Granada and Las Alpujarras
- An Andalucian adventure, exploring Granada and traversing the Alpujarras on foot
- Discover the Alhambra palace, with its Moorish mosaics and fountain-filled gardens
- Sample delicious local food—dried hams and dishes with an explosion of spices
- Walk to Trevelez, the highest village in Spain, at the foot of mighty Mulhacen
- Overnight stays in charming rural hotels in idyllic locations surronded by mountains
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive and overnight in GranadaFly into the stunning city of Granada, in the heart of Andalucia, with its rich Moorish heritage—an intriguing mix of ancient alleyways and modern avenues. Stroll around the city to explore and soak up the distinctively Andalucian atmosphere before enjoying dinner in one of the many fantastic restaurants.
Gar Anat boutique hotel, is a palace of the seventeenth century, in the heart of Granada, 2 minutes from the Cathedral and City Hall, near bars and shops and 10 minutes from the Alhambra. Gar Anat is not just a hotel, it is a literary space populated by characters and stories, real and fictional, and wants to build on the experiences, concerns and emotions of its travelers. Its walls exude history and keep the secrets of the pilgrims who have walked their art among its walls. The 15 rooms are different and unexpected. The decoration and atmosphere along with the patio are in perfect harmony. The curtains, which are present as a curtain from the entrance hall to the access to the room itself, create a magical and mysterious atmosphere evoking a theater scene.On the ground floor, a fountain that gives rumor to the space and a central patio, the typical andalaza corrala, are opening mouth, next door, a secluded lounge with fireplace where every afternoon offers a small snack with homemade biscuits, teas and various infusions.
The old cistern of the XIII century becomes an incomparable setting to start the day with a buffet breakfast of homemade, ecological and typical products of the area.
The Hotel Palacio de Los Navas is a 16th century palace located in the heart of the historical center of Granada. The hotel offers 19 rooms, all exterior and distributed on four floors around a beautiful interior courtyard.
The Hotel Casa del Capitel Nazarí is an ancient Renaissance palace built in 1503 and located in the in the Albaicin, in front of the Alhambra in Granada and in the city centre, close to the cathedral. All rooms are equiped with TV with cable channels, mini bar, air-conditionate, hairdryer, and free WiFi access.
Today is yours to explore Granada at your own pace, but we highly recommend a visit to the Alhambra, a magnificent Moorish palace, adorned with mosaics and intricate carvings. Adjacent to the Alhambra is the Generalife, a series of beautiful gardens featuring some great examples of Arab art.
Please note that entrances are not included to the Alhambra or Generalife gardens and we highly recommend booking tickets in advance to ensure you are not disappointed.
Just before dinner, an included transfer (1h30m) will take you to the village of Capileira. Set dramatically above the Poqueira Gorge, and backed by the Sierra Nevada range, Capileira is the epitome of a charming mountain village.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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
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
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.
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
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 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.
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 .
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
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 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.
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 .
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
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.
A short transfer (30min) brings you to Yegen, famed for being the home of Gerald Brenan, a British writer and Hispanophile, who wrote the novel “South from Granada”. Walk to the natural springs of Cuesta Vinas and then on to Valor. Enjoy a lunch of goats cheese and tasty figs before heading uphill through beautiful woodlands to the tiny hamlet of Nechite, and then finally along the old ‘Camino Real’ to Mairena, on the eastern edge of the Alpujarras.
Known as the “El Balcon de la Alpujarras” (the Balcony of the Alpujarras), due to the fact that it sits perched high on the southern flanks of the Sierra Nevada, staying in this sleepy little village is like taking a step back in time, where mules and donkeys are said to outnumber cars!
Ascent/Descent: 426m/404m
The beautiful Casa las Chimeneas is a collection of little converted village houses offering fabulous views over the hills, an amazing restaurant serving up wonderful local specialities made from produce from their own organic farm, and a genuine warm welcome from the owners, David and Emma.
For your final day, enjoy a lovely walk around the Laroles valley, following paths on the Camino de los Castanas milenarios (the thousand-year old chestnuts). Pass the ancient church of Jubar, one of the oldest preserved churchs in the Alpujarras and the village of Laroles, before crossing the river and climbing back to Mairena.
Ascent/Descent: 356m
The beautiful Casa las Chimeneas is a collection of little converted village houses offering fabulous views over the hills, an amazing restaurant serving up wonderful local specialities made from produce from their own organic farm, and a genuine warm welcome from the owners, David and Emma.
Check out after breakfast, and an included transfer will take you from Mairena to either Almeria or Granada Airports (approx 1h30min).
This trip has a carbon score of 17kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 17kg is equivalent to 100 cans of coke. 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.
