#MAGICALVILLAGES-Towards the Heart of Andalusia

Arrival at the rural lodging we have chosen for you to enjoy a GENUINE TRAVEL EXPERIENCE ON THE ROUTE TO THE HEART OF ANDALUSIA. Comares. This small town stands on a rocky outcrop that dominates the Periana corridor to the north and part of the mountains of the Axarquia, to the south a vast expanse that encompasses the valley of Velez and the Sierra de Tejeda. Upon arrival we reserve our first experience for you: The Comares zip line with its impressive 436 m. The longest zip line in Spain in natural anchorage. In the middle of the balcony of the Axarquia in Comares. After this adventure in nature, you will have time to rest from the trip and choose the best outfit for tonight. We will invite you to have dinner with one of the typical dishes of the region, Las Migas in a local restaurant. Return to your accommodation to enjoy your well-deserved rest.

After a wonderful night you will go down to have breakfast because you have to regain strength for the day ahead. Today we set out to discover the treasures of Comares. We start at the Puerta de Málaga. The Puerta de Málaga is an important defensive bastion, it was the main entrance door to the town's plaza. Under its walls the delivery of comares to the Christian forces took place. We continue through the Baluarte La Tahona Castle. Today there are remains of a wall from the Comares Castle, from an uncertain period, which was transformed during the Muslim occupation into a large fortress. After this fantastic historical tour we will invite you to eat one of the typical dishes of the region: El Chivo Asado, in a local restaurant. After eating we said goodbye to Comares and continued to the next Magical Town: El Borge. In the heart of Axarquía. It is the main producer of raisins in Spain and some of its vine strains are more than 150 years old. This variety of dried grapes and muscat wine are its most typical products. You will arrive at the accommodation at the end of the afternoon with time to rest a little before going out to dinner at a typical restaurant.

Have an early breakfast and get ready to discover El Borge. Our first stop will be the Bandit's Gallery, an interpretation centre that explores the phenomenon  of banditry in Romantic Andalusia in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. This picturesque town is famous for being the birthplace of Luis Muñoz, known as "El Bizco de El Borge", one of the most feared bandits of his time. Next, we will visit the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, built by the Catholic Monarchs in the early sixteenth century on the remains of an old mosque. The builders in charge of its construction made a unique fusion of Gothic and Renaissance styles, which makes it a unique architectural work. After enjoying lunch in El Borge, we will say goodbye to this charming town and continue our route to the next Magical Town, Moclinejo. This place is known as the "gateway to the Raisin Route", standing out for its rich wine and raisin tradition. Nestled between mountains, Moclinejo captivates with its winding streets, white houses adorned with mosaics and traditional details that reflect the harmony between its historical heritage and the serenity of its natural surroundings. This small paradise combines its raisin and wine legacy with an environment that invites you to rest. We will arrive in the late afternoon at the selected accommodation, where there will be time to relax before enjoying dinner in a local restaurant, tasting the typical dishes of the region. At the end, we will return to the accommodation for a well-deserved rest after a day full of unforgettable experiences.

Have an early breakfast and go out to discover Moclinejo. We start at the Plaza de España, the heart of the village, where we will stop for a moment to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and admire the white houses with their colorful balconies full of flowers. While we have a coffee in one of the bars, we will let ourselves be enveloped by the leisurely pace of the place. From here, we will head to the Church of Nuestra Señora de Gracia, a 16th-century jewel with its elegant Mudejar style. As we approach, the bell tower will welcome us, and upon entering, we will find a space full of history and serenity. Our next destination will be the Wine Museum, where we will discover more about the winemaking tradition of Moclinejo. There they will explain how the famous muscatel wines of the area are made and we will even dare to try a small sip of sweet wine, it will surely be delicious! We will continue our walk towards the Mirador de la Axarquía, climbing steep and narrow streets that will surprise us at every corner. Upon arrival at the viewpoint, we will be amazed by the views: a landscape that combines mountains, valleys and, in the distance, the glow of the Mediterranean Sea. Of course, we will take a few photos to immortalize the moment. Afterwards, we will intentionally get lost in the picturesque streets of the village. Every corner will have its own charm, with decorated doors, pots full of geraniums and murals that tell stories of the place. Each step will connect us more with the essence of Moclinejo. Following the Mosaic Route, we will discover small works of art that tell the daily life and history of the town. It will be fascinating to imagine how the neighbors have preserved these traditions over time. Before finishing our visit, we will go up to the Ermita del Calvario, located on the outskirts of the town. From there, we will enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view. Finally, we will head to a typical restaurant to enjoy a delicious meal. With the taste of Moclinejo still on our palate, we will say goodbye to the town and continue our route to the next Magical Town, Cómpeta.

