Spanish & Trekking in the Alpujarra, Spain

The Alpujarra is a region of mountain villages to the south of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, which nestle in sheltered valleys and gorges running down towards the Mediterranean Sea.

 

Its terraced farmlands have a continuous supply of water from melting snow above, giving the area the appearance of a high-altitude oasis. Its strategic location close to the Mediterranean sea beside the high mountains, which are declared as a National Park (at high elevations) and Nature Reserve (villages were settled here) turns this region into the home of an authentic treasure of flora and fauna; in short, the perfect place for walking and hiking.

The area is culturally fascinating because its fifty or so villages were the last strongholds of the Spanish Muslims. Those «Moriscos» (Muslim-Christian «converts») still practiced their original religion and customs in secrecy after the fall of Granada and, in 1492, facing increasing pressure from the Catholics, fled to the mountains and settled in this remote, inaccessible area. These unique villages have held onto their past. You can still see the traditional architecture similar to the one used by the Berber tribes of North Africa: terraced clusters of square houses with flat clay and slate roofs, like those to be found in the Rif and Atlas mountains of Morocco.

Here we invite you to enjoy 6 days of easy-intermediate level hiking staying in peaceful family- run hotels in three different villages.

 

Programme

Starting dates: every week

Sunday / Day 1: Transfer Granada – Trevélez
After breakfast you can still have a stroll through the delightful streets of Granada before taking a local bus to Trevélez (the highest at 1,470m) which is famous for its ham-curing. The journey takes about 3 hours, but the time will fly by watching the landscape change as you leave Granada and climb up into the mountains to penetrate the inaccessible lands that were the last strongholds of Granada’s Moorish population.   

Monday / Day 2: Trevélez – Trevélez
5 hours / 14 km
The first part of the hike climbs high above the village of Trevélez (approx. 2,000m). After about three hours you will cross the Trevélez river for the first time. From there you will follow the course of the river back down to the village. This river is rich in trout and on your return you could try a local specialty: trout with cured ham.
                
Tuesday / Day 3: Trevélez – Busquístar
5 hours /14 km
Today you will walk to your next destination, Busquístar, and go through an oak forest, accompanied by the alluring scent of thyme, oregano and lavender. Busquístar means «hidden Moorish paradise». It is one of the best examples of typical Alpujarra architecture. Here you will stay in an old restored village house, once the residence of the village notary. Enjoy the stunning views of the valley from the balcony of your room.
   
Wednesday / Day 4: Rest Day in Busquístar
During your rest day you could go for a pleasant walk in search of the ruins of an ancient mosque, or perhaps you would prefer to go by horse. If you want to, you will also have a description and map for another full day hike!   

Thursday / Day 5: Busquístar – Capileira
3-4 hours /11 km
From Busquístar you will go through most of the villages of the «Taha», through horse chestnut forests and terraced fields, whose network of Moorish irrigation channels, built in the 10th-11th centuries, function to this day. You will eventually arrive to a stone outcrop from where there is a magnificent view over the whole Poqueira valley, crowned by the majestic peak of Veleta (3,391m). From there, you can head zigzagging down to Bubion, where you'll continue onto your last destination, Capileira.

Friday / Day 6: Capileira - Granada
Today there is time to explore the village of Capileira, and buy something to remember the taste and smells of the Alpujarras or to make a last hike in the barranco de Poqueira, before taking the bus back to Granada.

 

Price per person: 420 €  
Single room supplement per person: 90 €
Half board supplement per person: 95 €
If the tour is just booked by 1 person, then the price is 630 € for the tour including the single room.
The price includes: a self-guided tour for a minimum of 2 participants enrolling together, ideal for those travelling on their own. We organize the whole journey: accommodation with breakfast (or half board) is booked, the luggage transfer to each location and all the necessary information provided (a map of the Sierra Nevada 1:40.000 with the route marked, full descriptions of each stage, cultural and useful information about the region.)

HOT TIP
For those who may not have so much time and who are able to spend only a weekend in the Alpujarra Mountains, we highly recommend the accommodation in Casa Sonia in Busquistar. It is an authentic, friendly and homely Bed and Breakfast with well-decorated spacious rooms, located in an typical Alpujarran village which has less of a tourist atmosphere. This village is a very useful base for fantastic hiking tours. Enquire about prices and reservation!