Slow down and allow yourself to be embraced by the rural tranquillity of “Old Spain”. The tiny village of Mairena is the perfect base to unwind and explore the secluded green valleys and tranquil villages of Las Alpujarras in Southern Spain. Perched on the edge of the Sierra Nevada in an oasis of green, Mairena seems caught in a time warp and boasts excellent walking and a host of other activities.
The spectacular views from Casa Rural Las Chimeneas, an 800 year old house, captivated David and Emma on their first visit. Since then they have poured their heart and soul into transforming Las Chimeneas into a very special place. Oozing simple solid comfort the house is sympathetically decorated and just the place to kick back, relax and enjoy great locally sourced food and drink for which the restaurant is so well known.
The terraced hillsides and sheltered valleys of Las Alpujarras are ideal for walking. Starting from the front door you can meander through olive groves, citrus plantations and explore Moorish villages where you are more likely to meet a donkey than car. Steep terraced hillsides sweep down to the distant Mediterranean and the area is well known for its prolific birdlife.
We supply a detailed information pack which includes a number of tempting walks to suit all abilities so each day you can choose to explore independently at your own pace. For a break from walking, cooking classes, cheese making, or visiting local wineries and furniture makers are just a few of the many activities available locally. The historic City of Granada, and the Alhambra, is just one of a number of possible day trips.
Each day you can choose from a menu of activities including walking, mountain biking, sightseeing, soap making, olive crushing or just simply relaxing.
Las Alpujarras is a region of mountain villages which cling to the southern flanks of the Sierra Nevada, Spain’s highest mountains. Deep sheltered valleys are lined with terraces and fed by melt water. Making this an oasis of green above the barren plain which stretches to the distant Mediterranean.
A network of dirt tracks, ancient footpaths and quiet roads link the mountain villages. Walking these quiet trails through wild flower meadows, olive groves and citrus orchards is a delight.
You can choose from a selection of over fifteen suggested self guided walks each day. These range from easy strolls of a couple of hours to energetic all day adventures. Detailed route notes and maps are provided and most of the routes are well way marked. As keen walkers David and Emma are always on hand to offer advice and suggestions.
For the more adventurous guided walks in the high Sierra Nevada can also be arranged.
Although the walking is great there is so much more on offer at Las Chimeneas. Something families and non walkers will particularly appreciate.
Local Cooking Classes - Learn to make local Spanish dishes such as tortilla, patatas a la pobre or paella.
Cheese & Soap Making - learn to make cheese and soap the traditional way. First visit the goats to get the raw materials and then back to Las Chimeneas for a hands-on demonstration.
Mountain Biking - enjoy a 15 km mountain bike descent on forest trails back to house from mountain pass of Puerto de la Ragua.
Horse Riding - enjoy a full day of riding and a picnic in the mountains.
Furniture Making - Enjoy Day in the workshop and learn about local crafts with tuition/guidance from the local English speaking furniture maker.
Painting- Indulge your artistic side painting among the olive and almond trees with an experienced local painter.
Activities for Kids - A range of activities are also available for families such as village treasure hunts, fruit and vegetable picking and watering at our organic farm, milking the goats and craft mornings.
A rental car is included in the cost of your holiday so that you have the freedom to explore the area.
Granada & The Alhambra - The Moorish Palace, Fortress and Gardens of The Alhambra in Granada shouldn’t be missed.
Cabo de Gata - Nijar National Park - Perfect half moon bays, captivating landscapes, ruined castles and prolific fauna and flora make this one of the last unspoilt stretches of Spain’s Mediterranean Coast.
Las Alpujarras Villages - After the fall of Granada in 1492 the Moors fled to this remote and inaccessible area. For 150 years they maintained their Muslim culture and the villages of Las Alpujarras has retained their Berber architecture or terraced grey white boxes shape houses with flat roofs. Spending a day exploring these quiet hamlets is a delight.
Las Chimeneas has become the place to stay for walkers in Las Alpujarra. Located on the outskirts of the tiny village of Mairena, Casa las Chimeneas is an extremely spacious house which has been restored in the local style and is furnished with authentic antiques throughout.
