Camino del Sol: 5-Day Walking Retreat from Málaga to Marbella

Camino del Sol is a five-day guided walking retreat along Spain's Costa del Sol, from Málaga to Marbella in Andalusia. It covers about 66 kilometres on foot, at a conversational pace, in a group of no more than ten. It suits adults who want a physical challenge with room for reflection and real conversation, and who are willing to prepare for it. Maverick Adventures, a UK-registered company, runs the retreat, and its founders, Aleksandar "Alex" Popovic and Nenad Popovic, lead every walk themselves.

The organizers describe it as an adult adventure retreat: not a military bootcamp and not a silent spiritual tour. Long days of walking are followed by pool time, cold beers and long dinners.

What to Expect

The first day is for arriving in Málaga. There is a welcome lunch by the marina, time to explore the old town, a hike up to a viewpoint over the city, and introductions to the people you will be walking with.

Walking begins on day two, with about 19 km of coastal paths and countryside from Málaga to Torremolinos. Day three is about 25 km through Benalmádena and Fuengirola to La Cala de Mijas, with coastal views and tapas stops. Day four is the longest, about 26 km into Marbella, and ends with celebratory tapas and drinks together. On day five there is a relaxed morning walk along the Marbella promenade, time for reflection, and goodbyes.

Each day you arrive somewhere new in the afternoon, cool off by the pool and have time to yourself to rest or explore. Stops for coffee, food and viewpoints break up the walking. Alex also offers optional stretching and recovery sessions.

About Alex and Nenad Popovic

Aleksandar "Alex" Popovic is a walking retreat leader and meditation teacher who co-founded Maverick Adventures with his brother Nenad. His work uses long-distance walking, structured reflection and physical challenge as tools for mental clarity, physical resilience and self-trust. He began working out at 15 and has travelled to more than 50 countries, mostly solo as a backpacker. The organizers also describe him as a fitness coach with over 15 years of experience.

Nenad Popovic, Alex's brother and co-founder, is described by the organizers as a mindset and resilience coach and an ultra athlete. Both brothers walk with the group the whole way, and the organizers say no one is left behind.

The Setting

The route follows the Mediterranean coast through Málaga, Torremolinos, Benalmádena, Fuengirola, La Cala de Mijas and Marbella. Four nights are spent in handpicked 4-star hotels along the way. Each has a swimming pool, and every guest has a private single room included. Some hotels have rooftop bars looking back along the route you have walked. Partners travelling together can ask about a shared-room arrangement.

Breakfasts are taken in local cafés. Beyond the welcome lunch and the celebration tapas and drinks in Marbella, other meals are your own.

Before You Go

You do not need to be an experienced hiker or an ultra-runner, but you do need to prepare. After booking, each walker receives a personalised preparation and training plan, along with guidance, route planning and check-ins from the founders in the weeks beforehand. The founders also speak with each person before confirming a place, to be sure the retreat is a good fit and that everyone is fit enough for the daily distances. The retreat is run in English.

Included are the four nights' accommodation, the fully planned 66 km route, the founders' company throughout, daily breakfasts, the welcome lunch and the celebration tapas and drinks. Flights, travel insurance, other meals and personal spending are not included.