ANDALUCIA
SOUTHERN SPANISH SPRING
Andalucia is a serenely beautiful province, with multicoloured hills rising from the deep blue Mediterranean to the wild mountainous heart of the Serrania de Ronda.
Our base for the first week is one of Andalucia’s most beautiful ‘white villages’, peaceful Benaojan, perfectly situated close to the old stone town of Ronda. Orchids, Narcissi, Fritillaries and Linarias gleam jewel-like from rich limestone turf, while cliffs hold a plethora of charming rock garden species including a variety of Saxifrages. We shall wander through delightful Spanish Fir forests, watch and admire Spain’s only permanent breeding colony of Flamingos and taste the peace and quiet of Ronda itself. The centre-piece of the first week will be three visits to the splendid limestone cliffs and forests of the Biosphere Reserve in the Sierra de Grazalema. During the second week we’ll enjoy world-famous Coto Doñana then explore the rich Mediterranean littoral and the colourful hills of Alcornocales National Park which rise behind. Here we can see many rare and localised flowers including several Irises, insectivorous Drosophyllum and a number of beautiful orchids. Vultures are common and at this season there are many other birds of prey migrating through the region. Storks, Little Bustards, White-headed Duck, pretty Azure-winged Magpie and the globally endangered Spanish Imperial Eagle are just some of the avian delights on offer. This is an area that seems little-touched by man and the resulting diversity of wildlife will, we think, impress everyone.
INFORMATION
Focus
Flowers and Birds. Also Landscapes and Butterflies.
Leaders
Walking
We will be ambling no more than a couple of miles in any one day, and always slowly!
Included in the Price
All flights. All transport, accommodation, meals in Spain. Entrance fees to reserves and natural parks. Services of your leaders. Please note: items of a personal nature such as insurance, drinks, drinks and tips, are not included.
Group Size
The minimum is 4 and the maximum is 15. Only one leader will accompany a group of 6 or less.
Accommodation
Our base for the first week is delightful Molino del Santo, peacefully situated in Benaojan, not far from historic Ronda. Molino has been converted from an old flour and olive mill into a small hotel of considerable character. The rooms are lovely with comfortable beds and tea and coffee making facilities. Most have their own terrace overlooking the willows, figs and walnuts growing along the small river which runs through the garden. In the Coto Doñana we'll spend two nights at El Toruno in magical El Rocio. The pleasant and comfortable rooms are just metres from the Donana's wilderness. For the last four nights we're at Dos Mares, beautifully situated amongst the umbrella pines behind Los Lances beach. Good quality rooms and a fine restaurant make this a relaxing place to stay and as with all these hotels there's plenty of first-class countryside to walk out into. All rooms in these hotels have en suite facilities.
Climate
Generally settled, sunny and warm, but not hot. Occasional Atlantic depression penetrate this area, so expect cooler, cloudy days with some rain on occasions. The mountains, particularly around Grazalema, are cooler.
How To Book
Download a booking form (or contact us and we will send one to you)from the Booking Information section. Complete and send to us. You will receive confirmation of your place and a detailed information pack will be dispatched to you about twelve weeks before departure. Plant and bird checklists are available.