Have an early breakfast and go out to discover Cómpeta. Our first stop will be at Plaza Almijara, the vibrant heart of Cómpeta. Here we will enjoy the beauty of the central fountain and contemplate the majestic Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, with its impressive Mudejar style bell tower. If it is open, we will enter to marvel at its frescoes. From the square, we will enter the labyrinth of cobbled streets of the old town, taking the Labyrinth Street, where the whitewashed facades and flowery balconies will give us the first postcards of the day. Our path will take us to the Panoramic Viewpoint, from where we will contemplate breathtaking views of the mountains, the valleys and, if the day is clear, even the Mediterranean. We will continue to the Museum of Popular Arts and Customs, where we will learn more about the traditional life of the Axarquía, with its utensils and stories of yesteryear. Then, we will stroll along the Paseo de las Tradiciones, admiring the mosaics that tell the history and culture of this charming town. Our next stop will be the Hermitage of San Sebastián, a quiet corner full of spirituality that will transport us to past times. Later, we will visit a local winery where we will have the opportunity to discover the process of making the famous Muscat wine and, of course, we will taste it. To finish our tour, we will head to a typical restaurant of the village, where we will delight in a traditional lunch. After lunch we say goodbye to Cómpeta and continue our route to the next Magical Town, Canillas de Aceituno. Its Arab origin left its mark on its agriculture and culture. Today it stands out for its rural tourism, gastronomy such as the "Chivo de Canillas", and festivities such as the Black Pudding Festival. Nestled in the Sierras de Tejeda Natural Park, it is ideal for hiking and enjoying its unique essence. You will arrive at the end of the afternoon at the accommodation we chose with time to rest a little before going out to dine one of the typical dishes of the region in a local restaurant. After a full day, return to the accommodation for a well-deserved rest.

Have an early breakfast and go out to discover Canillas de Aceituno. We start with The House of Tithes. With its tower of blind twin arches, the building, an example of Mudejar architecture, was the place where the trade in silkworms and mulberry leaves was controlled. Next, we will do a Hiking Route in the Natural Park. El Saltillo is a unique trail that overcomes the vertigo of rock walls with walkways. After this adventure we will invite you to eat one of the typical dishes of the region, in a local restaurant. After eating we said goodbye to Canillas de Aceituno and continued our route to the next Pueblo Mágico Alfarnate. Its neighborhoods are united by a river that becomes a promenade and a forest in the center of the town. It awaits you in its streets, many of which have an Arabic layout, with beautiful corners, squares, arches and flowers on the whitewash of the facades. You will arrive at the end of the afternoon at the accommodation we chose with time to rest a little before going out to dinner one of the typical dishes of the region at a local restaurant. After a full day, return to the accommodation for a well-deserved rest.

Have an early breakfast and go out to discover Alfarnate. After the visit of the town center we will have an Oleotourism Experience: Guided tour of the farm and facilities + tasting of AOVES + aperitif (glass and tapa) + lunch. After lunch we say goodbye to Alfarnate and continue our route to the next Magic Village, Fuente de Piedra. Since ancient times people traveled miles to drink from the waters of its source, as they considered that it had virtues and that caused the village to be a place for care and health. Upon arrival, we headed to the Natural Reserve of the Laguna de Fuente de Piedra for a pleasant hiking route. Using the different walkways and paths that take us to several viewpoints overlooking the area where we can see the birds well (there is one of the largest populations of flamingos in Europe). You will arrive at the end of the afternoon at the lodge we chose with time to rest a little before going out for dinner in a typical restaurant. After a full day back to the lodge.

