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Spain – Alpujarra Hiking Tour of Andalusia

Spain Self-Guided Hiking Tour in Andalusia: Nestled south of the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains, the Alpujarra region is a captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, with its mountain villages scattered among lush valleys and dramatic gorges that stretch toward the Mediterranean Sea. Terraced farmlands, irrigated by melting snow from the peaks above, create the appearance of a high-altitude oasis. Declared a National Park and Nature Reserve, the area is perfect for hiking, offering pristine landscapes and peaceful, family-run accommodations in three villages. Rich in history, the Alpujarra was the last stronghold of Spain’s Muslim communities, and its unique architecture, resembling Berber villages of North Africa, features terraced clusters of square houses with flat clay and slate roofs. This remarkable destination promises a harmonious mix of stunning scenery, cultural intrigue, and serene exploration. Now is your chance to plan your Andalusia visit without any worries – let Pure Adventures take care of the details!

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

Plan your Spain Self-Guided Hiking Tour in Andalusia!

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

Spain Self-Guided Hiking Tour in Andalusia: 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 charming, handpicked 2-star lodgings, offering cozy comfort and authentic ambiance.
24/7 on-call tour support throughout the trip, ensuring assistance whenever you need it.
Double occupancy rooms, complete with daily breakfast, private showers, and en-suite bathrooms for your convenience and privacy.
Personalized orientation meeting upon arrival at the first hotel, to prepare you for the adventure ahead.
Gourmet dinners on days 4 & 5, featuring delicious, traditional cuisine in local restaurants.
Hassle-free private luggage transfers between accommodations, allowing you to travel light.
Private transfer from Granada to the start of the hiking trail in Pampaneira, kicking off your adventure seamlessly.
Convenient private transfer from Yegen back to Granada, ensuring a comfortable return journey.
Comprehensive navigation materials, including RWGPS navigation, detailed route maps, cultural insights, cue sheets, and must-visit recommendations for a richer experience.
Customized pre-tour preparation materials

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 the Lodging: This self-guided hiking tour in Andalusia takes you through some of Spain’s most picturesque rural areas, offering clean, comfortable, and authentically charming accommodations. Enjoy 6 nights in 2-star hotels and a cozy rural guest house, along with 1 night in a 4-star hotel in Granada. Accommodation upgrades are available exclusively in Granada or for post-tour stays.

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 Spain Self-Guided Hiking Tour in Andalusia!

Tour Highlights

Tour Highlights: Spain Self-Guided Hiking Tour

Granada and the Iconic Alhambra Palace: Begin your adventure with a visit to the world-renowned Alhambra Palace, a masterpiece of Moorish architecture and a symbol of Spain’s rich history.
Rural Paths and Moorish Villages: Wander through charming rural paths and remote villages steeped in old Moorish history, offering a glimpse into the region’s fascinating past.
Whitewashed Villages: Discover picture-perfect white villages dotting the hillsides, each with its own unique charm and stunning views.
GR-7 Hiking Trails: Enjoy exhilarating hikes along the GR-7, featuring breathtaking vistas, rolling hills, serene rivers, and dramatic canyons.
A Food Lover’s Paradise: Savor the best of Spanish gastronomy with regional wines, exquisite olive oils, traditional dishes, and an abundance of fresh local produce.
Ideal Off-Season Destination: Escape the crowds and enjoy comfortable temperatures, making this the perfect off-season getaway for relaxation and exploration.

Need to Know:

Packing tips for a self-guided hiking tour
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

Spain Self-Guided Hiking Tour in Andalusia: Upon your independent arrival in Granada, make your way to your first hotel, conveniently located in the heart of the city center. This evening, Sandra, our knowledgeable local expert, will host a private welcome meeting at your hotel. During the orientation, you’ll receive all the essential documentation: a detailed map and guide to Granada, hiking route descriptions, and rich cultural insights to enhance your journey. Afterward, immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture by sampling some of Granada’s renowned “tapas” or exploring its traditional flamenco scene. Dinner will be on your own, with excellent recommendations shared during the orientation to guide your culinary adventure.

Overnight: Granada

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

Following your optional visit to the iconic Alhambra and a leisurely lunch, a taxi will whisk you away to the enchanting village of Pampaneira. Nestled in the picturesque foothills of the Alpujarra, this village offers breathtaking views of the dramatic Poqueira Valley. The scenic 1.5-hour drive will seem to fly by as you watch the landscape transform—from the historic charm of Granada to the tranquil beauty of the rising mountains.

