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Walking in Las Alpujarras in 11 days

11 Days
64 miles | 103 Km
Granada - Mairena
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11 Days
64 miles | 103 Km
Granada - Mairena
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Walking in Las Alpujarras in 11 days

11 Days
64 miles | 103 Km
Granada - Mairena
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Explore and tour around Granada and Las Alpujarras, two majestic places in the Spanish region of Andalusia. Discover Granada, a city surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada, crowded with ancient corridors, Moroccan mosaics and home to the Alhambra Palace.  Explore the mountains and enjoy a relaxed rural life in Las Alpujarras. Follow the trails through olive groves and small Berber-style villages, ancient fortresses of the Spanish Moors.  Taste some of the local specialties such as Serrano Ham and the Plato Alpujarreno, walk to the highest village in Spain, Trevelez and stay in Mairena, described as the 'Balcony of Las Alpujarras'. Be amazed by wonderful panoramas of these charming valleys in eastern Andalusia.   
  • Enjoy an Andalusian adventure, explore Granada and cross Las Alpujarras on foot
  • Discover the Alhambra Palace, with its Moroccan mosaics and gardens decorated with fountains
  • Delight in delicious local food: dried hams and dishes with an explosion of spices
  • Walk to Trevelez, The highest village in Spain, at the foot of the majestic Mulhacen Peak
  • Stay in charming country hotels located in idyllic locations surrounded by mountains

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Granada
Reach the splendid Granada, in the heart of Andalusia, an intriguing city that mixes ancient alleys, with a rich Moroccan heritage, and modern avenues. Stroll around the city and explore the distinctive Andalusian atmosphere before enjoying dinner in one of its fantastic restaurants.

Overnight in Granada

El Ladron de Agua Hotel

An old three-storey stately house is located in the heart of historic Albaicin, at the foot of the renowned Alhambra. Its name was taken from the collection of poems 'Forgotten Memories of Granada' by the famous Spanish poet Juan Ramon Jimenez.  

Each of the rooms is themed on literature and is named with one of the poems of the aforementioned book, which is reflected in the Spanish art and decoration of each room. Through the excellent customer service of their charming staff, you will always feel at home.
Day 2 - Enjoy your day in Granada
Today is the perfect day to discover Granada at your own pace. You can start by visiting the magnificent Alhambra Palace, adorned with Moroccan mosaics. Nearby you will find the Generalife, a set of beautiful gardens mixed with Moorish art. 

Please note that entrance fees to the Alhambra and the Generalife gardens are not included. We recommend booking in advance to ensure a pleasant experience.

Before dinner, you will have an included transfer from Granada to Capileira, the epitome of a charming mountain village perched above the Poqueira ravine and backed by the Sierra Nevada mountain range.

Overnight in Capileira

Finca Los Llanos

This country hotel is located in Capileira, one of the highest villages in the Iberian Peninsula at 1,436 metres above sea level. The River Poqueira descends carrying thawed water through the canyon in the Nature Park and Sierra Nevada National Park to the sea, crossing the old villages that are located on the mountain slopes.

The hotel has become one of the favourite places to rest, relax and enjoy nature in the Poqueira Canyon.
Day 3 - Enjoy your day in the Poqueira Canyon 5,7 miles | 9,3 km
A charming tour will take you around the Poqueira Canyon. Stop in the villages of Bubion and Pampaneira, once refuges from the last Arab settlements, before the city of Granada was Christianized in 1492. 

Enjoy the incredible views of the peaks and the Alpujarras as you walk through a lush valley filled with terraced almond groves and grazing cattle.

You will tour several ditches (water channels that feed the valley) before reaching Pampaneira, the perfect place to recharge your batteries with its colourful shops and cafes that serve local specialties such as the “Plato alpujarreno”: fried eggs, Spanish sausages and potatoes.

Ascent: 572m (1,877ft) / Descent: 572m (1,877ft)

Overnight in Capileira

Finca Los Llanos

This country hotel is located in Capileira, one of the highest villages in the Iberian Peninsula at 1,436 metres above sea level. The River Poqueira descends carrying thawed water through the canyon in the Nature Park and Sierra Nevada National Park to the sea, crossing the old villages that are located on the mountain slopes.

The hotel has become one of the favourite places to rest, relax and enjoy nature in the Poqueira Canyon.
Day 4 - Capileira to Ferreirola 6,8 miles | 11,1 km
Say goodbye to Capileira and explore trails, ancient oak forests and pine plantations to the Taha de Pitres area, an ancient network of irrigation canals established during the Arab era. 

