Costa Rica
Chiapas
Southern Spanish Spring
Andalucia is a serenely beautiful province, with multi-coloured 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, Linarias, Fritillaries and several species of Narcissi gleam jewel-like from rich limestone turf, while cliffs hold a plethora of charming rock garden species including a variety of Saxifrages. We can admire Spain’s only permanent breeding colony of Flamingos, taste the peace and quiet of Ronda itself, and wander through delightful Spanish Fir forests, watched by groups of Spanish Ibex. During the first 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. The centre-piece of the second week will be three visits to the splendid limestone cliffs and forests of the Biosphere Reserve in the Sierra de Grazalema.
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.
Dates and Prices
3rd March - 17th March 2027 (15 days)
* doesn't apply if you're willing to share and a room-mate can be arranged
Flowers and Birds. Also Landscapes and Butterflies
One leader for a group of up to 6, two leaders up to the maximum group size of 12.
For the first 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. In the Coto Doñana we’ll spend three nights at El Toruno in magical El Rocio. The pleasant and comfortable rooms are just metres from the Doñana’s wilderness. Our base for the second 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. All rooms in these hotels have en suite facilities.
We will be ambling no more than a couple of miles in any one day, and always slowly!
UK direct return flights to Malaga are available from almost all UK regional airports*.
*These routes may incur a supplement but most don’t.
Generally settled, sunny and warm, but not hot. Occasional Atlantic depressions penetrate this area, so expect cooler, cloudy days with some rain on occasions. The mountains, particularly around Grazalema, are cooler.
Contact us to check if there is availability for the number of places you require. Click on the ‘Book this Tour’ button on this page to be taken to the online booking form or contact us and we will send one to you which you can complete and send back to us. You will receive confirmation of your place, and then a detailed information pack will be dispatched to you about twelve weeks before departure. This will contain up-to-date health information.
