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3
moderate

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 7 nights in 2-3 star hotels and charming guesthouses
Meals
  • 3 Dinners
  • 7 Breakfasts

ON SALE

£760 GBP

8 Days£722GBP

Overview

Trip Code: UAT

Trip highlights


  • Exploring Moorish villages with steep, narrow lanes which cling to the mountainside
  • Walking in beautiful surroundings at high elevations with sweeping views
  • Discovering the fascinating remains of times gone by, including ancient acequias and Moorish threshing circles
  • Being surrounded by diverse Mediterranean vegetation with the snowy peaks of Sierra Nevada as a backdrop

From the intriguing city of Granada to the lofty heights of the Alpujarras, the focus is firmly on culture and mountain landscapes. Small and surprisingly cosmopolitan, Granada offers a bizarre mixture of ancient history and modern living. There will be time to visit the Alhambra, the spectacular Moorish monument which is a must-see. After two nights in the city, you will move up into the mountains, to the Alpujarras. This beautiful area still reflects its Moorish origins, recalling times when groups of Moors inhabited these hills resisting the Christian Reconquest. In this fascinating historical context, the Alpujarras' high elevation makes for an ideal alpine experience with the snowy peaks of Sierra Nevada, as a backdrop. All sorts of crops thrive in the Mediterranean climate: olive orchards, orange and lemon groves, almonds, figs and grapes. Amidst this abundance you will enjoy dramatic views from the enchanting white-washed villages as you walk among terraced fields and along the irrigation channels which survive from the Moorish era.

Countries:

Spain

Starting Point:

Granada

Finishing Point:

Granada


Make your own way to the splendid city of Granada and your hotel. Granada is a small and surprisingly cosmopolitan city with an intriguing mix of ancient lanes and modern avenues. You can spend the afternoon and evening exploring the city and sampling the tapas.

Meals:  Nil

Today you are free to explore the city of Granada. We recommend visiting the UNESCO listed Alhambra. This ancient Moorish palace and fortress is fascinating to explore. NOTE: Make sure to pre-book your Alhambra tickets as these do sell out.

Meals:  B

This morning, you will take the local bus to Capileira, the main village of the Alpujarras and situated at an elevation of 1436m. The first bus departs from Granada bus station at 10am, journey time is approx. 2.5 hours (not included, allow approx. EUR6 pp). You carry your luggage with you on the bus. Enchanting Capileira village displays its history as a former Moorish settlement: white-washed houses clinging to the hillside, tiny squares with fountains, and a mysterious network of steep, narrow lanes. This afternoon you have a choice of two walks (3 or 5.5 hours) through the Río Poqueira Valley. Walk through fields and past ancient threshing circles, and via the villages of Valle del Rio Poqueira, Bubion and Pampaneira. There are some steep ascents and descents, with marvellous views rewarding your effort. Overnight in Capileira with dinner at leisure. 3hrs - 6.9km/4.3mi, ascent and descent 350m/1148ft or 5.5hrs - 9.2km/5.75mi, ascent and descent 560m/1837ft

Meals:  B

Following old paths that connected the Poqueira valley with the small villages of the lower Alpujarras, you'll walk from one white-washed village to the next, enjoying the varied scenery. The landscape changes gradually from an ancient Mediterranean holm oak forest, then pine tree plantations and finally irrigated fields approaching the "Taha" de Pitres; an ancient water council centre which dates back to Moorish times. Overnight in Mencina-Fondales. Own dinner arrangements. 7.9km/4.9mi, ascent 200m/656ft, descent 520m/1706ft

Meals:  B

Today's route takes you through the Trevélez River Valley and past villages including Ferreirola and Atalbéitar. It's a long but scenic route, not too difficult and quite entertaining. You will follow a long distance path to the highest village in the Alpujarras (at 1486m) and home of the delicious serrano ham - enjoy tasting it as you relax after a nice day's walk! 17.8km/11.2mi, ascent 1050m/3445ft, descent 530m/1739ft Option to shorten with a transfer (with the luggage transfer service) to Pórtugos (4.6km and 300m ascent less) or Busquístar (2km and 120m descent less).

Meals:  B,D

Choose from 3 walking routes: a spectacular longer walk high into the Sierra Nevada; a circular route enjoying the beautiful area around Trevélez; or a shorter walk along the historic Camino de Granada. Pass tiny villages of the Sierra Nevada en route. 5.5hours - 14km/8.7mi, ascent/descent 500m/1640ft or 3.5-6hrs - 12-17km/7-5-10.5mi, ascent/descent 285-550m/935-1805ft or max 8hrs - 18km/11.2mi, ascent/descent 1400m/4593ft

Meals:  B,D

A pleasant route today will take you through shady woodlands along narrow paths to higher elevations which offer sweeping views of your surroundings. In clear weather you can see Africa from El Portichuelo, the highest point on this route. Overnight in Berchules. 15.6km/9.75mi, ascent 620m/2034ft, descent 880m/2887ft

Meals:  B,D

Your trip concludes today. To return to Granada you either take the morning bus (departs Berchules at 5:45am), or there is an optional walk (3hrs) through the Rio Grande Valley north of Berchules, where you follow an acequia (irrigation channel) and pass the ruins of a 13th century Moorish silk-washing house. If you choose to do the walk, you take the afternoon bus (departs 5:00pm) to Granada. (Bus times are subject to change). The bus takes approx. 4hrs (not included, allow EUR10 pp) and you take your luggage with you on the bus. Private transfers can be arranged and we can assist with booking accommodation in Granada, on request. Optional walk 9.5km/5.9mi, ascent/descent 170m/558ft

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.


Inclusions

  • 7 breakfasts, 3 dinners
  • 7 nights accommodation in 2-3 star hotels and charming guesthouses on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
  • Digital information pack including smartphone app with maps and routebook, GPS Tracks
  • Luggage transfers on days 4, 5 and 7, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess (you will need to take your luggage with you on the bus from Granada to Capileira on day 3, and from Berchules to Granada on day 8)
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to and from Granada
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Guide – this is a self-guided walking holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Entrance fees not listed as included
  • Local transport including from Granada to Capileira and from Berchules to Granada
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • Excess Luggage
  • Hotel taxes if applicable – payable directly to the hotel
  • Items of a personal nature

Accommodation


Suitability

moderate

3

MODERATE – GRADE 3 This is a self guided walk with average daily stages of 2.5 to 7 hours. The trip is graded moderate as it is mainly on wide unsurfaced tracks, footpaths or animal trails, with the occasional section on surfaced tracks or tarmac roads. Although sometimes the ascents are several kilometres long, they are gradual and technically easy. The use of walking sticks is recommended. A reasonable level of fitness is required. As with all of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, and jogging, two to three times a week for three months prior to your departure.


Departure dates

Daily from 15 Mar to 22 Dec (except 25 Jun to 31 Aug)

Notes

H
High Season
Note:
2025 High season: 15 Mar - 31 Oct & 27 Nov - 8 Dec. Supplement applies. 2024 High season: 15 Mar - 31 Oct & 2 Dec. Supplement applies.
Note:
The local buses on day 3 and 8 are not included - allow approx EUR16 pp.
Note:
Recommended for experienced solo walkers only
Note:
The trip does not operate from 25 Jun to 31 Aug due to the heat and hotel closures.

Priceper person from

£722GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Single supplementGBP£260
  • Solo traveller supplement (experienced walkers only)GBP£330
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

Great Value & Quality

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

Self-Guided Specialists

We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.

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