Camino del Estrecho day 8: Benalup – Casas Viejas to Medina Sidona, 20.1km

A more agreeable walk today as the terrain was more appealing, the distance more manageable and more importantly, there were two intermediate opportunities for refreshment. Needless to say we sampled the coffee in both, and ate like locals at the second eating toast with olive oil and salt. The route included two restored Roman bridges, … Continue reading Camino del Estrecho day 8: Benalup – Casas Viejas to Medina Sidona, 20.1km

Camino del Estrecho day 7: Tahivilla to Benalup – Casas Viejas, 25.8km

The view from our Tahivilla Airbnb. The toro has an udder, so either the artist was confused or aiming for gender parity. Plaza del vaca doesn't really cut it in a country of bullfighters! It was just as well we had the wind at our backs, as it was a long, tiring day crossing the … Continue reading Camino del Estrecho day 7: Tahivilla to Benalup – Casas Viejas, 25.8km

Camino del Estrecho day 6: El Lentiscal to Tahivilla, 19.7km

Nothing like a couple of unknown towns to boost usage of Google maps! Susan struggling to hold the palm tree up in the crosswind When the guide notes state "there is no intermediate opportunity for refreshment" you know it will be a tough day. It didn't help that the only refreshment upon commencement was a … Continue reading Camino del Estrecho day 6: El Lentiscal to Tahivilla, 19.7km

Camino del Estrecho day 5: Tarifa (Tangier) to El Lentiscal, 19.7km

After being woken up at 0450 by the first call to prayer (in any other circumstances this might, perhaps, be described as an ungodly hour), we were sure to make our 0800 ferry back to Tarifa, Spain. First though, the ferry had to run the naval blockade: Coffee on the ferry constituted breakfast, plus our … Continue reading Camino del Estrecho day 5: Tarifa (Tangier) to El Lentiscal, 19.7km

Camino del Estrecho days 3 & 4. Rest days in Tangier!

When it's only 1 hour by ferry, it's hard to pass up the opportunity of spending our 31st wedding anniversary in Tangier. We've had a marvelous two days, relaxing at Pierre's fantastic rooftop Airbnb, wandering the alleys of the medina, and sampling Moroccan food/mint tea/coffee etc. We booked a guide the first day, who gave … Continue reading Camino del Estrecho days 3 & 4. Rest days in Tangier!

Camino del Estrecho day 2: El Pelayo to Tarifa and beyond, 17.7camino kms

Torre del Guadalmesi, a 16th century lookout to protect against pirates. We didn't see any, so it still works. An interesting coastal walk, especially once we deviated off the documented Camino and followed the GR92 coastal path (goat track). The dirt road was a bit tiring, and deviated uphill and down dale to avoid some … Continue reading Camino del Estrecho day 2: El Pelayo to Tarifa and beyond, 17.7camino kms

Camino del Estrecho day 1: Algeciras to El Pelayo, 16.8km

Looking back from El Pelayo Fortunately the weather was not as forecast. The constant layer of marine cloud making haste towards the Atlantic ocean kept us pleasantly cool, which was perfect as day one was predominantly a generous climb up into the hills of the Parque Naturel del Estrecho. The birds of prey circling overhead … Continue reading Camino del Estrecho day 1: Algeciras to El Pelayo, 16.8km

Day 0: Vancouver – Munich – Madrid – Algeciras

Plaza Alta, Algericas I'm not sure how such trips were planned pre-internet - although I did enough of them, so I guess I've forgotten - but here we are in Algericas ready to commence the Camino del Estrecho. Long flights, an overnight in Madrid, then an early morning train from Madrid to Algericas (pronounced something … Continue reading Day 0: Vancouver – Munich – Madrid – Algeciras