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Spain – Alpujarra Hiking Tour of Andalusia

Spain Hiking Tour in Andalusia Self-Guided: The Alpujarra is a region of mountain villages to the south of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, which are nestled in between sheltered valleys and gorges, running down towards the Mediterranean Sea. Its terraced farmlands have a year-round supply of water from melting snow above, giving the area the appearance of a high-altitude oasis. Its strategic location close to the Mediterranean beside the high-elevation mountains, which are declared a National Park and Nature Reserve, plus the charming, tiny white villages periodically dotting the hillsides, makes this region the perfect place for walking and hiking. Here we invite you to enjoy a week of intermediate-level hiking, staying in peaceful family-run hotels in three different villages. Culturally, the area is fascinating because its fifty or so villages were the last strongholds of the Spanish Muslims. These unique villages have held on to their past. You can still see traditional architecture similar to that used by the Berber tribes of North Africa: terraced clusters of square houses with flat clay and slate roofs, like those found in the Rif and Atlas Mountains of Morocco.

Expert Tip: Consider this trip for spring or late fall!

Get your adventure!

1. Call or email with questions: +1-970-230-5896 or email us.

2. Book the trip, pay a deposit, and get excited about your adventure!

Arrival & Departure Location

Fly in/out of Madrid or Malaga (closest) and train/bus to Granada for start and finish of tour.

Price Includes

7 nights accommodation in mostly 2-star lodging
On-call tour support throughout the trip
Double room with breakfast, private shower/bathroom
Private orientation meeting at the first hotel
Dinners on days 4, 5, 6 & 7 – traditional meals
Private luggage transfers between lodging
Private transfer from Granada to hiking start in Pampaneira
Private transfer from Yegen to Granada
All navigation materials including route maps, cultural information, cue sheets, visit information
All pre-tour materials, including detailed itinerary and information

Lodging

Included Lodging:

Granada: Villa Oniria **** (1 night)
Mecina: Hotel Mecina Fondales ** (2 nights)
Trevelez: Hotel Fragua ** (1 night)
Berchules: Hotel Berchules ** (1 night)
Yegen: Casa de Los Vientos Rural Bed & Breakfast ** (2 nights)

About: This tour visits some very beautiful, rural areas, where lodging options are limited but clean, comfortable, and authentic. Stay 6 nights in 2-star hotels and a rural guest house; 1 night in a 4-star hotel in Granada. Upgrades are only available in Granada or post-tour.

Optional Add-Ons

Private Transfer to Malaga
Tapas Tour in Madrid - highly recommended!
Travel Insurance is Required

Guides & Local Support

Local Expert: Sandra left the Netherlands and came to Andalusia in 2000 because she loves the region, its people and its gastronomy. Originally trained as a psychologist, she has been working as a hiking and biking guide for about 20 years, giving her the experience and professionalism we want for our clients. Married to native man from Granada, Sandra knows Andalusia as well as any native Andalusian, and she will be available to help you during your trip!

Tour Highlights

Granada and world-famous Alhambra Palace
Rural paths and villages with old Moorish history
Picture-perfect white villages dotting the hillsides
GR-7 hiking with amazing vistas, hills, rivers, and canyons
Foodie paradise: regional wine, olive oil, traditional dishes, and fresh produce galore
Perfect off-season destination: fewer crowds, great temps!

Need to Know:

Rural setting, remote villages – truly off the beaten path and wonderful!
Travel Insurance is required on all Pure Adventures tours.
IMPORTANT: Alhambra tickets must be purchased well in advance (90+ days) – ask us how; this is a not-to-be-missed stop!

Photos

Itinerary

Day 1Arrival to Granada

Arriving on your own to Granada, make your way to the first hotel, shown below. The hotel is in a great location in the city center. We will give you a private welcome meeting at your hotel with Sandra our local expert early this evening. At the orientation you’ll be given all the documentation (map and information of Granada, map and route description for the hikes, plus cultural information for the trip). This night you can try some of the famous “tapas” and perhaps discover some traditional flamenco. Dinner on your own, suggestions provided at orientation.

Overnight: Granada

Day 2Transfer to Pampaneira and Hike to Mecina: 8 km / 5 mi

After visiting the Alhambra (optional) and after lunch, you will be collected by taxi and brought to the charming village of Pampaneira, located in the foothills of the Alpujarra, with views of the spectacular Poqueira valley. The drive takes about 1.5 hours but the time will fly, watching the landscape change as you leave Granada and climb up into the mountains. Once here, you will begin hiking through small villages: Bubión and Pietres, and then continue on to the small village of Mecina.

Meals: breakfast
Distance: 8 km / 5 mi, +522/-590m
Highlights: scenic drive to Pampaneira and hiking start
Overnight: Mecina

Day 3Mecina Loop Walk: 12 km / 7 miles

Today you can enjoy a loop hike to the other side of the river, which has a lot of ups and downs, as well as some beautiful views of the canyon, river, and white villages. In the distance, take in the white peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. You also have the option to hike to some of the other nearby white villages: Bubión, Capileira or Pampaneira, all situated in the spectacular Poquiera valley. (Shorter option: 8 km, +620m.)

