On Foot in the Alpujarras
Meandering over the semi-tropical southern flanks of the Sierra Nevada, this moderate trek combines relatively low altitude with delightful high mountain vistas. The villages in the Alpujarras are characterised by ancient Moorish traditions found nowhere else in Spain - flat-roofed houses reminiscent of those found in the Atlas Mountains.
THE 'CAMINO REAL'
From Malaga we take a winding road up to our trailhead village of Bubion (1430m), one of a trio of villages teetering on the edge of the dramatic Poqueira Gorge. From here we begin our 9-day trek along the 'high route' linking scores of delightful villages. We follow vestiges of the Camino Real (Royal Way) - old walled trails and mule paths that were the only access to these mountain villages. We criss-cross acequias (irrigation canals) to walk through the best country in the Sierra.
ENVIRONS OF TREVELEZ
Traversing flower-filled meadows, maquis and pine-scented forests, we chance upon a scattering of small hamlets and overnight in Busquistar, Castaras and Juviles. Our main goal is the remote village of Trevelez (1460m), the highest in Spain, situated at the end of a grand ravine beneath soaring Mount Mulhacen (3482m). Spread out above us is the rocky massif of the Sierra Nevada and we plan day walks to enjoy the spectacular setting. There is also the chance of a demanding hike up to the peak of Piedra Ventana (2536m).
MT MULHACEN & GRANADA
We spend our final nights in the old Andalus village of Bubion - perhaps the most picturesque in the Alpujarras. An optional ascent of Mulhacen (3482m) - the highest peak on mainland Spain - is normally possible from here, giving superb views in every direction. In the evening we suggest trying one of the terraced restaurants looking out over the valley below. Finally, we drive to the brilliant Andalusian city of Granada where we visit the Alhambra - 'Red Castle' in Arabic - and the terraced gardens of the Generalife.
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Details |
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Price Includes |
(HK-3574-P) |
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International connections from London |
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Accommodation |
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14 breakfasts |
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Tour Staff & Support: Explore Tour Leader, driver(s) and luggage vehicles |
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Price Excludes |
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The Local Payment for this tour is 130 EUR. |
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Suitability / Level |
Moderate |
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Theme |
Small Group Travel
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Max Group Size |
14 |
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Itinerary
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ALPUJARRAS
Hidden Spain, unspoilt mountain scenery and quiet, picturesque villages.
BUBION
Day walk to Poqueira gorge.
BUSQUISTAR
Walking to ‘lost villages’.
TREVÉLEZ
Fantastic mountain vistas from Spain’s highest village.
TREVÉLEZ
Ascent of Piedra Ventana peak – incredible views.
GRANADA
Alhambra and Generalife, examples of classic Moorish Palace and gardens.
DAY 1. SUNDAY. JOIN TOUR MALAGA
Arrive and check-in at hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore Malaga.
DAY 2. DRIVE TO BUBION
We depart Malaga and head towards the Sierra Nevada. After driving a short distance, the commercial bustle of life along the coast is replaced by a more traditional aspect of Spain. Leaving the main roads, we enter a world of typically Andalucian villages with white-washed stone buildings draped with vines, bougainvillaea, geraniums and drying red peppers. After driving past several such communities we arrive at Bubion.
DAY 3. IN BUBION
A day to relax and wind-down. You may choose to spend the day in the village itself, with its narrow white-walled streets. However, we recommend a walk down the dramatic Poqueira Gorge, perhaps exploring the nearby villages of Capiliera and Pampaneira with a chance to paddle in a nearby river.
DAY 4. WALK VIA PORTUGOS TO BUSQUISTAR
Today we begin our trek. Our route takes us around the flanks of the Alpujarras, the name given to the southern valleys of the Sierra Nevada. Many of our walks in the region follow the old ‘caminos reales’, tracks which have been used for centuries by drovers.
Each path is wide enough for a laden mule to pass in each direction, though some have fallen into disrepair and have become overgrown. In the morning we walk to the village of Portugos. There is little to do here except just sit in the square and watch local life, or enjoy the views across the valley.
We continue to the nearby village of Busquistar, where we settle into our simple accommodation. The village is often called ‘the Hidden Garden’ because of its rich soil and wealth of produce (approx 3 hours walking). Further optional walks can be made during the afternoon.
DAY 5. IN BUSQUISTAR
We make a day walk down into the Trevélez valley to several ‘lost’ villages like Mecina Fondales and Ferreirola. Such villages once supported thriving communities, but over the years many inhabitants have moved away to the cities, leaving the narrow alleyways almost deserted. During the walk, we follow the course of one of many acequias which crisscross the region.
These irrigation channels, like so much of the architecture in this area, remind us that for several hundred years the Moors ruled this land. Those who have travelled to Morocco’s Atlas mountains will be surprised at the similarities to the Alpujarras, the last of the Moorish empire to fall in Spain. We spend the day walking through the villages , perhaps taking a picnic lunch to enjoy en-route (approx 4 hours walking).