There are en-suite bathroom facilities for each of the large bedrooms, which have their own private balcony or terrace. With only ten rooms the house has a lovely relaxed atmosphere and David and Emma go out of their way to make you feel welcome.
There is an ample living/dining room with open wood fire and a terrace with breathtaking views from which you can enjoy an evening barbecue or a dip in the pool.
In addition to the rooms in main house three studios are available which are ideal for families.
Next to Casa Las Chimeneas stands the newly restored Restaurant Las Chimeneas, where breakfast and evening meals are served. The dining room is a truly wonderful place to enjoy an intimate meal in the winter months or a cool beer after a long day's walking . Olive logs burn in the cast-iron stove through the winter, and the terrace provides uninterrupted views over the surrounding mountain ranges and on to the Mediterranean in the distance.
Breakfast is a combination of orange juice, yoghurts, fresh fruit , freshly baked local and / or home made bread and jam with produce from our own organic farm. Depending on the season you can expect to enjoy fresh oranges, cherries, plums, apples, figs and grapes all picked off our own trees. Breakfast is also a time for planning as David or Emma discuss possible routes or the day's activities with guests. Linger over a pot of coffee as you savour the possibilities for the day.
The evening meal is served in the small dining room where the very best of Alpujarran food is cooked by the ever-smiling Soledad, with whom we have worked with for many years. It has been a pleasure to exchange recipes handed down over the generations by Alpujarran families as well as introduce her to the flavours of North Africa in a delightful fusion of Andalucian and Moroccan food.
Each day you will be packed off with a delicious picnic hamper stuffed full of local treats.
This holiday is graded from easy to moderate and is suitable for all abilities as you can choose from a range of 15 self guided walks or alternative activities.
Maps and route notes are provided for all the recommended walks and most are well way marked.
There is so much to do that you may well choose to extend your stay. Just let us know at the time of booking.
Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes and a day pack. This will be emailed to you after you book the walk.
Because Mairena is high in the mountains it is suitable for walking from April to late November. The best times for walking are April to May and September to November when days are cooler.
Malaga is the closest airport (3hr drive) which has flights from the UK. Granada is closer (2hr) but currently has no UK flights.
You will collect/drop off your rental car from Malaga Airport. This is included in the price of your holiday and the car will be appropriate for your party size (Group A for 2 people). (Upgrades available at a supplement). Extras such as child seats and satnav are payable locally.
We strongly recommend taking out travel insurance to cover cancellation or curtailment of your holiday.
Malaga is the closest airport (3hr drive) which has flights from the UK. Granada is closer (2hr) but currently has no UK flights.
You will collect/drop off your rental car from Malaga Airport. This is included in the price of your holiday and the car will be appropriate for your party size (Group A for 2 people). (Upgrades available at a supplement). Extras such as child seats and satnav are payable locally.
We are often asked the following questions and I hope that you will find the answers useful.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any further queries.
You can pick and choose as much or as little walking as you wish. The walking can be steep as you are in the mountains but there are easiier short walks availabel and plenty of other activities.
Malaga, which is served by low cost, charter and scheduled airlines. It is a three hour drive from Malaga to Mairena and you will pick up your hire car in Malaga.
We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as this holiday is extremely popular especially in Spring and Autumn. You will find up to date availability on our website and we will always try and accommodate your plans.
You will need good walking shoes/boots, comfortable walking clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers, a daypack, warm clothing in the early/late part of the year and hats etc during the summer. We supply a detailed packing list with your information pack.
The best months for walking are April through June and September and October.
Las Alpujarras Escape is available between March and November. Because it is located at altitude walking is even an option during the summer. To make a provisional reservation select "Book". Option & Extension prices will be displayed as part of the booking process.
Because every holiday we book is unique availability changes from day to day and our booking process works as follows:
| Code | Tour Name | Duration | Grade | From | Book |
| WSpSLAE | Las Alpujarras Escape | 8 Days & 7 Nights | £570 | Book |
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From: Perth, Western Australia
