My first walking holiday

Day 2 – First walk of the holiday

A short comfortable drive after a not too early breakfast for a 5 mile walk across a varying terrain, down and along a beach, up along trails to the pretty whitewashed town of Salobrena.  

Before lunch we climbed steps up to a Moorish castle where there were amazing coastal views. We stopped for pre booked lunch at a friendly local tapas bar.  We were back at the hotel with time for a dip in the pool and relaxation. 

After our evening meal at the hotel a group of us explored the music and Flamenco at a nearby beach cafe.

Day 3 – Included visit to the Alhambra Palace & Granada

Again a not too early start after breakfast in our comfortable air conditioned coach to Granada. The journey was easy and Manuel kept us up to speed with the fascinating history of the time of the Alhambra. 

Granada has some very impressive architecture with beautiful churches and a chance for a cafe or Cathedral visit. A small group of us took the local bus up to San Nicholas plaza to capture the beautiful views across to the Alhambra. (At time of writing, masks are still being worn on buses).  The walk downhill to the town centre takes you past some shops and attractive narrow streets.

The Alhambra gardens and palace did not disappoint. Truly beautiful in their symmetrical layout and with calming water features. It’s impossible to take a bad photograph here so don’t forget your camera or smartphone.

Our guide Alisa had a thorough knowledge and could answer our questions about the palace.

A thoroughly rewarding day with too many high points to mention.

Day 4 – Second included walk of the holiday

Another short journey in our air conditioned coach to start our slightly longer (7 Mile) coastal walk to La Herradura. The climb was steep in places passing  some gorgeous beaches en route along the coastal path, look out for nudists!  Our climb was rewarded with a beachside lunch before heading off again. We took public transport back to the town of Almunecar (masks again) before a 45 minute walk to the hotel along the beachside promenade.

“Jamaica Heladeria” comes highly recommended and is a nice place to rest along the way.

Day 5 – Relaxation Day

I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to visit and spend more time in Almunecar, so decided to walk along the promenade into the centre. (Just over 2 miles). There are several shopping streets and if churches interest you, then visit the Incarnation church. 

The Botanic Garden (Parc Majuelo) has some interesting sculptures, small shops and shows the remains of the old Fish salting factories. On a hot day it offers some pleasant shade. 

There are plenty of beach cafes, bars and heladeria if you need fortification on the journey home.

If you like to travel out further, head to the bus station at Almunecar and take a bus to Nerja for the day.

Day 6 – Optional extra walking trip

I opted to take the extra walk and was very glad I did, otherwise I would have missed some amazing scenery in the Sierra Nevada mountains. 

There were some challenging slopes en route but without those, many beautiful memorable sights would have been missed!

John lead us in his usual excellent and thorough way making sure we were fully prepared for the day. Manuel was on hand to offer a quieter day for those not wanting to walk in the mountains. 

I was particularly impressed with how both guides worked together to adapt the walks where necessary for the varying abilities of the group. 

Day 7 – Walk into town

I opted not to do the hill walk today, but took the offer to spend time in Nerja and Frigliana. After dropping off the walkers in Frigliana with John, Manuel took us in our usual comfortable coach to Nerja, where he gave us a short tour of the main part of town. After that we had time to ourselves to explore the shops, cafes and beautiful views from the Balcon De Europa.

All of us met in Frigliana for lunch before heading back.  Manuel kindly managed to reserve a group table for our last meal at the hotel too, which was a lovely way to say goodbye to all the friends we had made during the week. 

Day 8 – Home time

Just enough time for another hearty breakfast with plenty of choices, before being collected in a plush air conditioned minibus to take six of us to Malaga airport. Another smooth and comfortable journey in time for my mid- morning flight home. 

I have many wonderful memories from this holiday, mixing with people from all over the UK.

Unlike many others on this holiday, it was my first time with Involved Holidays. Nearly everyone had previously booked with them on several occasions, even rebooking the same holiday. I put this down to the way they take care of their customers, even those with extra needs, and the fact that they are good value for money.  Having been on this holiday I am certain it won’t be my last.  I was particularly impressed with how everything was organised. The whole holiday ran smoothly, and I was able to enjoy every aspect.

My top tips – Useful Information

Pack a face mask due to Covid restrictions on public transport. 

Ask the walking guides/leaders anything, they are on hand to answer any questions and tell you the best areas to explore etc.

Take a decent camera or phone camera, the sights and views are amazing!