Overview
Walking in Málaga in comfort means that you are based in a stunning four-star boutique and wellness hotel throughout the five day trip. Located in Cómpeta, one of the classically beautiful, whitewashed villages of the Axarquía region, it’s a handsome hub for hiking trips. With three days of trekking, where trails can be adapted to suit personal interests and abilities, highlights include the El Saltillo Hike on the GR249 trail, the Lost (and very much refound) Village of El Acebuchal and other ancient trails in Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama Natural Park. This tour is accessible by rail, with transfers to and from Málaga train station, if you want to avoid flying.
For another version of this holiday, with higher treks and lower costs or, as we like to say, all the thrills with not so many frills, we recommend our Walking in Málaga (Centre-based) holiday.
- Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama Natural Park
- Cómpeta and the white villages
- El Acebuchal
- El Saltillo Hike
- Puente colgante
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Málaga
You are met at the airport or Málaga train station and transferred to Málaga Hills Boutique & Wellness Eco-Hotel (1h), located in the hills above Málaga. Relax and take in the panoramic views of the mountains and Mediterranean, and take a short stroll into the village of Cómpeta where there are plenty of options for dinner.
- Accommodation: Málaga Hills Boutique & Wellness Eco-Hotel or similar in Cómpeta
Day 2: White Villages Trail | 11.2km
Today’s walk takes you through Sierras of Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama Natural Park, visiting several historic whitewashed villages. From the hotel, head through the village of Cómpeta before following the Arroyo de las Jurisdicción River to the Roman village of Árchez. We recommend a stop here to visit Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación, a 16th-century church that’s now a national monument. Continue through the natural park, passing ancient canals and Roman bridges before arriving at Canillas de Albaida, which is a perfect lunch stop. Continue your hike back towards Cómpeta, perhaps stopping to sample some of the village’s fine local wine before returning to the hotel.
- Walking for the day: 11.2km, ↑374m, ↓359m
Day 3: El Acebuchal | 9km
You are transferred to the starting point of today’s hike before following a trail through rugged landscapes with panoramic views, eventually arriving at the Lost Village of El Acebuchal. The town’s name is owed to its rich and turbulent history, with its residents being evicted from their homes during the Spanish Civil War. For decades, El Acebuchal remained abandoned until, in the late 20th century, former residents began restoring the village, reviving its whitewashed houses and cobblestone streets. Explore this historic town, which has plenty of lunch spots, before you are met by our driver to transfer you back to the hotel.
- Walking for the day: 9km, ↑375m, ↓369m
Day 4: El Saltillo Hike | 10.2km
Your walking holiday begins with the El Saltillo Hike, part of the region’s famous GR249 trail, Gran Senda de Málaga. After being transferred to Sedella, follow the trail through the Axarquía region, traversing rugged terrain and clifftops. The most exhilarating sections skirt along the side of cliffs via suspended sections of the trail before reaching the puente colgante (suspension bridge), towering 78m above the gorge and Almanchares River. The route ends in Canillas de Aceituno, another traditional whitewashed village on the edge of the Sierra de Tejeda, where you are met and transferred back to the hotel.
- Walking for the day: 10.2km, ↑407m, ↓459m
Day 5: Departure
After breakfast, depart via private transfer to the airport or Málaga city centre, where we can arrange additional nights.
What to expect
Accommodation
Accommodation is in the 4-star Málaga Hills Boutique & Wellness Eco-Hotel throughout the tour in private double rooms with en-suite. This hotel offers large and comfortable rooms and its facilities include a pool, spa, library and fully equipped gym. We regret that twin rooms are not available at this accommodation.
Click to view default hotel
Hotels are subject to availability. In the event of a particular hotel being fully booked for your chosen dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.
Meals
Breakfast is included each day, offering a wide variety of cooked-to-order options made with locally-sourced, fresh ingredients. Lunches can either be purchased from the hotel or can be bought at local restaurants en route. Dinner can be purchased at one of the many restaurants in the village, which you can either walk to or transfers (payable locally) can be arranged.
Difficulty and terrain
This walking holiday offers various routes and walks other than those outlined in the itinerary, so walkers of any fitness level can undertake it. The listed routes are intended for regular walkers with a good fitness level, with some areas featuring uneven and rugged terrain. However, alternate routes can be chosen daily to cater to all abilities. Read more about difficulty grades
We strongly advise you to follow only marked trails and never try to shorten the path through the unknown and unmarked terrain. We will provide you with detailed road notes and maps, and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime. More detailed info on route navigation will be included in your holiday information pack.
When to go
This trip is available all year, from January to December, due to Málaga’s mild climate and lack of rain.
The flexibility of self-guided holidays means there are no fixed dates, and you can start your trip on any date during the season.
The weather can be extremely warm in July and August, with average temperatures between 28-31C, so it is advisable to begin walking early. For further information, see our blog Best time to go to Spain.
Getting there
Click to view travel options
By plane
Our recommended airport for this tour is Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP).
By train or bus
- If you can travel to Spain without flying, this holiday is reachable by rail, with a train station in Málaga. For more details, see the national rail operator Renfe or use the Omio planner above.
- Private transfers from and to Málaga Airport or Málaga train station are included (1h).
Inclusions
Included
- 4 nights in 4-star accommodation with en-suite rooms
- 4 breakfasts
- Private transfers to and from Málaga Airport or train station
- Private transfers on days three and four as per the itinerary
- Unlimited use of the pool, fitness equipment, sauna, sun terrace and library
- Hotel WhatsApp service to assist with lunch/dinner reservations
- Detailed digital holiday information pack, including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps. Please note that the info pack is provided on-site and cannot be mailed
- 24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative
Excluded
- Airfare
- Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks
- Any transfers not listed as included
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Personal expenses
- Local tourist taxes and entry fees (payable on-site)
- Any items not explicitly listed as included
- eSIM data for international travel (get an eSIM)
Options, extras and supplements
- If you’re travelling in a group, a supplement applies to group members who would like to have a room of their own
- We regret that this holiday is not available for solo travellers or people under 18
- Yoga classes (available and payable on-site)
- Massages (available and payable on-site)
- Beauty treatments (available and payable on-site)
- Extra nights Cómpeta
- Extra nights in Málaga
Spain’s legal requirement for personal information
Please note: in December 2024, the Spanish government introduced a new law making it a legal obligation for all visitors to Spain to share personal details with their accommodations and car rental companies. Consequently, as we book your accommodation for you, we are obliged to pass these on to our local partners on the ground. After booking your holiday, we will send you a form to complete requesting all the legally-required information, including: name, nationality, gender, passport number, DOB, address, phone numbers and email address. This applies to all travellers aged 14 and over. If you are travelling with people under 14 years old, you need to declare your relationship to them. We apologise for any inconvenience. For more information, see here.
