Hiking from Cordoba to Granada on The Route of the Caliphate

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“The Route of the Caliphate” is designated Major European Cultural Itinerary. The prestigious Foundation Legado Andalusí in co-operation with Otros Caminos has re-discovered this itinerary and developed it as a historical and cultural experience, connecting the cities of Cordoba and Granada with their world cultural heritages: the stunning “Mezquita” in Cordoba and the marvelous “Alhambra” in Granada.

This walking holiday explores the human and natural landscapes that mark out the famous Route of the Caliphate, between Cordoba and Granada. Once we get to Cordoba, immersing ourselves in its splendid past and its bustling present, we will then travel to the romantic white washed village of Zuheros, in the Subbética Mountains. These mountains (now designated Nature Reserve), reach some 1,500 m above sea level and constitute an impressive limestone range southeast of the city of Cordoba. Since time immemorial they have been home to some of the most beautiful towns and villages in Andalusia, such as Priego de Córdoba, Carcabuey, Cabra, Zuheros and Luque… Age-old olive groves, holm- and gall-oaks grow on the red-coloured hillsides, hiding magical rock formations such as the Cueva de los Murciélagos (Bats’ Cave).

We are not limited to this nature reserve and its stately villages, however. We will also walk through the area surrounding a major fortress (Alcalá la Real) and the brief, yet rugged mountains that protect the plain and the Nazrid capital of Granada, heritage of a small, legendary village called Moclín.

Once in Granada itself, if the host of attractions on offer allow you time, you can still discover the secret of Moorish wells and waterways, search out the origins of famous poems in the walls of the Alhambra, take a stroll through the old Moorish neighbourhood, the Albayzín, packed with sounds and aromas, and try some tapas enjoying views out to the Sierra Nevada Mountains, already thinking of coming back soon!

 

Logos Fpa El Legado Andalusí 2020 Color

Córdoba

Córdoba

Arrive in good time so as to visit the famous "Mezquita" (Grand Mosque). Later, a walk through the old Jewish quarter to see its beautiful patios and have tapas in its inns. Finally we suggest you to experience an authentic flamenco show to get you ready for a journey which has only just begun.  

Cordova-Zuheros by bus, walk into the river Bailón (from 1 to 4 hours)

Cordova-Zuheros by bus, walk into the river Bailón (from 1 to 4 hours)

You can still visit the famous "Mezquita" of Cordova today, before you take the public bus to Zuheros. After about 1 hour and a half (normally around 14:00) you arrive to the picturesque, romantic village of Zuheros. Your accommodation is in the centre of the village, next to the ruin of the castle. In the afternoon you can walk into the beautiful Bailón River Canyon. You can just walk along the underground river, part of the Karst landscape, with good views over Zuheros and turn around when you feel like it. Or continue to the Bramadero Hill, full of oaks, and enjoy the silence of this part of the Subbetica Nature Park. At the end you will meet the Bailón river again to return to Zuheros.

Zuheros-Zagrilla (15 km)

Zuheros-Zagrilla (15 km)

You now enter the Sierras Subbéticas Nature Reserve to Fuente del Espino, an excellent spot for a short but well-deserved rest. You then head down towards La Osa farm and the La Lastra area, to continue past Manchón de la Niña and the Zagrilla canyon. This stage finishes at the village of Zagrilla. Your accommodation is hotel*** Villa Turístico de Priego.

Zagrilla-Priego de Córdoba (10 km)

Zagrilla-Priego de Córdoba (10 km)

From Zagrilla you can get to Priego either on a short route following the Colada del Camino del Hoyo; otherwise, take a longer route, via the village of Carcabuey, through fields with streams flanked by dense quince trees, then crossing the Pollos or Jaula Mountains, where you will find an abundance of holm-oak and olive trees. Finally, you get to Priego along the old path to Rute. Your accommodation will be in a typical Andalusian renovated house in the historic centre “Barrio de la Villa”, a middle aged Muslim district declared an artistically and historical area, where your host Juan will receive you.      

Priego-Alcalá la Real (11 km)

Priego-Alcalá la Real (11 km)

Transfer to Alcalá la Real by bus (30 minutes). The route starts from the bus station itself. You head into mountains with ancient holm-oak forests, towards the castle of “La Mota”, which looks majestically out over Alcalá la Real. After visiting the castle, you continue to your hotel in Alcalá or to the rural lodge in Fuente del Rey (30 min extra walking )

Alcalá la Real-Tózar (Moclín) (9 km)

Alcalá la Real-Tózar (Moclín) (9 km)

After breakfast a taxi will bring you to the medieval village/fortress of Moclín. This fortress, that once guarded the pass from Alcalá to Granada, offers unbeatable views of the region. Here today’s route gets underway and you can either head straight down through a forest to Tózar, or else make first for Olivares and continue on the natural pass through the mountains to Tózar. You pass some anthropomorphic tombs dug out of the rock and the remains of a defensive system set up during the Spanish Civil War before reaching the quiet village where you can enjoy the sunset at the roof terrace of the hotel… Your accommodation is Rincón de Marcelo, where Marcelo himself and his family will welcome you and prepare you a real Spanish home-made dinner.

Tózar-Granada (taxi) & Alhambra

Tózar-Granada (taxi) & Alhambra

After breakfast a taxi will collect you and bring you directly to your hotel in Granada to spend the most of the last day visiting the palaces and gardens of the Alhambra (tickets not included in tour price). Later, take a stroll through the old Moorish neighbourhood, the Albayzín, packed with sounds and aromas, and try some tapas enjoying views out to the Sierra Nevada Mountains. At night you can have dinner in one of the ten most romantic restaurants of the world, with a view of the Alhambra.... Your charming hotel is right in the historical centre!

Granada, end of journey

Granada, end of journey

After breakfast the journey comes to an end in Granada. Maybe you still have some time to stroll through the Alcaicería, full of little Arab shops and souvenirs before returning home. Or book an extra night, as there is so much to see and do in this charming town!

Accommodation with breakfast

Included

7 nights

Information on the trip

Included

Luggage transport

Included

Telephone helpline

Included

Taxi

Included

1x

Organised taxi to come to the start point of the route or to be picked up at the end of the route.

Services not included

Supplement for single occupation

Not Included

110€

Mid-season Supplement

Not Included

50€

01-09 to 01-11

supplement high season

Not Included

115€

01-04 to 31-05

Supplement start on Fridays and Saturdays

Not Included

25€

Questions about the travel

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