Trekking, nature and relaxing on the Costa del Sol
Walkers will love this ATYS (Association of Tourism and Health – Costa del Sol) programme as it is guaranteed to take your breath away.
After your initial day with Dr Amerigo where he prepares a diet sheet for you and discusses your exercise programme he arranges for you to meet Marco who runs Safari Sol .
Marco is Belgian, speaks good English and is a licensed guide. He is dynamic and owns a Landrover which he calls ‘The Beast’.
Before the group meets up with Marco, Dr Amerigo will have informed him of the group’s exercise ability levels. You will meet at the Benahavis hotel. Benahavis itself is a charming white village in the foothills of Montes Malaga. You may well want to spend some time here after your trek to sit and enjoy the hilly streets, bars and cafes and absorb the traditional village scene.
The Benahavis Town Hall has thankfully protected a vast area of its territory from cars and development. This has created a very special nature reserve which only licence holders can enter. Some of the best scenery in Andalucia can be found in and around Benahavis.
The walking trails above Benahavis were created by centuries of movement of goats and the people who looked after them. The trails run at 400m above sea level, views to sea and mountain are enjoyed on all the treks and really are spectacular.
Marco has divided the treks into ability categories:
- ‘Easy’ where you ride up through the village to the beginning of the route in ‘The Beast’ and then walk relatively level sections of the trail – 1 hour.
- ‘Moderate’ following the contour of the trails with more inclines, where better endurance levels are required from trekkers – 2 hours
- ‘Hard’ a full scale Trek which as far as I could see (sitting comfortably in ‘the Beast’) would delight experienced walkers, Marco describes it as quite hard – 6 hours.
At all levels of the trekking programme you will want to take your camera to capture and drink in the beauty of the area.
Marco says “With the blue light and ozone from the sea, plus sunlight and views across the mountains you are definitely going to feel energised and invigorated on these treks whatever your ability.” I certainly was. I loved it.
Marco is a great story teller and will have you laughing at stories of goat herders and life giving natural springs of cool mountain water. He knows all about the local history, fauna and flora. He will also give you snippets of contemporary gossip!
This programme is not to be missed by anyone who loves the nature and wants to see the real Spain, away from the busy Costa. Good walking shoes and cameras essential.
For more information about Marco click here.
• Read Chapter 1 – Getting ready to depart
• Read Chapter 2 – Finding out about the Holidays and Health programmes
• Read Chapter 3 – Golfers! A trip to the dentist may improve your handicap!
