The camino that my partner Nedjo and I are starting in Málaga is much less walked than others we have been on, the Vía de la Plata and the Coastal Portuguese camino. The route we're doing is about 470 km and we'll spread it over about four weeks giving us some shorter days as we climb the hills outside Málaga as well as a break in Córdoba for some visiting time with family who are coming from Ireland.
Day 1: Málaga to La Junta de los Caminos, Nov 9
An easy first day heading out from Málaga on the Camino Mozarabe since we've split the usual first stage in two.
Day 2: La Junta de los Caminos to Almogía, Nov 10
We were relieved to see good waymarking, both the red and white stripes connoting the GR 245 and yellow camino arrows.
Day 3: Almogía to Villanueva de la Concepción, Nov 11
The day included a lovely viewpoint with all the peaks noted on a panoramic photo—so great to know what we were seeing.
Day 4: Villanueva de la Concepción to Antequera, Nov 12
A stunning Sunday walk alongside El Torcal mountain and then descending into Antequera.
Day 5: Antequera, Nov 13, rest day
Although early on this camino for a rest day, Antequera was high on my list of places to visit.
Day 6: Antequera to Cartaojal, Nov 14
Our visit to the dolmens, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was an absolute highlight.
Day 7: Cartaojal to Villanueva de Algaidas, Nov 15
No need to navigate to find the camino this morning—just leave the charming Cortijo and turn left!
Day 8: Villanueva de Algaidas to Encinas Reales, Nov 16
The day included the hamlets of El Cedrón and La Moheda, that in earlier times – before their expulsion in 1492 – were Jewish and Islamic.
Day 9: Encinas Reales to Lucena, Nov 17
Another day among the olive groves and the fascinating process of harvesting.
Day 10: Lucena to Cabra, Nov 18
Today's section follows the Vía Verde del Aceite, which is an old rail line converted to a cycling and walking path.
Day 11: Cabra to Zuheros (off the camino), Nov 19
Veering slightly off the camino to spend the afternoon and night in the fabulous pueblo blanco of Zuheros.
Day 12: Zuheros to Baena, Nov 20
A short but challenging day returning to Doña Mencía and on to Baena.
Day 13: Baena to Castro del Rio, Nov 21
The day started with a bit of rain and lots of mist as we walked among the olive trees.
Day 14: Castro del Rio to Santa Cruz, Nov 22
The morning was very pleasant, sunny but so much cooler than it had been. I even put on a jacket and gloves to start the day.
Day 15: Santa Cruz to Córdoba, Nov 23
This section of the Mozarabe saw us happily arriving in the monumental city of Córdoba where we'll break for four days.
Break: Córdoba, Nov 24 - 27
A much enjoyed break with family in the enchanting city of Córdoba.