Adventure holidays in Andalusia: 5 unforgettable experiences

If you are looking for an adventure holiday, then head to Andalusia. Contrary to most beliefs, the area is not only a sea, sun and farniente Kingdom. Andalusia’s climate, its rocky landscape and proximity to a sea with warm waters is ideal for a spot of adventure tourism. Below is a suggestion of five activities which will make your holiday unforgettable: we start with a hike on Caminito del Rey, then horse riding in the Doñana Natural Park, windsurfing and kitesurfing in one of the most popular destination for wind sports Tarifa, paddle surfing in beautiful Cabo de Gata, and finally canyoning in untouched Rio de Verde.

Caminito del Rey – once known as Europe’s most dangerous hike

Caminito de Rey is located in the village of Chorro, in the north west of Málaga. It was built between 1901 and 1905 to link two hydroelectric power stations Chorro Falls and Gaitanejo Falls. The pathway was inaugurated by King Alfonso XIII in 1921. The whole hike is about 7.7 km, with two entrances Ardales and Álora. The Caminito del Rey used to be the place to go and hike if you were a daredevil and some have lost their lives there. This is partly why the site was closed for about 10 years to undergo extensive renovations. It has now reopen and is a lot more accessible to the public than it was before. It might have lost a little bit of its thrill factor but it is still an amazing hike. It includes a 100 m high cliffside wooden pathway, with stunning views over the river Gualdalhorce, and stony tracks with small benches where you can sit and take in the scenery. You will need to wear a helmet and it is not accessible to wheelchairs and young children. They have kept the original pathway and you will be able to see how precarious the hike was before the improvement.

Horse riding in the Doñana Natural Park – enjoy unspoilt landscape with the gentle and noble Andalusian horse

The Doñana Natural Park is a UNESCO world heritage site and is a birdwatcher paradise. The landscape is very diverse with lagoons, marshlands, dunes, scrub woodlands, and maquis. It is the home to the protected Iberian Lynx, the Imperial Eagle and a wintering site for about 500,000 water fowls. If you enjoy nature, and unspoilt territories, then this is the place to visit. And even better on the back of an Andalusian horse. As the park is a protected area, you will need to book your horse riding tour with a company but it will be worth is as they will guide you through the best areas in the park, and don’t forget to round up the excursion with an unforgettable ride on the beach.

Windsurf and kite surf in Tarifa – one of the best spot for wind sports in the world

Tarifa is a small fishing village with cobbled streets, whitewashed houses and a relaxed atmosphere. It is also a windsurf and kitesurf mecca with 10 km of white sandy beaches. There is always wind in Tarifa and the area is great for beginners too.  One of the best beach to go kitesurfing and windsurfing is the Valdevaqueros beach, just outside Tarifa. It is known as one of the biggest sport centre in the area. There is a school where you can hire equipment or brush up on your skills if you need to.  A bonus is that you can admire the mountains of Morocco while practicing your favourite sport. There is a great nightlife and also plenty to do if you are travelling with non-windsurfers or kite surfers.

Paddle surfing in Cabo de Gata, Almeria – one of the most beautiful and unspoilt coastline on the Mediterranean Sea

Paddle surf or stand up paddle is a lot easier, more accessible than windsurfing and is great if you want to spend some time on the water. The area is ideal with its calm and crystalline waters, and it will be the opportunity to discover the coastline with another perspective. The Cabo de Gata–Nijar Natural Park has many beaches, with fine sand and secluded coves, some are surrounded by pine trees and they are a lot quieter than the beaches on the Costa del Sol. There are many paddle surfing schools in the area and they do offer guided tours so that you get to see more of the coastline.

Canyoning in Rio Verde – experience some of Europe’s most spectacular gorges and canyons

Rio Verde is located in Otivar, near the beach of Alumuñecar. The area is very popular with cyclists, hikers and climbers. River canyoning is a mix of hiking, jumping, swimming, climbing and abseiling. This allows you to explore part of the countryside that are inaccessible. The Rio de Verde is a protected area and you will only be able to go canyoning with an experienced guide and with the right equipment. The scenery is absolutely stunning, with unspoilt nature and clear blue waters. The waterfalls, slides and steep drops, some of them a bit scary, will make for an unforgettable adventure excursion.

If you have decided on your next adventure tourism holiday, then visit BungalowsClub to book your perfect adventure accommodation in Andalusia.

Image Credits: Michinerja