SloWays • Andalusia: las Alpujarras and Sierra Nevada |

On the south-western slopes of the Sierra Nevada, a mountainous area called the Alpujarras still recalls its Moorish origins.

The charm of this Arabic legacy remains, here at the perfect elevation for a true alpine experience.

At the foot of the Sierra Nevada, all sorts of Mediterranean crops thrive: olive orchards, orange and lemon groves, almonds, figs and grapes, against a backdrop of snowy peaks.

Dramatic views from enchanting white-washed villages, where terraced fields and authentic irrigation channels survive, remnants of an era gone by.

Route

Day 1: Arrival in Capileira

Day 2: Through Río Poqueira Valley, 7 km/9 km

Day 3: From Capileira to Mecina Fondales, 8 km

Day 4: Circular walks from Mecina, 12 km

Day 5: From Mecina to Trevélez, 18 km/12 km

Day 6: Choice of walks from Trevélez, 14 km/17 km/18 km

Day 7: Ascent to El Portichuelo, 16 km

Day 8: Goodbye Alpujarras / or Acequia walk in Río Grande Valley, 9,5 km

Day 1: Arrival in Capileira

Arrival in Capileira, situated at an elevation of 1436m. This, the main village of the Alpujarras, still displays its charming 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.

Day 2: Through Río Poqueira Valley, 7 km/9 km

Circular walk in the Río Poqueira Valley, from Capileira via Bubion to Pampaneira, passing ancient threshing circles as you walk among fields. Some steep ascents and descents.

Distance: 7 or 9 Km

Ascent/Descent: +560/-560 m

Day 3: From Capileira to Mecina Fondales, 8 km

Today you Follow old paths that connect the Poqueira valley with the small villages of the lower Alpujarras. Walking from one white-washed village to the next enjoying the varied scenery. 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.

Distance: 8 Km

Ascent/Descent: +200/-520 m

Day 4: Circular walks from Mecina, 12 km

South of Mecina, the Trevélez River has carved a deep gorge in the landscape, which you will cross twice today if you opt for the long circular walk. First you descend 200 m to a medieval bridge spanning the gorge, then climb 400 m up to a wooded plateau where the remote cortijo de Panjulia is located. Then you descend via an old main footpath (the so-called escarihuelas) back into the gorge and walk back to the hotel via the village of Ferreirola.

Distance: 12 Km

Ascent/Descent: +850/-850 m

Day 5: From Mecina to Trevélez, 18 km/12 km

3 walks to choose from, including a spectacular longer walk high into the Sierra Nevada, a circular route in the beautiful area around Trevélez and a shorter walk along the Camino de Granada.

Distance: 18 or 12 Km

Ascent/Descent: +1200/-580 m

Day 6: Choice of walks from Trevélez, 14 km/17 km/18 km

A pleasant route through a shady wood along narrow paths. The last section with sweeping views. In clear weather, the African continent is visible from the highest point, El Portichuelo.

Distance: 14, 17 or 18 Km

Ascent/Descent: +1400/-1400 m

Day 7: Ascent to El Portichuelo, 16 km

Optional walk today in the Río Grande Valley north of Bérchules, following an irrigation channel or "acequia" past the ruins of a 13th century Moorish silk-washing house. This afternoon you catch an afternoon bus to Granada.

Distance: 16 Km

Ascent/Descent: +620/-880 m

Day 8: Goodbye Alpujarras / or Acequia walk in Río Grande Valley, 9,5 km

Last day is included. Service ends after breakfast.

accommodation

6 nights in hotel on a half-board basis

Hotel Poqueira - Capileira

www.hotelespoqueira.com

Hotel de Mecina Fondales - Mecina Fondales

http://hoteldemecina.com/

La Fragua - Trevèlez

hotellafragua.com

Hotel Los Berchules - Berchules

www.hotelberchules.com

practical info

Flying to Málaga airport (AGP)

Direct bus from Málaga Airport(AGP) to Granada: There are a few direct bus services from Málaga Airport to Granada. Check timetables at www.alsa.es.

Málaga airport – Málaga (city centre) – Granada: You take a bus, train or taxi from Málaga airport to Málaga (city centre). From there,you get a bus to Granada. Travel time is 2hrs.

By bus from Granada to Capileira: ALSA offers 3 services a day. Travel time 2h30min.

Note: the bus station in Granada is located on the outskirts of town, so plan your travel time accordingly!

Flying to Granada airport (GRX)

Bus or taxi from Granada airport(GRX) to Granada (city centre).

By bus from Granada to Capileira.

If you are arriving in Granada late in the afternoon, you can take a bus to Orgiva and then get a taxi to Capileira. It’s also possible to book an extra night in Granada.

Check timetables at www.alsa.es (Regional Bus Services) before departure for Spain. Summer schedules are often not made available until late spring. You can book your tickets in advance on-line through the ALSA website or through your agent, S-cape Travel.

Departure from Bérchules

From Berchules, there are direct buses to Granada twice a day. The journey takes 3,5 hrs.

There is also a bus to Granada from Pitres, but you will first need a taxi to Pitres. Another option is to travel from Berchules to Cadiar and then take a bus to Granada.

If you’re flying out of Granada airport (GRX) you can use public transport to get from Granada city centre to the airport.

If you’re flying out of Málaga airport (AGP) there direct services from Granada to Málaga airport (also via Málaga city centre). Travel time is about 2h15.

GPS tracks are available on request.

Included

What is included

7 Nights in double room in **/*** hotels with breakfast
3 dinners
luggage transportation from hotel to hotel on day 3, 5 and 7
maps and detailed description of the itinerary
Pilgrim Passport
Medical and luggage travel insurance
24h phone assistance

What is not included

Transfers to the starting location and from the arriving location of the tour
lunches and dinners, if not otherwise stated
visits and entrance fees - tips
personal expense
possible sojourn taxes
everything that is not mentioned in the "What is included" section.

Optional Services

These services can be added to the ones included in the base price of the tour:

Single room supplement
cancellation insurance
Transfers to reach the starting location or to leave the arriving location of the tour, which will be quoted on request.

Is this trip for me?

This trip is made for you if you'd like to discover Andalusia's wilder side, among mountains, moorish villages and the Sierra Nevada peaks. We suggest that you choose it only if you have previous experience of hiking trips, as some of the hikes may result quite challenging for a beginner.

Alpujarras: Wild Andalusia

Alpujarras: Wild Andalusia - 8 days

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Alpujarras: Wild Andalusia

Alpujarras: Wild Andalusia - 8 days

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