Reach the small village of Ferreirola, in the heart of a beautiful green valley without any traffic. A great place to enjoy your next two nights!

Ascent: 398m (1,306t) / Descent: 860m (2,644ft)

Overnight in Ferreirola

Sierra y Mar

Sierra y Mar is located on top of the village of Ferreirola and has a wonderful view over the flat roofs of the village and the surrounding mountains of La Alpujarra. As you enter the house through its blue door, you will feel as if you're entering a small village, as there are actually several houses that join each other through gardens and terraces.

The rooms are decorated in a rustic style with typical Alpujarrena bedding. All rooms have modern bathrooms and central heating. You can enjoy the spacious living room with a fireplace, as well as its library and a kitchen for guests to use. Wi-Fi access is available.
Day 5 - Enjoy your day in the Taha Valley 9,5 miles | 15,4 km
The Taha Valley is home to a series of seven small villages. A beautiful circular route will take you to some of the most picturesque spots. 

You will inhale and exhale the fresh mountain air as you cross old mule trails along the Trevelez river valley. On this route you will visit the villages of Atalbeitar, Busquistar, Portugos and Pitres before returning to Ferreirola.

Ascent: 872m (2,861ft) / Descent: 872m (2,861ft)

Overnight in Ferreirola

Sierra y Mar

Sierra y Mar is located on top of the village of Ferreirola and has a wonderful view over the flat roofs of the village and the surrounding mountains of La Alpujarra. As you enter the house through its blue door, you will feel as if you're entering a small village, as there are actually several houses that join each other through gardens and terraces.

The rooms are decorated in a rustic style with typical Alpujarrena bedding. All rooms have modern bathrooms and central heating. You can enjoy the spacious living room with a fireplace, as well as its library and a kitchen for guests to use. Wi-Fi access is available.
Day 6 - Ferreirola to Trevelez 10,1 miles | 16,3 km
As you leave Ferreirola, go up the Trevelez river valley, stopping every now and then to catch your breath and admire the wonderful panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada.

When you reach Trevelez, the highest village in Spain, sit back, relax and enjoy the majestic views here too. Trevelez is known for producing one of the most delicious dry-cured hams, the Serrano ham.You can try it accompanied by a glass of wine.

Ascent: 960m (3,150ft) / Descent: 402m (1,319ft)

Overnight in Trevelez

Hotel La Fragua II

The Hotel La Fragua II opened its doors in 2001, and was built respecting local tradition and decorated with a mountain and and alpine atmosphere in mind, giving each of the rooms a rural style, typical of the area. Here you can also enjoy the fabulous views over the Sierra Nevada mountains. 

The hotel's pleasant rooms offer a warm atmosphere, sophistication and unique feelings, which resemble being in the purest form of nature.
Day 7 - Enjoy your day in the surroundings of Trevelez 7,4 miles | 12 km
This out-and-back walk will offer you excellent mountain views as you walk, high above the village, along a route beside the Trevelez River, which flows all year round because of the melting snow of the Sierra Nevada. 

You will advance beyond the river to meet the steep walls of the valley, which enclose the space, creating the sensation that there is no way out.

Ascent: 402m (1,319ft) / Descent: 402m (1,319ft)

Overnight in Trevelez

Hotel La Fragua II

The Hotel La Fragua II opened its doors in 2001, and was built respecting local tradition and decorated with a mountain and and alpine atmosphere in mind, giving each of the rooms a rural style, typical of the area. Here you can also enjoy the fabulous views over the Sierra Nevada mountains. 

The hotel's pleasant rooms offer a warm atmosphere, sophistication and unique feelings, which resemble being in the purest form of nature.
Day 8 - Trevelez to Berchules 10,2 miles | 16,5 km
Another spectacular day of hiking from one charming mountain village to another. Go through shady forests, following narrow paths to elevated areas. Panoramic views of the mountains will reward your efforts and, if the weather is clear, you can even see the African continent.

Arrive at Berchules, a charming little village at 1,350 metres above sea level, where you can stroll through its narrow streets while enjoying the scenery.

Ascent: 658m (2,159ft) / Descent: 882m (2,894ft)

Overnight in Berchules

Los Berchules

This hotel, located on the outskirts of Berchules at an altitude of 1,320 metres, is run by a family with extensive knowledge in southern Spain and in catering services. It is ideal to relax and be cared for with special and personalized attention thanks to its friendly staff. 

