Hiking in Competa: Walking Festival 2023

June 19, 2023

Hiking in Competa: Walking Festival 2023

Competa walking festival flyer
Please note: all organised walks for 2023 are now fully booked

Why is Walking in Cómpeta so special?

For those who have a special place in their hearts for nature and enjoy taking long, peaceful walks, Cómpeta is the ideal destination. Nestled within the stunning landscapes of Spain, Cómpeta boasts of captivating hiking trails that call out to every adventure enthusiast.

The charm of walking in Cómpeta lies in the diversity of the trails, some winding through peaceful olive groves, others ascending up the majestic mountains or plunging into verdant valleys. It’s no wonder then that Cómpeta is often referred to as a walker’s paradise.

From short, relaxing strolls to more challenging hikes, there are routes here for every type of walker. The most popular walking paths are well-maintained and marked out with signposts, ensuring a safe and enjoyable walk for everyone.

Cómpeta walking festival - Walking in Cómpeta

Who can join the Cómpeta Walking Festival?

The Cómpeta Walking Festival are thrilled to announce their exciting lineup of guided walks for this year!

Their program will continue to feature three levels of walks (with two groups in each level) that cater to different abilities and preferences. Here are the maximum criteria for each level:

Level 1: Perfect for those seeking a lighter challenge. Walk up to 10 km for a maximum of 4 hours (excluding breaks), with a maximum altitude difference of 500 metres.

Level 2 (fully booked): An intermediate level that takes you up to 15 km for a maximum of 6 hours (excluding breaks), with a maximum altitude difference of 800 metres.

Level 3: For the seasoned walkers, this level takes you up to 20 km for a maximum of 8 hours (excluding breaks), with an altitude difference as high as 1400 metres.

Remember, hiking in Cómpeta’s hilly and mountainous terrain makes for no easy walks. Paths often involve altitude differences and loose stones, making a 10 km walk in Cómpeta feel more like a 15 km trek in a flat area.

However, the beauty of our program is its flexibility. You can adjust your level each day in consultation with the guide to match your comfort and energy. For those who conquer all four days of walking at any level, a medal awaits at the end of the festival as a token of your achievement! 

Join us for this thrilling adventure in the beauty of Cómpeta’s landscapes

In Canillas de Albaida walking in competa

How much is the Cómpeta Walking Festival?

The entry prices remain unchanged from last year:

€30 per person for the entire 4-day festival

€10 per person per day for joining 1, 2, or 3 days of the event

€10 discount for drivers who can accommodate a maximum of 3 other hikers in their car on days 2 and 3

€15 per person for the paella lunch on the terrace of Hotel Balcón de Cómpeta on October 2nd, following the final hike (this price is only valid with pre-registration; if you wish to book the paella lunch during the festival, it will cost €20).

The paella tickets will be numbered and will also serve as free lottery tickets for the raffle, which will take place before the medal presentation and buffet.

Starting today, you can register for the 11th Cómpeta walking festival by completing the form available here: Google form

Payment must be made within 8 days after submitting the form.

Level 1 and Level 2 will each have a maximum of 50 participants. Level 1 was fully booked quite early last year. We anticipate that Level 3 will have fewer participants.

*Please note: all organised walks for 2023 are now fully booked*

What is the schedule for Cómpeta Walking Festival 2023?

  • 09:00 am, Level 3 (18 km/7 hours): A circular walk via acequia and Canillas de Albaida to Cueva del Agua and Cruz del Muerto, returning via Rio Cajula, Canillas de Albaida and the lower path to Cómpeta.

  • 09:30 am, Level 2 (12 km/4.5 hours): A circular walk via acequia and Canillas de Albaida to Cueva del Agua, returning via Canillas de Albaida and the lower path to Cómpeta.

  • 10:00 am, Level 1 (7 km/3 hours): A circular walk via acequia and Canillas de Albaida to halfway to Cueva del Agua, returning via Canillas de Albaida and the lower path to Cómpeta. Coffee/tea stop with Johan for all levels on the tarmac road halfway to Cueva del Agua.
  • 09:00 am, Level 3 (19 km/7 hours): A circular walk along the ridge to Sayalonga, through the valley to Corumbela, and back along the ridge and again via the valley and bridge in Archez to Cómpeta.

  • 09:30 am, Level 2 (14 km/5 hours): Car-share to Puerto de Carboneros, a circular walk along the ‘via pecuaria’ to Arenas, and back along the ridge to Puerto de Carboneros.

  • 10:00 am, Level 1 (9.5 km/4 hours): Car-share to Puerto de Carboneros, a circular walk along the ‘via pecuaria’ and back via the point above Corumbela and along the ridge to Puerto de Carboneros. Coffee/tea/melon stop with Johan near the large shed above Corumbela where all routes meet.
  • 09:00 am, Level 3 (20 km/8 hours): Car-share to the helipad at El Pullido, a circular walk via Rio Torrox, Acebuchal, Venta Cebollera, Puerta Blanquilla to Collado de los Civiles, and back via Collado de Paez Blanca, Cerro Verde and Rio Torrox to the helipad.

  • 09:30 am, Level 2 (12 km/4.5 hours): Car-share to the helipad at El Pullido, a circular walk via Rio Torrox, Acebuchal, Venta Cebollera to Collado de Paez Blanca, and back via Cerro Verde and Rio Torrox to the helipad.

  • 10:00 am, Level 1 (8 km/3 hours): Car-share to the helipad at El Pullido, a circular walk via Rio Torrox to Acebuchal, and back via Molino Blas to the helipad. Coffee/tea stop with Johan for all levels halfway between Rio Torrox and Acebuchal.
  • 08:30 am, Level 3 (17 km/6 hours): A circular walk to Puerto del Collado, Loma del Daire, and Los Pradillos.

  • 09:30 am, Level 2 (14 km/5 hours): A circular walk to Puerto del Collado and back via Venta Maria Dolores.

  • 10:30 am, Level 1 (9.5 km/4 hours): A circular walk to Puerto del Collado and back via Loma Gaviara. Coffee/tea stop with Johan for all levels at Puerto del Collado.

  • 02:00 pm, on the terrace at the pool of Hotel Balcón de Cómpeta, the bar opens.

  • 03:00 pm, on the terrace at the pool of Hotel Balcón de Cómpeta, raffle, delivery of medals and paella meal (with three choices: original paella (fish/meat), fish paella or vegetarian paella).

For more general information on walks in the area, we recommend checking out the Axarquia Walking Community Facebook page.

While joining the community is necessary, it’s definitely worth it.

 Join the Axarquia Walking Community

If you’re wondering where to stay during your walking holiday, consider Villa Andalucia, offering comfortable accommodation for you to rest and recover. Remember, booking directly with me guarantees you the best price.

Please feel free to contact me and ask me any questions or want to book a space on the Competa Walking Festival 2023.

Come, take a walk on the wild side, in the beautiful landscapes of Cómpeta.

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