8-day Alpujarras Walking Holiday

Arrival in the splendid city of Granada, small and surprisingly cosmopolitan – with an intriguing mix of ancient lanes and modern avenues. You can smell the spices and taste the dried frutis as you walk along the former Arab quarter in the city. Visit the incredible Alhambra and its beautiful gardens, palaces and fountains. Enjoy the warm and welcoming character of Andalusian people as you stop for a drink and a tapa at one of the lively terrraces. 

This morning a taxi will take you to the first town in the Alpujarras: Capileira. After settling at the comfortable hotel you have a nice route that will introduce you to the white-washed villages that are a trademark in the Alpujarras. Ancient thresing grounds, old cortijos and terraced olives groves accompany along the way. 

Challenge: 7 km / 4,5 mi, 3 - 3.5 hrs, 350 m ascent and descent.

The Poqueira valley, carved below the high peaks of Sierra Nevada, is a dramatic gorge that has three beautiful villages perched high on its eastern side. Today´s route follows ancient trails, passing historic bridges, water channels and terraced crop fields abandoned, not cultivated anymore. When you get to the towns, the winding streets, small churches and narrow lanes take you back in time to not so long ago.  Don´t miss the arts & crafts shops in Pampaneira; leather-makers, rug artisans or potters and even a small traditional chocolate factory-museum for some energy recovery!

Challenge: 9 km / 5,5 mi, 5.5 hrs, 560 m ascent and descent.

This walk leaves the Poqueira valley behind and offers a very varied scenery walking along old stony footpaths as you head East; from an old Mediterranean wood of holm oaks (the former native species) to a reforestated area planted with pine trees. The last section of the walk will introduce you to the Taha de Pitres. This area of small villages was included in a water council (Taha), created to regulate water usage in Moorish times. At the end of the day, enjoy a splash at the swimming pool of your accommodation at Mecina Fondales!

Challenge: 8 km / 5 mi, 3 hrs, 200 m ascent, 520 m descent.

After a short transfer your route starts in Busquístar. Splendid views on this long and rewarding, walk through the Trevélez valley. Holm oak forests, ravines, old cortijos and fields overlooking a great valley that lies beneath the shadow of the Mulhacén peak (3479 m), the highest summit in mainland Spain. Trevélez is your goal, a town with three neighbourhoods beautifully hanging in a staggered way on the eastern slopes of Mulhacen. It is also considered the best producer of jamón serrano of the Alpujarras, which will enable you to finish the day tasting a delicious tapa of local serrano ham before dipping into the swimming pool at the hotel!

Challenge: 12 km / 8 mi, 5.5 hrs, 1000 m ascent, 500 m descent. 

If you wish to start walking from the hotel, you will have 5.5 km / 3,5 mi, 200 m ascent, 80 m descent more, and around 7 hrs.

Trevélez has lots to offer so there are some walks to choose from today; a spectacular longer walk high into the Sierra Nevada, a circular route in the interesting area around Trevélez and a shorter walk along part of the Camino de Granada, the way that pilgrims followed when coming from the south and heading to Santiago de Compostela.

Challenge: 13 - 14 -18 km / 8 - 9 - 11 mi , 3.5 / 5.5 / 8 hrs, 285 / 500 / 1400 m ascent and descent.

You leave the Alpujarras (again private transfer is included)  and have a free day to explore Granada. You cannot miss the Alhambra, the Cathedral, the monasteries or the emblematic Albaizin neighbourhood, a perfect finish touch to a splendid hiking week in the Alpujarras!

Today, your arrangement ends after a great breakfast.