You will enjoy homely and traditional food specific to all the diets that guests may require. Enjoy the atmosphere surrounded by incredible mountain scenery and ideal for exploring Las Alpujarras.
Day 9 - Berchules to Mairena 7,0 miles | 11,3 km
You will start the day with an included transfer from Berchules to Yegen, known for being the home of Gerald Brenan, a British writer, author of the novel 'South of Granada'. You will walk through the natural springs of Cuesta Viña and then head towards the village of Válor.

You can enjoy a lunch of goat cheese and delicious figs, before continuing uphill through the beautiful forests towards the small village of Nechite

Finally, you will travel along the old "Camino Real" to Mairena, at the eastern end of the Alpujarras. Known as the "Balcony of the Alpujarras" because it sits high up on the southern edge of the Sierra Nevada, staying in this small village is like travelling back in time, where mules and donkeys outnumber cars!

Ascent: 454m (1,490ft) / Descent: 425m (1,394ft)

Overnight in Mairena

Casa Las Chimeneas

The beautiful Casa Las Chimeneas is a collection of houses offering wonderful views over the mountains, and a lovely restaurant that serves delicious local specialties made with products from its own farm. Enjoy a warm welcome from its owners, David and Emma.  
Day 10 - Enjoy your day in Mairena 6,7 miles | 10,9 km
On your last day, enjoy a walk through the Laroles Valley following the ancient Caminos de los Castañas (Chestnut routes). You will visit the ancient church of Jubar, one of the oldest preserved churches in the Alpujarras, and the village of Laroles, before crossing the river and heading back to Mairena.

Ascent: 418m (1,372ft) / Descent: 420m (1,378ft)

Overnight in Mairena

Casa Las Chimeneas

The beautiful Casa Las Chimeneas is a collection of houses offering wonderful views over the mountains, and a lovely restaurant that serves delicious local specialties made with products from its own farm. Enjoy a warm welcome from its owners, David and Emma.
Day 11 - Mairena
Check-out from the hotel after breakfast. A transfer (included) will take you from Mairena to Almeria or Granada airports (approximately 1h 30m).

End of our services.

Itinerary Map

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    Services

    Included

    • Accommodation in en suite rooms in charming hotels
    • Daily Breakfasts
    • Evening meals on days 2, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10
    • Luggage transfers between accommodations
    • Transfers as specified in the itinerary
    • Information dossier with maps and routes
    • 24-hour telephone support
    • Sustainable travel, we compensate the CO2 emissions of your trip
    • Taxes

    Extras

    2616

    Travel & Transfers

    Granada airport has international flights from London, as well as connections via other Spanish cities such as Madrid and Barcelona. Granada is connected by rail to many other major Spanish cities such as Almeria, Cordoba, Ronda, Seville and Madrid

    At the end of your tour in Mairena, you will have a transfer included to Almeria or Granada airport.

    FAQs

    Is luggage transfer included? What are the luggage requirements?
    Absolutely! Each traveller has included 1 piece of luggage that we will transfer between your accommodations. It's important that this piece of luggage meets the following criterias:
    • Maximum weight of 45 lbs (20 kg).
    • Must be only 1 piece of luggage without any attachments or accessories.
    • Should not contain valuables, fragile items, food or medications.
    • Must be correctly identified (booking reference of your trip and the full name of the trip holder).
    The approximate luggage delivery time will be at 4:00 PM.
    How far in advance should I book my trip?
    We suggest you make the reservation as soon as possible, as soon as you have decided your travel dates, as this region is an extremely popular destination and accommodation is booked quite quickly. However, we will always try to accommodate your plans.
    What should my physical preparation be?
    This route has a moderate to strenuous level of difficulty. The itineraries are between 3 to 8 hours on unpaved roads and animal trails with some asphalted roads. Some terrains are rocky and you may encounter loose stones or slippery sections in wet weather. The ascents are between 415 and 930 m with descents of up to 870 m.  During the summer, in the months of June to September, walking can be more difficult due to high temperatures so we recommend leaving early during these days.
    What if I can't complete a route?
    We will send you the information dossier after your reservation. This has a detailed list of equipment that includes standard walking clothing such as good walking shoes or boots, waterproof clothing and a light backpack.
    What is the best time of year to travel on this route?
    You can start this tour any day of the week, subject to availability, between March and June, and then from September to November. We do not offer this tour in July and August because they are very warm months that do not allow you to enjoy the walks.
    Is it suitable for lone walkers?
    This holiday is available to solo walkers, but we recommend that you should be experienced, and familiar with navigational instruments, having walked before in rough and mountainous terrain and comfortable with steep ascents/descents and some slopes.

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