Meals: breakfast
Distance: 12 km / 7 mi, +620m
Highlights: loop hikes through white villages, rivers & canyons
Overnight: Mecina

Day 4Mecina to Trevélez: 16 km / 10 miles

Today you walk through the authentic village of Busquistar towards your next destination, Trevélez. Passing through an oak forest and accompanied by the alluring scent of thyme, oregano and lavender, you enjoy the peace and quiet of the area. Trevélez lies at the foot of the Mulhacén and is the highest village of Spain (1478 m). It is famous for its delicious cured ham (jamón Serrano), which you are sure to sample! You have the option of walking straight to Trevelez or doing a little detour through the village Busquistar, which means 2 km and 100 m of added climbing. If you do not feel like walking today, in case of health issues or bad weather, you can take the local bus. Dinner at your hotel is included tonight.

Meals: breakfast & dinner
Distance: 16 km / 10 mi, +1000m/-700m
Highlights: hiking to Trevélez, Mulhacén
Overnight: Trevélez

Day 5Treveléz to Berchules: 14 km / 9 miles

Today you have two options:
Longest option: 5-6 hours, ca 14 km, 680 m ascent &1000 m descent. In case of bad weather or health issues: Bus from Trevelez to Bérchules at 3:15 PM. You will leave Trevelez taking the GR 7-trail and walking through a forest with good views of Trevelez and the higher peaks. You come to a point where you have to choose if you want to climb and walk an additional altitude of about 1900-2000 meters or (shorter option) if you prefer to head down towards the village Juviles (where you can find shops, bars, bus) and from there continue towards Bérchules on an ancient trail.

Tonight you will stay in a rural lodge close to Bérchules. It is located at 1300 meters altitude and is about a 40 minutes walk from the next village. Here you will also receive a home cooked meal, made with ingredients from the chef’s vegetable garden (whenever possible.) When you arrive you can take drinks from the fridge outside and enjoy the marvelous sunset from the terrace, which is the former threshing floor! If the weather allows, you can also enjoy your breakfast outside.

Meals: breakfast & dinner
Distance: 14 km / 9 mi
Highlights: GR trail hiking to Bérchules
Overnight: Bérchules

Day 6Berchules to Yegen: 13 km / 8 miles

Today you will take the GR 7-trail to Mecina, crossing the green “barranco” (gorge) on an old path between both villages. In Mecina you can have a drink or buy something to eat, before continuing on the trail to Montenegro and Yegen. You will pass the small village of El Golco and will notice how the landscape changes as you walk towards Yegen.

You will stay in a typical refurbished village house or “Casa Rural”, in a very comfortable apartment with a kitchen, terrace and views over the valley. Enjoy another delicious home cooked meal, made with local products whenever possible. We will also provide wine, and you can even choose a wine from the Alpujarras, so there is no need to buy anything beforehand! It is a full meal, with desert and coffee or tea afterwards!

Meals: breakfast & dinner
Distance: 14 km / 8 mi, 5-6 hours, ca 15 km, ca 700m +
Highlights: beautiful changing landscape as you arrive to Yegen
Overnight: Yegen

Day 7Yegen Loop Walks: 4 km / 2 miles

Today is your last hiking day! You can do one of the small circular walks from the village or do them both!
1) “Walk of Health” trail – 4 km Sendero de la Salud: a walk which climbs to the Fountain of Health and heads back to Yegen through a beautiful gorge, bordered by huge chestnut trees. +/- 350m
2) Brenan Trail (Sendero de Brenan): a short but demanding walk that was a favorite of the famous English writer Brenan, once a resident of Yegen (it takes about 1.5 hours). Start at the old fountain and walk through olive and almond groves, visiting the ancient fortress at Peñon del Fuerte. Here you can enjoy views of a fairy tale landscape, as you return to Yegen. +/-200m

Dinner included again tonight! Another home cooked meal with wine, dessert and coffee. It will be different than last night – based on your preference!

Note: In case you have an early flight tomorrow, it is possible to arrange for a transfer this afternoon to Granada or Malaga for you last night. Please book this well in advance, at time of tour booking.

Meals: breakfast & dinner
Distance: 4 km / 2 mi
Highlights: loop walks to Fountain of Health & ancient fortress visit
Overnight: Yegen

Day 8Departure Day: Yegen to Granada

Today you will have a transfer back to Granada airport (or Málaga airport with a supplement.) We can also book an extra night in Malaga in a very nice four star hotel, located in the historical centre or close to the airport. Make the most of the ride as you wind through the mountains, enjoying this dramatic scenery found only in this region! You can also extend your stay towards the beautiful beaches of the Natural Park of Cabo de Gata. Ask us for our recommendations and we are happy to make additional arrangements for you!

Meals: breakfast

Map

Rates

2024 Tour Start Days are Monday – Saturday
Rates: (based on double occupancy)

Standard Two & Three Star Hotels:

2 persons: 1358 euros/person
Single Supplement: 326 euros – (applies when 2 or more traveling but in separate single-use rooms)
Solo Supplement: not possible for this tour
Season: March 1 – Oct 31

Note:

Travel Insurance is now required to participate in this tour. You can book through our preferred vendors or your own. Proof of coverage will be required.
City taxes of 1-3 euros/person/day apply at some hotels; you will pay locally at checkout.
Extra nights in Granada and Malaga are available; please inquire about rates.

How do our tours compare to similar trips? You Get More! If you compare price, we are much less than guided trips with similar experiences. In our private, independent format, you get much more than what most traditional self guided tours offer, plus it’s a better experience! Our team has gone to great lengths to build and create exceptional tours all over the world, vacations that will give you lifelong memories. From the accommodations to the bikes, to the routes themselves, we hold each component of our tours to a very high standard. We are dedicated to empowering people through travel!

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