If you like the idea of Trekking in Spain but do not know where to begin consider the GR7. The E4 GR7 route, nearly 9,000 km long, is the longest trail in Europe. Starting on the Atlantic coast near the Strait of Gibraltar (Tarifa) the path passes through Spain, France, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria to Greece and ends in the Peleponesos. Following this route, or sections of it, is a great way to to select some trekking in Spain.

The first part of this mammoth trail runs through the area that we call home. The route follows mostly old goat and mule tracks that are no longer in use and passes through some of the most beautiful natural areas of Spain. From the beginning Tarifa on the Atlantic coast, the route runs the first few days through the Parque Natural de los Alcornocales, then by the Sierra de Grazalema to the famous town Ronda. Along several smaller natural parks (including the Parque Natural de El Torcal) you will reach Ventas Zafaraya in the province of Granada. Here the route follows the north side of the Sierras de Tejeda y de Almijara (our home).

Through the Lecrin valley the route leads you into the Alpujarras which form the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada. At the Puerto de la Ragua (at an altitude of 2,000 meters) you will cross the Sierra Nevada to the north and you will come out at the town of La Calahorra. This wonderful trail of over 500 kilometres from Tarifa to La Calahorra can be done by an experienced walker within 1 month. Because most holiday walkers do not have that much time, we divided the trail into two parts, one from Cómpeta to La Calahorra (12 days) and the other from Cómpeta to Tarifa (14 days).
A shorter hike is also possible, e.g. Cómpeta - Lanjaron (4 days).
Cómpeta is a 1 hour drive from Malaga airport and is the perfect starting point for trekking in Spain.

Do it yourself we recommend you prepare your trek as follows: Buy the book "Walking the GR7 in Andalucia" isbn nr. 978-1-85284-507-0 (via internet at www.amazon.co.uk). The book mentions the maps needed per section. These maps can be bought via internet at www.tiendaverde.es.  

You also might consider to book one of our guided or self-guided treks (trek Cómpeta - Granada, Cómpeta - Játar or Cómpeta - Alfarnatejo), then you will get transfers to the perfect starting points, the hotels will be booked for you, your luggage will be transported and your dinner will be ready on a longer walking route.

This part of the E4 GR7 trail can be walked all year, but keep in mind that the months of July and August are very hot.

E4/GR7 Trek: Cómpeta - Calahorra

La Calahorra, a total of 220 km long, has the following stages..

E4/GR7 Trek: Cómpeta - Tarifa

Tarifa, a total of 277 km long, has the following stages.