Have an early breakfast and go out to discover Fuente de Piedra. We begin by appreciating the Monument in honor to the ancient fountain that gave origin to the town. It was known for its water, which had properties. It cured the evil of the stone of which there are reliable statements, among others. We finish the tour with a visit to the Parish of Our Lady of Virtues. Its construction dates back to the 19th century. In 1884, after an earthquake it was rebuilt. Of historicist and neo-Mudejar style, the bell tower with its corner belfry stands out in its architecture. Then we will invite you to eat one of the typical dishes of the region, in a typical restaurant. After lunch we say goodbye to Fuente de Piedra and continue our route to the next Pueblo Magico, Montefrio. The urban fabric of its streets has hardly any modern alterations. The primitive urban center developed around the fortress. From this, the houses were built under the protection of the castle wall. In the afternoon we will visit The Arab Fortress in Montefrio. It stands on a large rock that presides over the town, giving it an impressive personality. The work was carried out in the 14th century by the same architect of the Alcazaba of the Alhambra. Next, we will visit the Old Church of the Villa. Built in the 16th century on the remains of the Arab fortress, La Iglesia de la Villa is part of the so-called churches of the “Seven Villas”, all of them the work of Diego de Siloé. We will end our visit to Montefrio by appreciating its museums, the “El Centinela” Interpretation Center, the Olive Tree Museum, the 3 Archaeological Sites, and the Archaeological Museum Collection. You will arrive at the end of the afternoon at the accommodation we chose with time to rest a little before going out to dinner at a Typical Restaurant. After a full day return to the accommodation.

Have an early breakfast and go out to discover Montefrío. We will visit The Arab Fortress. It stands on a large rock that presides over the town, giving it an impressive personality. The work was carried out in the 14th century by the same architect of the Alcazaba of the Alhambra. Next, we will visit the Old Church of the Villa. Built in the 16th century on the remains of the Arab fortress, La Iglesia de la Villa is part of the so-called churches of the “Seven Villas”, all of them the work of Diego de Siloé. We will end our visit to Montefrio by appreciating its museums, the “El Centinela” Interpretation Center, the Olive Tree Museum, the 3 Archaeological Sites, and the Archaeological Museum Collection. Immediately we will invite you to eat a typical dish from the region, in a typical restaurant. After eating we say goodbye to Montefrío and continue to our next Magical Town on our Route, Salar. Although its history dates back to the Upper Neolithic, the great civilization that has marked us is the Roman. Its culture and its footprint can be visited today thanks to the discovery of the Roman Villa of Salar. You will arrive at the end of the afternoon at the accommodation we chose with time to rest a little before going out for dinner some of the specialties of the region, in a typical restaurant. After a full day back to the lodge.

Have an early breakfast and head out to discover Salar. Although its history dates back to the Upper Neolithic, the great civilization that has marked us is the Romans. Its culture and its footprint can be visited today thanks to the discovery of the Roman Villa of Salar. You will arrive in time to discover Salar. We start with the Church of Santa Ana. It was built in 1501 (by Hernán Pérez del Pulgar, patron saint of the same), replacing a mosque of which only its minaret was preserved and rebuilt. Next, we will continue to La Villa Romana. The archaeological remains are located on the left slope of the basin of the Arroyo de Salar, in the middle of the Vega. The excavation and enhancement project continues to this day. We will end the visit in El Bañuelo. Salar is unique in landscapes, fountains and springs. El Bañuelo is a semi-thermal water source, which comes from a branch of those of Alhama. After lunch we say goodbye to Salar and continue our route to the next Magical Town, Iznajár. The villa, nestled at the top of a hill, looks like an island that emerges from the waters joining the mainland through bridges. It has about twenty villages that are spread throughout its district. You will arrive at the late afternoon at the accommodation we chose with time to rest a little before leaving for dinner. We will invite you to dine on one of the typical dishes of the region: El Remojón Granadino in a Typical Restaurant. After a full day return to the accommodation.

