Andalusia is a wonderful eco-tourism destination that I love to share with all kinds of people. On these discovery trips, we observe the most representative species of the season, admire breathtaking landscapes, hike in protected areas and experience first-hand the culture, customs and local gastronomy of Spain. I am a nature guide, but occasionally we can include a historical monument in our excursion.
In January, when Europe is cold and rainy, we were lucky to enjoy the sun and excellent travel conditions in Andalusia. Few tourists, quality services at affordable prices… and all the Mediterranean nature taking the first steps of the winter spring… After meeting in Malaga with a group of friends from Brittany, we undertook an impressive 10-day trip. On the program: white villages and Islamic-medieval heritage, wetlands and marsh birds, and above all, lynx sightings.”>In January, when Europe is cold and rainy, we were lucky to enjoy the sun and excellent travel conditions in Andalusia. Few tourists, quality services at affordable prices… and all the Mediterranean nature taking the first steps of winter spring… After meeting in Malaga with a group of friends from Brittany, we undertook an impressive 10-day trip. On the program: white villages and Islamic-medieval heritage, wetlands and marshland birds, and above all, lynx sightings.
I love to surprise travelers… Of course, the itinerary is already quite complete and attractive on its own, but for me, the essence of travel remains the wonder and the unexpected. So what could be more surprising than starting with the Dolomites, above Marbella? A serene landscape in the heart of Andalusia. You won’t find this excursion in any guidebook or on the internet.”>I love to surprise travelers… Sure, the itinerary is complete and attractive enough on its own, but for me, the essence of the trip remains the wonder and the unexpected. So what could be more surprising than starting with the Dolomites, above Marbella? A serene landscape in the heart of Andalusia. You won’t find this excursion in any guidebook or on the internet.
Here is the best place for birding in the province of Malaga… full of attractive local species, White headed Ducks, Black-headed Gulls, Black-necked Grebes and much more. Birding with the latest generation Kowa TSN99 spotting scope is an exceptional experience that also allows you to read PVC rings from a great distance, like this Larus genei W55 gull.
During our second day, we will explore the rugged and mountainous Genal Valley, its typical white villages, the Sierra del Hacho de Gaucín and the most picturesque panoramic viewpoints. A day full of botany with plants that bloom during the winter, young peony buds, a visit to the Pinsapar forest and, between Benarrabá and Genalguacil, the Atrapamoscas(Drosophyllum lusitanicum), a carnivorous plant endemic to the Ibero-Maghrebi region.
Next, a long drive through the Serranía de Ronda to visit the karstic limestone formations of the western Sierras Béticas: Cueva del Gato, Montejaque and Llanos de Líbar. The century-old oaks of Líbar are anything but common. As for bird watching, griffon vultures abound, and the Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe leucura), endemic to Spain, is reason enough to make the trip worthwhile.
Mandatory stop in Ronda in the morning, followed by a transfer to Córdoba with stops in the vega where we will have the pleasure of observing Great Bustards and Common Cranes, faithful to their perches.
After living in Cordoba for 15 years, it is easy for me to show you the best places, and of course, the banks of the Guadalquivir River and its winter fauna, the labyrinthine streets of the Jewish quarter and the essential visit to its most famous monument in the world. Pure Greater Flamingo in a Cordovan cabaret… dance, guitar and deep singing.
Of course, we dedicated a night in Córdoba to an exciting and energetic Greater Flamingo show, with a very inspired Erandi Magaña.
We had lost count of the days of the trip and were about to embark on the real purpose of our trip: the Iberian lynx mini-safari in Andújar. We stayed two nights in a rural house in the natural park and visited the classic villages and a private estate. The task was arduous… but finally, we spotted a magnificent feline, very calm. What a thrill… and what a relief for the guide! Planning a sighting is one thing; witnessing the animal on the same day is quite another.
We continued on to Granada… where we had planned a visit to the Alhambra. A simple stroll through the grounds plunges us into a deep sleep (although a historical guide is always welcome). Our group, with its background in horticulture, is especially interested in the world-famous Andalusian gardens of Persian origin.
With Sierra Nevada freshly covered in snow and traffic jams on the way to the ski resort, we change course and head north for a hiking route at an altitude of 2,000 meters. This allows us to admire the mountain range instead of traversing crowds – breathtaking scenery and a snowball fight!
After 10 days alternating between natural and historical sites, tourist areas and villages completely lost in nature, we concluded our trip through the province of Malaga with a visit to the Laguna de Fuente de Piedra and the Torcal de Antequera… A beautiful end to this trip.
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