final (optional) day.



aguacates



inside a goat herder's hut









the ruined inn where we ate a picnic lunch, battling the wasps for our jamón serrano






lime tree



Canillas, viewed through the branches of an olive tree



sunset in Cómpeta



cactus





The third day of walking took us up, up, up to the much-awaited 'crest of the hill', before we descended into the town of Salares for lunch. The walk back was not technically difficult, but we were in the direct sun most of the way and I nearly melted.






pomegranates








I was most worried about our fourth day of walking: the total ascent was about twice as high as we had been doing earlier in the week (726m as opposed to around 400m). As a comparison, the tour dossier said that Cerro Verde at 1,346m was 'similar in height to Ben Nevis', the highest mountain in the British Isles. Our guide explained that there was a point where it would be possible to go back, so I thought I would try to tackle the Ben but I wasn't too confident about the Nevis. As it turned out, I made it the whole way and I am glad I didn't turn back.








In typical fashion, I stumbled about 10 steps from the end and came home with this lovely bruise and lurid red scratches. I will always be 'Bam Bam' to those who know me well!



still smiling after Cerro Verde


***


S and I opted out of the big scary mountain (El Lucero) after having accomplished our walk to the top of Ben Nevis. Our last day was spent eating and relaxing - I love Spanish siestas! We had dinner with the group in the plaza, complete with live music. Highlights of our tapas-style meal included Paella, Spanish tortillas, delicious spinach flavored with cumin, feta cheese and olives, and almond spread on garlic bread. Most satisfactory.








Grácias, everyone... We had a great time!