8 Days & 7 Nights

4.4

Trails of Las Alpujarras

Walk between the villages of Las Alpujarras, on the slopes of the Sierra Nevada
Wake up to wonderful mountain views from rural hotels in idyllic locations
Sample delicious local food—dried hams and dishes with an explosion of spices
Discover Trevelez, the highest village in Spain, at the foot of the mighty Mulhacen
Explore Poqueira Gorge and the charming white villages of Bubion and Pampaneira

Walk between ancient white villages in the Alpujarras, which cling to the southern slopes of the snow-dusted Sierra Nevada mountains of Spain’s Andalucia. From Capileira, principal town of the Alpujarras, walk through bucolic farmland, olive groves and tiny Berber-style villages, former strongholds of the Spanish Moors. Breathe in the fresh mountain air and discover the second highest village in Spain, Trevelez, below the mighty peak of Mulhacén. As you walk, pause for a rest, and enjoy a picnic of delicious local specialities, including the famous ’jamon serrano’. Stay overnight in small rural hotels in idyllic spots surrounded by lofty mountains, and enjoy a warm welcome and truly authentic experience of rural Spain.

From £630.00

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Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrive in Capileira

After flying into Granada, in the heart of Andalucia, take a bus to the mountain village of Capileira (2h30).

Set dramatically above the Poqueira Gorge, and backed by the Sierra Nevada range, Capileira is the epitome of a charming mountain village. After visiting the handicraft shops selling their fine leather goods, enjoy a delicious meal in one of the many restaurants lining the twisty, narrow streets.

Overnight Capileira

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Finca Los Llanos | Hotel

Finca Los Llanos is a Rural Hotel located in the village of Capileira, 1436 meters above sea level, one of the highest villages of the Iberian Peninsula. The Poqueira River descends through the gorge taking to the sea the water of the melted snow of Sierra Nevada Natural and National Park, passing through ancient villages that hang on the slopes of the mountain, as if they were sliding down the Poqueira Gorge. The hotel has become one of the favorite spots in the Poqueira Gorge, to rest, relax and enjoy the nature.

Hotel Real de Poqueira | Hotel

This charming hotel located opposite the church has been converted from an historic house and renovated to 3 star rating, keeping some of the original details in its renovation. Tiled floors and stonewalls combine a rustic style with a minimalist touch. The rooms are elegant and comfortable. The hotel has free Wi-Fi in all of the rooms and a games room supplied with board games, newspapers and television. Summertime visitors can enjoy our swimming pool, solarium and summer terrace. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, heating, phone, satellite Tv, desk, private bathroom with hairdryer and toiletries, and an outdoor balcony.

Day 2 Poqueira Gorge Loop Walk 5.8 miles / 9.3 km

Starting and finishing in Capileira, a lovely loop takes you around the Poqueira Gorge, stopping off at the sleepy white villages of Bubion and Pampaneira, once a refuge to the last remaining Moorish settlements, after the city of Granada fell to the Christians in 1492.

Enjoy great views of the high peaks ahead and the Alpujarras laid out below, as you walk through a lush valley filled with almond terraces and grazing cattle. You will pass by many of the acequias (water channels which feed the valley). Pampaneira is the perfect place to stop for refuelling, with its colourful shops and cafes serving local specialities such as Plato Alpujarreno (fried eggs, Spanish sausages and potatoes).

After boosting your energy, continue up the other side of the gorge, ascending steeply back to Capileira, and enjoying more incredible views on the way

Ascent: +718m / Descent: -723m

Overnight Capileira

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Finca Los Llanos | Hotel

Hotel Real de Poqueira | Hotel

Day 3 Walk to Ferreirola 6.5 miles / 11.1 km

Leave Capileira, and continue along winding paths through ancient oak forests, pine plantations and terraced fields to the area known as Taha de Pitres, an ancient network of irrigation channels set up during Moorish times.

Finish in the tiny village of Ferreirola, deep in the heart of a beautiful green valley, and with no passing traffic. A truly idyllic spot to spend the next couple of nights!