Other Information
Is it for me?Perfect if you are looking to combine a city break with an untouched part of rural Spain brimming with Moorish history and rewarding walking trails. Follow trails through rugged mountainous terrain, with daily walks between 10 and 17km and ascents of between 415m and 935m, walking 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, and two nights will be in a stylish 3 or 4* hotel in the city of Granada.
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!
Multi Centre Walking | With a mix of loop and point-to-point walks stay 2 or 3 nights in one place which offers the chance to slow down and really explore a destination.
Foodie, National Parks, Off the Beaten Track
The minimum age for this tour is: 16 Years
This walking tour is graded moderate to strenuous overall. Walks are 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 920m. There is also an optional walk to the Sietes Lagunas from Trevelez. This is a serious hike and previous mountain experience is strongly advisable. It involves around 1350m of ascent and descent. Please check the weather forecast before leaving; unfortunately we cannot recommend this walk if storm, heavy rain or low visibility is expected and we do not recommend this walk for solo walkers. During the summer months of June 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.
8 Nights accommodation in small rural hotels in the Alpujarras, and 2 nights in a 3 or 4* hotel in Granada are included in your tour.
The accommodation we normally use is detailed below. We may sometimes have to use alternative hotels subject to availability but if this is the case we will always let you know when confirming your booking.
Single Rooms & Solo Walkers
Single rooms are available and a single supplement is payable. This trip is unfortunately not available to solo walkers due to the nature of the terrain and the remote nature of some of the walks.
Meals
10 Breakfasts are included and usually consist of breads, fruits, cheeses and meats. Dinners are included on 6 nights—the first night in Capileira, 2 nights in Trevelez, 1 night in Berchules and 2 nights in Mairena. Lunches, (and dinners on the days not mentioned above) are not included but you will find suggestions in your route notes of local places to eat. The food is a real highlight in this part of Andalucia and you will feast on hearty local specialities (usually quite meat-based) such as Plato Alpujarreno (tasty dish made with sausage, potatoes and eggs), Trucha con Jamon (trout with ham) and Cocido Alpujarreno (a rich stew).
The routes on this trip are generally waymarked but we will also provide detailed route notes and maps. You will also have access to the Macs Adventure Smartphone App enabling you to follow the route using your phone’s GPS so using this combined with the provided route notes and maps means you should have no problems finding your way. You can simply download the GPX tracks to your phone for offline use and off you go!
- 9 Nights in small rural hotels
- 1 Night in a 3 or 4* hotel in Granada
- 10 Breakfasts
- 6 Dinners in Capileira (1st Night), Trevelez, Berchules and Mairena
- Luggage transfers as per itinerary
- Transfer from Mairena to Almeria or Granada Airport
- Detailed route notes, maps and pre-departure information pack
- GPX tracks and access to our smartphone app
- 24/7 Emergency telephone support
- Travel insurance (required)
- Travel to Granada/from Almeria or Granada
- Lunches, snacks and drinks
- Dinners in Granada, Capileira (2nd Night) and Ferreirola
- Entrance to the Alhambra (we recommend booking in advance)
- Personal equipment
- Additional nights before, during or after the tour
You can start this tour on any day of the week subject to availability between March to May and then again from September to the start of November. We do not offer this tour in the summer months due to high tempereatures at that time of year making it uncomfortable for walking. It should be noted that the shoulder months of May and September can still be quite warm with average temperatures reaching up to 30°C.
The Alpujarras is enjoyable most of the year round and each season has it’s own highlights. The spring months of March and April are fantastic if you want to see the bird migrations in full swing and a profusion of flowers in bloom. The temperatures start to heat up in May and June and the slopes are filled with colourful butterflies and bee-eater birds. In the autumn months the days start to cool down, chestnuts fall from the trees and the colours turn to more shades of brown and golden. We do not offer this tour in July and August as it is too hot for enjoyable walking then.
By Air: There are international flights to Granada from London with airlines like British Airways and Easyjet, as well as connections from other Spanish cities like Madrid and Barcelona. It is also possible to fly to Malaga Airport which has more connections from the rest of the UK and across Europe with low-cost airlines such as Ryanair, Vueling and Easyjet and catch a bus to Granada (1.5-2hrs)
By Train: Granada is connected by rail to many other large Spanish cities such as Almeria (3h), Cordoba (3h), Ronda (2.5h) Seville and Madrid (4h). Rail tickets for Spanish rail travel can be booked on the Renfe website.
By Air: Almeria and Granada Airports are both approx. 1h 30m drive from Mairena, and an included transfer will take you from Mairena to either of these options. Please just let us know which airport you are flying out of. Airlines flying from Almeria include British Airways, Ryanair and Easyjet to the UK and there are also flights with Iberia and Vueling via Madrid.
Your bags will be transferred from your accommodation as per your itinerary and moved onto your next overnight stay. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.
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.
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.
It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.
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