Have an early breakfast and go out to discover Iznájar. We start with a fantastic Escape Room adventure in the enigmatic Hisn-Ashar Castle. For those who are fans of the world of 'Escape Rooms' but are passionate about natural places with tourist interest, we bring you a new recommended ecotourism experience. Next we will do a spectacular Hiking Route in the Iznajár Reservoir. The Balerma Water Route: route that links the main sources of Ventorros de Balerma. It is an ideal route to do on foot, about 3 km long and 1 hour long. Next we will invite you to eat one of the typical dishes of the region: porra, which is a dish made with tomato, bread, pepper and pieces of ham, in a typical restaurant. After eating we say goodbye to Iznájar and continue our route to the next Magical Town, Almedinilla. A lively and dynamic town, in which the white of its houses, mixed with the rock of its mountains, blends with the green of its olive grove, inviting you to a walk in time. You will arrive at the end of the afternoon at the accommodation we chose with time to rest a little before going out to dinner one of the typical dishes of the region: El Salmorejo, in a Typical Restaurant. After a full day, return to the accommodation to rest.

Have an early breakfast and go out to discover Almedinilla. We begin by visiting the Roman Villa El Ruedo. Declared an Asset of Cultural Interest, it dates from the 1st to 7th centuries AD. and it has one of the most complete surfaces in the Iberian Peninsula. The monumentality of its walls stands out. Next, we will visit the Ibero Cerro de la Cruz Village. Declared an Asset of Cultural Interest, it is one of the few towns of the Late Iberian Period (2nd-3rd centuries BC). It tells us about the society, the economy and the environment of that time. We will finish our tour with a Hiking Route: El Salto del Caballo - In the foothills of the Sierra de Albayate you begin a 45-minute tour that will take you to the spectacular waterfall of Salto del Caballo walking parallel to the Caicena River along a cattle trail. which coincides with an old road from Roman times. At the end we will invite you to eat in a typical restaurant. After eating we say goodbye to Almedinilla and we will continue our route to the next Magical Town, Cabra. You will arrive at the end of the afternoon at the accommodation we chose with time to rest a little before going out to for dinner, in a Typical Restaurant. After a full day return to the accommodation.

Have an early breakfast and go out to discover Cabra. We begin with a visit to the Parish of the Assumption and Angels. Of medieval origin and built by the Order of Calatrava on an ancient mosque dedicated to Santa Maria de los Angeles in 1241, date of the conquest of the city by Ferdinand III. We will finish our tour visiting the Castle of the Counts of Cabra. It was built in the present city, within the walled enclosure, was surrounded by a strong wall with 18 towers. Of the original construction remains just over half of the wall. We will then invite you to eat a typical dish of the region, in a typical restaurant. After lunch we say goodbye to Cabra and continue to the last Pueblo Mágico of our route, Cañete de las Torres. A town that combines tradition and modernity, with an impressive historic-artistic ensemble and a rich gastronomy. You will arrive at the end of the afternoon to the lodging that we chose with time to rest a little before going out to have some meatballs for dinner at La Cañetera, in a typical restaurant. After a full day back to the lodge.

Have an early breakfast and go out to discover Cañete de las Torres. We start by strolling through the Huerto del Francés neighborhood. For its beauty and uniqueness, it has become a tourist attraction for its narrow streets with natural gardening in pots and facades painted blue and white. Next, we will visit the Castle and Tower of Homage. Located in the Plaza de España, it was built in the mid-fourteenth century. The Torre del Homenaje is the highlight of the whole complex. Inside is the municipal historical museum. Before the farewell we will invite you to have lunch in a typical restaurant.