Ascent/Descent: 492m/924m

Overnight Ferreirola

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Sierra y Mar | Hotel

The Bed & Breakfast "Sierra y Mar" is situated at the top of the village Ferreirola with a wonderful view over the flat roofs of the village and the surrounding mountains of the Alpujarra. Entering the house through the blue door is like walking into a small village as the house is actually several houses joined together by gardens and terraces. The rooms are furnished rusticly with Alpujarran bed clothes. They all have modern bathrooms and central heating. In the hotel there is a large living-room with a fireplace, a library and a kitchen for the use of the clients. WiFi available

Hotel de Mecina Fondales | Hotel

Feel, savor, rest and have fun at the Mecina Fondales Hotel. A hotel that respects the architecture and the traditional atmosphere that corresponds to the Alpujarra enclave, becoming the best interpreter of this privileged enclave located in the region of La Alpujarra. The Hotel Mecina Fondales is located just 2 kilometers from the Truchero de Trévelez River, with clean and crystal clear perpetual waters.

Day 4 Taha Valley Loop Walk 9.5 miles / 15.5 km

The Taha Valley is home to a series of seven small villages and a beautiful loop walk takes you to some of the most picturesque. Enjoy breathing in the fresh mountain air, as you walk on ancient mule tracks along the Rio Trevelez valley, follow gently ascending forest tracks to the village of Busquistar, and then loop back round to explore Portugos, Pitres and Atalbeitar.

Ascent: +820m / Descent: -820m

Overnight Ferreirola

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Sierra y Mar | Hotel

Hotel de Mecina Fondales | Hotel

Day 5 Walk to Trevelez 10.1 miles / 16.3 km

Prepare for a steep climb today, but one filled with rewards, as you leave Ferreirola and ascend along the Trevelez river valley, stopping every so often to catch your breath and admire sweeping views of the snow-dusted Sierra Nevada.

On arriving in Trevelez, the highest village in Spain, sit back, relax, and take in the wonderful views. Perhaps you may like to sample some of the delicious dried ham, jamon serrano, Trevelez is known for, accompanied by a glass of wine, as you sit on the terrace of your charming mountain hotel.

Ascent/Descent: 1128m/595m

Overnight Trevélez

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel La Fragua II | Hotel

Hotel La fragua II opened its doors in 2001 and was built and decorated thinking on the mountain and alpine environment giving each of the rooms a rural style proper of the rural area it is placed. Built respecting the local tradition, Hotel La Fragua II sits perfectly with its natural setting. You can also enjoy fabulous views over the mountains of Sierra Nevada. Our delightful rooms offer an ambience of warmth, sophistication and unique feeling, seeming to be in the purest nature.

Hotel La Fragua I | Hotel

Hotel La fragua I was built in the 80’s in order to be the first mountain hotel in Trevélez. It was thought for mountain lovers, trekkers and, people who come to enjoy the nature. Hotel La Fragua I offers fourteen rooms. They have been decorated thinking on the mountain and alpine environment, and giving each of the rooms a rural style proper of the rural area it is placed. Built respecting the local tradition, Hotel La Fragua I sits perfectly with its natural setting.

Hotel Rural Pepe Álvarez | Hotel

The Pepe Álvarez Hotel Restaurant offers rooms equipped with a wide variety of services, as well as a restaurant, where you can taste a wide variety of dishes cooked to order. traditional way. All rooms are equipped with underfloor heating , television , full private bathroom , desk and Internet via Wifi .

Day 6 Choice of walks from Trevelez 7.5 miles / 12 km

Enjoy great mountain views as you take a route alongside the Trevelez river high above the village, which flows all year due to snow-melt from the Sierra Nevada.

Walk though terraced farmland and perhaps pass by some grazing cows, before returning to the village for some well-earned refreshments. In the evening enjoy dinner at your hotel, perhaps sampling some of the local fresh trucha (trout).