DAY 6. WALK TO CASTARAS
We set out on one of our most demanding days so far, walking down into the Trevélez Valley. After crossing the river, we make the steep ascent up a well-graded 'camino real' on the other side of the valley – well worth it for the views, looking back north, of the entire Sierra Nevada. Continuing along quiet roads and paths, we make for Castaras. This small village is rarely visited and our accommodation is simple and basic (approx 4 hours walking). From here, further walks are again left optional for this afternoon.
DAY 7. WALK TO JUVILES
A relatively short distance is covered today, as we make our way up the shady valley of the Fuente Medina to the small hamlet of Juviles, our next night-stop (approx 2 hours walking). Here the road through the village acts as the main square, where the inhabitants while away an hour or so.
From our pension we can sit and enjoy a glass of wine and watch this absorbing scene. In the afternoon we make a pleasant optional walk to the rocky outcrop known as the Fort. From the top are spectacular views of eastern Alpujarras.
DAY 8. WALK TO TREVÉLEZ
A long morning’s walk takes us across the scrub and gorse high above Juviles flanking Mount Penabon, with our first views of Mount Mulhacen in the distance, before dropping down through forest to mainland Spain’s highest village, Trevélez. The scenery becomes more dramatic and rugged, the village itself nestling deep in the mountain folds. We arrive in time to explore this picturesque community (approx 4/5 hours walking).
DAYS 9 & 10. EXPLORING TREVÉLEZ AREA
Two days are left free to hike, relax or wander around Trevélez, the highest village in Spain with a superb aspect looking south. Red peppers and geraniums decorate the balconies of the white-washed houses. The town is famous for its cured hams and woven blankets.
You may wish to take a relaxing walk along the Trevélez river, perhaps taking a picnic lunch and stopping in one of the shady meadows next to the stream. On our second day, a more demanding ascent of Piedra Ventana peak (2534m), situated above the rocky outcrop of Penabon, can be attempted by fit and keen walkers (approx 6/8 hours walking).
DAY 11. WALK TO BUBION
Leaving Trevélez in the morning, we follow a path through pleasant scenery, high above the villages of Busquistar, Pitres and Portugos, perhaps stopping en route for a picnic lunch near a waterfall in La Chorrera gorge, where we are able to look back and
follow our route of the last eight days.
In the afternoon we continue around the large mountain spur which divides the Trevélez and Poqueira valleys and return to Bubion, perhaps the most picturesque village in the Alpujarras. We arrive and check in to our hotel (approx 5/6 hours walking).
DAY 12. IN BUBION, OPTIONAL ASCENT OF MULHACEN
Bubion is a charming village with a choice of various walks and the possibility of horse riding. However, those who wish to, can make the optional walk to the summit of Mulhacen, the highest mountain on the Spanish mainland at 3482m.
This involves a journey by vehicle that takes us high up on a winding track – with spectacular views of the whole of the Alpujarras – to the start point of our trail. From here, the walk is very steep in places, over desolate and dramatic terrain, so good footwear is essential.
At the top of the mountain, it is said that the bones of an old Moorish King are buried. The views from the summit are simply stunning (approx 6/8 hours walking). After a picnic lunch you will have the opportunity to relax and enjoy the tranquillity. Returning to Bubion by road, we have our last meal (perhaps on a terrace overlooking the valley) before leaving the sleepy world of the
Alpujarras.
DAY 13. DRIVE TO GRANADA
Today we take a bus to the famous Andalucian city of Granada. The word ‘Al Andalus’, which is derived from Arabic, was the name for the part of the Iberian peninsula under Islamic control for some 800 years. Moorish traditions are retained everywhere in Granada, one of Spain's most beautiful cities.
Our morning orientation walk around the city will indicate the main points of interest including the Albaicin, the old artisans’ quarter, where many Moorish traditions are retained, giving the area its characteristic look of white walls and narrow streets. From its highest point, there are spectacular views across to the Alhambra and Generalife, with the Sierra Nevada as a backdrop.
DAY 14. IN GRANADA
A major highlight is a visit to the magnificent Alhambra Palace and the Generalife gardens. In 1239 Muhammad al-Ahmar, founder of the asrid dynasty and Sultan of Granada, began work on this, the finest example of Moorish architecture outside the Arab world. The fabulous decoration in stucco, both inside and outside the buildings, reveals the purest expression of a sophisticated civilisation just before its decline.
Our visit this morning also includes the Generalife, the summer residence of the Caliphs, rated among the top ten landscaped gardens of the world. Here are particularly fine views across the old city of Granada and the Albaicin. Our afternoon is free to enjoy at leisure.
DAY 15. SUNDAY DRIVE TO MALAGA AIRPORT
This morning we drive to Malaga airport, where the tour ends. |
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Accommodation
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Hotels, hostals and pensions BB (11nts). Village House (3nts) |
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Holidays
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Included
