Walking and Farming - Experience this part of the world

Fountainhead is situated in Axarquia. It is an organic estate with over 300 olive trees, each harvested by hand during the season to produce a world class extra virgin olive oil with very low levels of acidity. The olive trees exist in a harsh climate, mainly on steep (very difficult to harvest) northern slopes in poor rocky soil - there is no irrigation, no ploughing under the trees and no use of fertilizers. As well as this, there is an abundance of other plants growing wild alongside the trees - together these conditions give the olives unique properties that yield an outstanding quality oil.

Dotted amongst the olives are near 800 almond trees with the same conditions - again they are harvested by hand and stored over the winter when little by little they are cracked (also by hand) in small batches to bring to the table or to be cold pressed to produce almond oil. Although many trees were destroyed some years back by high winds, a replanting program is under way to replenish the groves.

Within the surrounding locale, olives and almonds are farmed on a small scale and most are put into the local co-operatives for milling. In the valley below all along the river are smallholdings with citrus groves and family huertas. To the south beyond the village of Comares is 'the route of the raisins' - small vineyards growing the muscatel grape and using traditional drying methods where the grapes are laid out in the sun as they have done for centuries. Heading south-east towards the Mediterranean, the farming is concentrated on avocados and mangos growing side by side in a uniquely sheltered microclimate. To the north, Alfarnate is famous for its cherries and the high plains of Alhama de Granada with its cooler climate, year-round fruit and vegetables are grown for the domestic and export markets.

What's offered: walking routes local and further afield for all levels - by the hour, half or full day, do-your-own or accompanied hikes, walks with picnics, transport start / end point, walk straight from hotel - collect at destination. General information on the produce of the area and drive routes to explore. Organic farming work experience, student/study including tree and land management and assisting with the olive and almond harvest. Visit to a working mill during the season.

Package prices: combine this interest with one of our other packages and let us know when you book.

For work experience message us - tell us more about yourself and what you are interested in.

When to visit:
Walking and farming: All year round
Olive harvest: Early November - early February
Almond harvest: Mid August to end October
Citrus fruits: Winter through to mid summer
Avocado harvest: November through Winter
Cherry harvest: June
Mango harvest: Late summer, September - Octoberautumn
Muscatel grape: Mid to late summer
Woodland management program: November - February, April, August

Length of stay: varied.