Hiking through the Alpujarras; Trekking in Nature Park Sierra Nevada

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Hiking in the Alpujarras; an oasis in Sierra Nevada

The Alpujarras 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 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 mountains, which are declared National Park (at high elevations) and Nature Reserve of Sierra Nevada (villages were settled here), makes this region home to an authentic treasure of flora and fauna; in short, the perfect place for walking and hiking. Culturally the area is fascinating because its fifty or so villages were the last strongholds of the Spanish Muslims. Those Moriscos (Muslim-Christian converts) who still practiced their original religion and customs in private after the fall of Granada and in 1492 took to the hills in the face of increasing pressure from the Catholics, settling in this remote, inaccessible area. 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 to be found in the Rif and Atlas mountains of Morocco. We invite you to enjoy a week of intermediate level hiking in the Alpujarras, staying in peaceful family run hotels in different villages.

Ham, wine and traditional arquitecture

You will spend your first night in Granada, with its old Moorish quarter of Albayzín (UNESCO World Heritage Site). In Granada you must visit the Alhambra and the many highlights of this city: the cathedral, royal chapel, ancient streets, tapas bars, tea and coffee shops… Then you travel by taxi to the Alpujarra, and start walking from Pampaneira in the Poqueira valley to the small authentic village of Mecina.  A great circular walk will bring you to the other side of the river with magnificent views of the small white mountain villages and the high peaks of the Sierra Nevada.  Next day you pass Busquístar, one of the best examples of typical Alpujarra architecture, especially in the use of launa (a special type of clay found in this area) in roof construction.  You go on waking towards the highest village, Trevélez (1,470m), which is famous for its ham-curing. The ham acquires its unique and fine taste of clean and fresh air in the high altitude and the area’s own special bio-climate during the curing process (at least one year). This ham is exported all over northern Europe and even to Japan. During your stay in the Alpujarra you will see this ham in almost every bar and you certainly will have to try it. You continue your hike with panoramic views over the valleys towards the village Bérchules. From there on you go to Mecina Bombarón by the ancient path through the gorge between both villages. The landscapes and colours changes as you continue walking passing small villages to Yegen, with its literary heritage as the former home of the British author of “South from Granada“, Gerald Brenan. Here you will spend two nights in a beautiful restored village house before your return to Granada.

Logo El Legado Andalusí

Granada - arrival

Granada – arrival

Arrival to Granada by public bus from Málaga airport , it takes only about 2 hours. You can also ask for a private transfer. Warm welcome at a charming hotel (***) in the historical centre of Granada. And in the evening have some drinks in one of the many little bars, and you'll be invited to the tapas!  


Granada - Pampaneira by private transfer, walk Pampaneira to Mecina (8 km, 3 hours, 522 m ascent, 590 descent)

Granada – Pampaneira by private transfer, walk Pampaneira to Mecina (8 km, 3 hours, 522 m ascent, 590 descent)

After breakfast visit Granada or the famous palaces and gardens of the Alhambra if you did not so yesterday. At midday you will be collected at your hotel by our sympathetic taxi driver who will bring you in about 1,5 hour to the charming village of Pampaneira, situated in the spectacular Poqueira valley. From here you start walking, first through the gorge Barranco de Poqueira to the village of Bubión, then you climb to 1600 meters with beautiful views over the gorge and the high snowed mountains of the Sierra Nevada. You continue walking to Pitres, where you can have a drink before continuing to the authentic village of Mecina where you will stay in a hotel with swimming pool. You will find some bar-restaurants around for dinner.


Mecina, circular routes (8 -12 km)

Mecina, circular routes (8 -12 km)

Circular routes. You can choose to do a short or a longer route, visiting some of the beautiful villages of the Tahá of Pitres. Walk to Ferreirola, and try the natural Spa water of its fountain. Then cross the river Treveléz and climb up to the other side where you can enjoy the views of the white villages of the Tahá de Pitres. Walk back through the authentic village of Fondales You can also walk to the famous gorge of Poqueira and the villages Pampaneira, Bubión and Capileira, take the bus back to Pitres and walk back to your hotel.


Mecina -Trevélez (16 km)

Mecina -Trevélez (16 km)

Today you start walking to Busquístar through the Trevélez valley. Then you climb bit by bit to Trevélez, crossing an oak forest full of the scents of thyme, rosemary and lavender. Trevélez is the highest village on the Spanish mainland at 1476m, and the home of serrano ham curing. 6 hours, 800 m ascent and 550 m descent


Trevélez - Berchules (14 km)

Trevélez – Berchules (14 km)

You leave Trevelez taking the GR-trail and walk through a forest with good views of Trevelez and the higher peaks. You come to a cross where you have to choose, you can climb a bit more and walk on an altitude of about 1900-2000 meters or you can head down towards the village Juviles (where you can find shop, bar, bus) and from there continue towards Berchules on an old trail. You can enjoy the fantastic views while you are Walking to the next village Berchules.


Berchules - Yegen (13 km)

Berchules – Yegen (13 km)

You take the GR7-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 and then you continue on the trail to Montenegro with it's hermitage and finally we reach Yegen. Yegen is a sleepy, authentic village of the Alpujarras, almost a century ago the writer Gerald Brenan choose it to live for some years and write the book "South from Granada".


Yegen, circular route (6-8 km)

Yegen, circular route (6-8 km)

You can do one of the small circular walks from the village or do them both! 1) Trail Walk of the Health (5 km) a walk which climbs to the Fountain of the Health and head back to Yegen through a beautiful gorge bordered by huge chestnut trees. 2) Brenan Trail (Sendero de Brenan): an agreeable stroll that was a favourite of the famous English writer, once resident of Yegen (it takes about 1,5 hours). Walking through olive and almond groves, and visiting the ancient fortress at Peñon del Fuerte, we enjoy views over a fairytale lunar landscape, to return to Yegen climbing along an old trail which ends at an interesting old fountain and wash-stone.


Yegen - Granada

Yegen – Granada

You return to Granada by bus. Enjoy the unique mountain scenery in Europe while we snake our way down. Book an extra night in Granada if you want to explore a bit more its sights and monuments, ancient city streets, tapas bars and restaurants.



Accommodation with breakfast

Included

7 night


Information on the trip

Included


Telephone helpline

Included

8 days


Luggage transport

Included


Taxi Granada-Pampaneira

Included

Services not included


Supplement for single occupation

Not Included

190€

7 nights


Supplement start on Fridays and Saturdays

Not Included

18€


supplement high season

Not Included

60€

From 21 March-1 May, 30 July-31 August and 28 September- 31 October

Questions about the travel

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Cobbled Streets Granada

The cobbled streets of Granada: mosaic of pebbles

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