Granada and the Alpujarras

Make your own way to the splendid city of Granada and your hotel. Granada is a small and surprisingly cosmopolitan city with an intriguing mix of ancient lanes and modern avenues. You can spend the afternoon and evening exploring the city and sampling the tapas.

Today you are free to explore the city of Granada. We recommend visiting the UNESCO listed Alhambra. This ancient Moorish palace and fortress is fascinating to explore. NOTE: Make sure to pre-book your Alhambra tickets as these do sell out.

This morning, you will take the local bus to Capileira, the main village of the Alpujarras and situated at an elevation of 1436m. The first bus departs from Granada bus station at 10am, journey time is approx. 2.5 hours (not included, allow approx. EUR6 pp). You carry your luggage with you on the bus. Enchanting Capileira village displays its history as a former Moorish settlement: white-washed houses clinging to the hillside, tiny squares with fountains, and a mysterious network of steep, narrow lanes. This afternoon you have a choice of two walks (3 or 5.5 hours) through the Río Poqueira Valley. Walk through fields and past ancient threshing circles, and via the villages of Valle del Rio Poqueira, Bubion and Pampaneira. There are some steep ascents and descents, with marvellous views rewarding your effort. Overnight in Capileira with dinner at leisure. 3hrs - 6.9km/4.3mi, ascent and descent 350m/1148ft or 5.5hrs - 9.2km/5.75mi, ascent and descent 560m/1837ft

Following old paths that connected the Poqueira valley with the small villages of the lower Alpujarras, you'll walk from one white-washed village to the next, enjoying the varied scenery. The landscape changes gradually from an ancient Mediterranean holm oak forest, then pine tree plantations and finally irrigated fields approaching the "Taha" de Pitres; an ancient water council centre which dates back to Moorish times. Overnight in Mencina-Fondales. Own dinner arrangements. 7.9km/4.9mi, ascent 200m/656ft, descent 520m/1706ft

Today's route takes you through the Trevélez River Valley and past villages including Ferreirola and Atalbéitar. It's a long but scenic route, not too difficult and quite entertaining. You will follow a long distance path to the highest village in the Alpujarras (at 1486m) and home of the delicious serrano ham - enjoy tasting it as you relax after a nice day's walk! 17.8km/11.2mi, ascent 1050m/3445ft, descent 530m/1739ft Option to shorten with a transfer (with the luggage transfer service) to Pórtugos (4.6km and 300m ascent less) or Busquístar (2km and 120m descent less).

Choose from 3 walking routes: a spectacular longer walk high into the Sierra Nevada; a circular route enjoying the beautiful area around Trevélez; or a shorter walk along the historic Camino de Granada. Pass tiny villages of the Sierra Nevada en route. 5.5hours - 14km/8.7mi, ascent/descent 500m/1640ft or 3.5-6hrs - 12-17km/7-5-10.5mi, ascent/descent 285-550m/935-1805ft or max 8hrs - 18km/11.2mi, ascent/descent 1400m/4593ft

A pleasant route today will take you through shady woodlands along narrow paths to higher elevations which offer sweeping views of your surroundings. In clear weather you can see Africa from El Portichuelo, the highest point on this route. Overnight in Berchules. 15.6km/9.75mi, ascent 620m/2034ft, descent 880m/2887ft

Your trip concludes today. To return to Granada you either take the morning bus (departs Berchules at 5:45am), or there is an optional walk (3hrs) through the Rio Grande Valley north of Berchules, where you follow an acequia (irrigation channel) and pass the ruins of a 13th century Moorish silk-washing house. If you choose to do the walk, you take the afternoon bus (departs 5:00pm) to Granada. (Bus times are subject to change). The bus takes approx. 4hrs (not included, allow EUR10 pp) and you take your luggage with you on the bus. Private transfers can be arranged and we can assist with booking accommodation in Granada, on request. Optional walk 9.5km/5.9mi, ascent/descent 170m/558ft