Upon arrival in Pampaneira, your adventure truly begins. You’ll set out on a memorable hike, passing through quaint, whitewashed villages like Bubión and Pietres, each exuding their own unique charm. Your journey will lead you to the peaceful village of Mecina, completing an unforgettable day immersed in the natural and cultural splendor of the region.

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, embark on a scenic loop hike that takes you to the other side of the river, offering a mix of ascents and descents to keep things exciting. Along the way, you’ll be treated to breathtaking vistas of the canyon, the meandering river, and the charming whitewashed villages perched in the landscape. On the horizon, the majestic snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountain range provide a stunning backdrop.

For a deeper exploration, you also have the option to visit some of the nearby iconic white villages: Bubión, Capileira, or Pampaneira, all nestled in the awe-inspiring Poqueira Valley. These villages each radiate their own unique charm and are perfect for soaking up the local culture.

Prefer a lighter journey? A shorter 8-kilometer route (+620m elevation gain) is available, ensuring a day of adventure perfectly tailored to your pace.

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’s journey leads you through the authentic village of Busquístar on your way to Trevélez. The path winds through a peaceful oak forest, scented with thyme, oregano, and lavender, offering a truly tranquil experience. Trevélez, at 1,478 meters and nestled at the foot of Mulhacén, is Spain’s highest village and famed for its jamón Serrano, which you’ll have the chance to taste. For extra exploration, take a scenic 2-kilometer detour through Busquístar, adding 100 meters of climbing. Alternatively, you can opt for the local bus in case of fatigue or bad weather. Tonight, enjoy a hearty dinner included at your hotel.

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 for your journey:

Longest option: A 5-6 hour hike, covering around 14 km with 680 m of ascent and 1000 m of descent. This route starts in Trevélez, following the GR 7 trail through a peaceful forest, offering beautiful views of Trevélez and the surrounding peaks. Along the way, you’ll reach a decision point: either take on an additional climb to reach an altitude of about 1900-2000 meters or choose a shorter route that descends directly to the village of Juviles. In Juviles, you’ll find shops, bars, and a bus stop before continuing along an ancient trail to Bérchules.

Alternative option: In case of bad weather or health concerns, you can skip the hike and take a bus from Trevélez to Bérchules, departing at 3:15 PM.

Tonight, you’ll stay at a rural lodge near Bérchules, where a home-cooked meal awaits, made with fresh ingredients from the chef’s garden whenever possible. Drinks are available from the outdoor fridge, and you can enjoy a stunning sunset from the terrace—formerly a traditional threshing floor. If the weather is favorable, breakfast can also be savored 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, follow the GR 7 trail to Mecina, crossing the lush green “barranco” (gorge) along a charming old path connecting the villages. In Mecina, take a moment to enjoy a refreshing drink or grab a bite to eat before continuing your journey to Montenegro and Yegen. Along the way, you’ll pass through the quaint village of El Golco and marvel at the shifting landscape as you approach Yegen.

Tonight, settle into a beautifully restored “Casa Rural,” where you’ll enjoy a cozy apartment complete with a kitchen, a terrace, and breathtaking views of the valley. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploration!

Meals: breakfast
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 marks your final hiking adventure! Choose between two delightful circular walks from the village—or take on both for a memorable finish.

1. Walk of Health (Sendero de la Salud) – A 4 km trail that ascends to the Fountain of Health before winding back to Yegen through a stunning gorge adorned with majestic chestnut trees. +/- 350m.

2. Brenan Trail (Sendero de Brenan) – A short yet rewarding hike, cherished by the famous English writer Gerald Brenan, a former Yegen resident. This 1.5-hour trail starts at the old fountain, leading through olive and almond groves to the ancient fortress of Peñón del Fuerte, where you’ll be treated to enchanting views of a fairy-tale landscape before returning to Yegen. +/- 200m.

Note: If you have an early flight tomorrow, you can arrange a transfer this afternoon to Granada or Málaga for your final night. Please ensure this is booked well in advance during your tour reservation.

Meals: breakfast
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’ll be transferred back to Granada airport, or to Málaga airport for an additional supplement. Make the most of the ride as you wind through the breathtaking mountains, taking in the dramatic landscapes unique to this region.

We hope you enjoyed your Alpujarra hiking tour – thank you for traveling with Pure Adventures!

Meals: breakfast

Map

Rates

2025 Tour Start Days are Monday – Saturday
Rates: (based on double occupancy)

Standard Two & Three Star Hotels:

2 persons: 1278 euros/person
Single Supplement: 424 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!

Plan your Spain Self-Guided Hiking Tour in Andalusia!