Women only walking holidays in Spain – sexist?

Running women only walking holidays since 2004, we are often asked why women only? And isn't this sexist and discriminatory? To answer these well founded questions, we need to explain how Butterfly Adventures came about.

Nowadays, women travel more and more but not all of them feel comfortable or safe to travel independently, and this is exactly our philosophy - enabling women to travel safely and in a fun way on their own, but within a group of likeminded women.

So in 2003, my husband Ian and I moved to the white village of Cartajima, just a 20 minute drive from Ronda, Andalucía, Spain. It was the ideal location to develop our ideas for specialised holidays aimed at women travelling on their own. Due to my own interest in the local wildlife, fauna and walking, it seemed natural to start women only walking holidays; holidays where women whether widowed, single, divorced or married travelling on their own, can come and enjoy stunning walks, at their own pace, in a safe, comfortable environment, and take the time to get to know this beautiful part of Andalucía, its culture, its people and its history, not to mention its gastronomy.

Our main focus on the walking holidays is on relaxing. So many women lead stressful, hectic lives that holidays should be relaxing and reenergizing - this is our philosophy! Therefore we offer different levels of walking to suit our guests’ needs. No backpacking - airport transfers and all transport included and accommodation in a lovely charming hotel with swimming pool. No starting walking at the crack of dawn – instead have a swim in the sun before enjoying a lovely breakfast and then get ready without rushing. No rush either while walking - walk at your own pace and take the time to enjoy the varied scenery and chat. Lunches mainly taken in typical local restaurants in white villages we walk to - added comfort and a great opportunity to enjoy delicious Andalucian tapas/meals and talk with the locals. We also have on offer numerous well being therapies for total relaxation after walking, provided if requested in the comfort of your hotel room.

Due to the success of the women only walking holidays, we have now added mixed group walking holidays but our main focus is still on women only holidays. Our guests have been exactly the women I had in mind when designing these holidays the only surprise being having a high number of married women wanting to come and walk in a women only group being able to walk at their own rhythm and not having to keep up with their husbands' faster pace!

Our next available women only walking holiday is 25th April - 1st May 2011. For more information, click on our Spain walking holiday package.