Devised with the aim of linking the two great seas that cradle Andalucia, the Andalucian Coast to Coast Walk crosses the heart of southern Spain, from the small Mediterranean village of Maro to Bolonia beach on the Atlantic seaboard, a day's walk from the bustling port of Tarifa. A village-to-village walk, the 416km trail follows the Penibetic mountain range across the provinces of Malaga, Granada and Cadiz, passing through six beautiful Natural Parks and visiting some of the region's most picturesque and characterful towns and villages, including Ronda. This guide presents the waymarked route in 21 day stages, each with clear route description and mapping and notes on the villages and other local points of interest. You'll find all the practical information needed to plan and execute a successful trip, with advice on when to go, transport, accommodation and food. Useful contacts and a Spanish-English glossary can be found in the appendices. Boasting magnificent mountain scenery, charming villages and a rich and fascinating history, it is little surprise that Andalucia has long been popular with visitors. The Andalucian Coast to Coast Walk showcases the vibrant culture and enchanting landscapes for which the region is famed: it takes in mountain views and dramatic gorges, flower-strewn valleys and cultivated fruit groves, with highlights including Moorish Ronda, Roman ruins at Bolonia and the traditional 'pueblos blancos' (white villages).

This guidebook explores six of Andalucia's most beautiful Natural Parks - the Sierra Nevada regions of Aracena, Grazalema, Los Alcornocales and Gaucin, La Axarquia, the Alpujarras and Cazorla - along the great belt of the Cordillera Betica mountains. The 36 half- and full-day walks are mostly circular, ranging in length from 4 to 21km: some involve steep ascents and descents but all are within the capabilities of a reasonably fit walker. The routes are based around the villages of Aracena, Grazalema, Jimena de la Frontera, Cazorla, Bubion and Competa, all of which lie within protected nature reserves. Year-round walking is possible, but the area is best enjoyed March-June and September-October. Includes detailed route descriptions, clear mapping, plenty of background information about travel, food and drink, language and communications and the author's recommendations for the best places to stay in or around southern Spain's most beautiful mountain villages, many of which date back to the Moorish period. Rising to almost 3500m, the Cordillera Betica offers some of the finest year-round walking in Europe, and wrapped within this mighty range are some of Spain's most beautiful villages and trails.

The GR7 is one of Europe's longest GR long-distance routes, stretching from Tarifa, the southernmost town of continental Europe, through Spain, Andorra and France to Alsace. This guide presents the Andalucian section of the route, which offers well over 700km of fantastic walking through the diverse landscapes of one of Spain's most evocative regions. The route splits at the small village of Villanueva de Cauche, and the guide describes both the northern and southern variants. Although walking is on good footpaths, country tracks and, occasionally, minor roads, some of the stages are long and can involve considerable ascent, meaning that a good level of fitness is required. The full Andalucian GR7 takes well over a month to walk; however, the guide also includes suggestions for highlight sections that can be walked in a week or fortnight. In addition to clear route description, mapping and elevation profiles, the guide provides background information on local history, plants and wildlife, and advice for planning your trip, such as when to go, what to take and where to stay. The route showcases Andalucia's rich history and culture and varied landscapes, which include pine forests, semi-arid desert, snow-capped peaks, fertile plains, lush valleys, olive groves, cultivated terraces and hills of cork woodland. Historic towns and traditional whitewashed villages offer overnight accommodation and a chance to sample local cuisine.