Mountain flowers of western Andalucia

If you feel that Spring in the UK is taking its time to arrive, Naturetrek still has availability on its 8-day holiday of gentle walks and botanising amongst the various habitats in western Andalucia - timed to coincide with the peak of early spring flowers.

From Malaga, drive north along the scenic ridge-top route towards Ronda, offering spectacular views of mountains and wooded valleys. Situated just east of Ronda, Finca la Guzmana, a traditional farmhouse set amongst vineyards and olive groves, provides a perfect base from which to explore the area.

Sierra de Grazelema NP is one of Andalucia’s foremost protected areas and was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1977. Here, the largest stand of rare Spanish Fir (Abies pinsapo) occurs on the high limestone ridge of Sierra del Pinar, whilst grasslands, rocks and screes support a diverse selection of orchids and local populations of daffodils. Shaded rocks and cliffs host several saxifrages, Ornithogalum orthrophyllum, and the endemic crucifer and Centaurea clementei.

Later, explore Europe’s largest Cork Oak (Quercus suber) woodlands where Griffon Vultures soar overhead, then visit Ronda’s spectacular cliff-top location high above its famous gorge. Other highlights include over 60 species of butterfly, local Palaeolithic cave drawings, cascading stalactites and stalagmites, breeding Golden Eagle, Alpine Accentor and Spanish Ibex, ancient forests and magnificent mountain scenery of Sierra de las Nieves – 6,300ft.

The tour costs £995 p/p including return scheduled flights, transfers and transport on tour, accommodation with all meals and wine at Finca la Guzmana and expert natural history guiding. Tour departs 18th March 2009.

For more information and bookings, log on to Naturetrek.co.uk.