There is also an optional more challenging walk available today to the Siete Lagunas. This challenging walk climbs much higher into the mountains than you’ve been so far, as you ascend towards the Siete Lagunas valley. Shortly after leaving Trevelez you will pop above the tree-line which ensures unobstructed views, both to the craggy and formidable peaks above and to the luscious and verdant valley below. This is a serious hike and previous mountain experience is strongly advisable. Please check the weather forecast before leaving; unfortunately we cannot recommend this trip if storm, heavy rain or low visibility is expected and we would not recommend it for solo walkers. In such circumstances, seize the opportunity to explore the beautiful village of Trevelez!

Ascent/Descent: 331m/318m

Optional Siete Lagunas Walk: 16.8km, Ascent/Descent: 1388m

Overnight Trevélez

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel La Fragua II | Hotel

Hotel La Fragua I | Hotel

Hotel Rural Pepe Álvarez | Hotel

Day 7 Walk to Berchules 9.5 miles / 15 km

Another spectacular day of walking from one charming mountain village to another. Set off through shady woodlands, following narrow footpaths to high elevations. Your efforts are rewarded with panoramic views over the mountains, and if the weather is clear, you can even see to Africa.

Sitting at 1350m, Berchules is a lovely little village spend the night, where you can wander the sleepy narrow streets and enjoy the views.

Ascent: +675m / Descent: -840m

Overnight Bérchules

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Los Berchules | Hotel

The hotel is run by a family team with extensive knowledge of Southern Spain and many years experience in catering. The perfect time to chill-out and be treated with special, personal attention. You will enjoy the relaxed atmosphere created by the friendliness of staff and guests. They serve traditional home-cooked meals and cater for all dietary requirements. Found on the outskirts of the village of Bérchules, at an altitude of 1320 m., the hotel is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery and is the ideal location to explore the Alpujarras.

Day 8 Onward Travel

THIS TRIP'S CARBON SCORE

This trip has a carbon score of 13kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 13kg is equivalent to 3 full English breakfasts. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information on how we've carbon counted our trips.

Reviews

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Other Information

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Is it for me?

Perfect if you are looking to explore an untouched part of rural Spain brimming with Moorish history and rewarding walking trails. The walking is graded as moderate-strenuous, through rugged mountainous terrain and daily walks are between 10 and 17km with ascents of between 415m and 935m on a mixture of unsurfaced tracks, footpaths and animal trails. Overnight stays are in small rural hotels in great locations in the heart of beautiful valleys and surrounded by mountains, who offer a genuine, warm welcome to walkers.

Trip Type:

Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!

Activity:

Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&Bs, inns, and guesthouses.

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Long-Distance Trails, National Parks, Off the Beaten Track

The minimum age for this tour is: 16 Years

Grade & Terrain

This walking tour is graded moderate to strenuous overall. Walks are through rough mountain terrain and you will be walking for between 3-8 hours on a mixture of unsurfaced tracks, footpaths and animal trails with the occasional section on surfaced tracks or small tarmac roads. Some of the terrain is quite rocky and you may encounter some loose rocks or muddy/slippery sections in wet weather. Ascents are between 330 and 1130m with descents of up to 930m. During the summer months of May and September the walking may become more difficult due to the higher temperatures at that time of year and we recommend setting off early on those days.

Accommodation & Meals Navigation What's Included

Included

7 Nights in small rural hotels
7 Breakfasts
4 Dinners in Capileira (First night), Trevelez and Berchules
Luggage transfers as per itinerary
Detailed route notes, maps and pre-departure information pack
GPX tracks and access to our smartphone app
24/7 Emergency telephone support

Excluded

Travel insurance (required)
Travel to Capileira/from Berchules
Lunches, snacks and drinks
Dinners in Ferreirola and 2nd night in Capilieira
Personal equipment

Extras

Additional nights before, during or after the tour

When to go Travel & Transfers Info & FAQ

General Information

The reviews for this tour up until December 2019, are based on a previous itinerary. As of December 2019, minor changes and improvements have been made including getting the routes all checked and route notes re-written as well as some of the accommodations having been upgraded.

This tour is available to start on any day of the week from March through to June, and then from September to November. The temperatures during these months should be very pleasant. We do not offer the tour in July and August due to high temperatures at this time of year.

The distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.

Equipment

Your detailed information pack will be sent to you after you book. This has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, waterproof clothes and a day pack.