Alpujarras walking trip - Spain

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1 S-CAPE TRAVEL - INFO@S-CAPETRAVEL.EU - TELEPHONE style : level : duration : comfort : period: code: WALKING Selfguided 7 days Feb Mar Apr May Jun Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ESSW015 Alpujarras walking trip - Spain Mediterranean landscapes at the foot of the Sierra Nevada 7 days, price from 450 Walks through high terrain in beautiful mountainous surroundings Charming Moorish villages with white-washed houses built along steep, narrow lanes Diverse Mediterranean vegetation against the snowy peaks of Sierra Nevada Remains of ancient irrigation channels and Moorish threshing pits On the south-western slopes of the Sierra Nevada, a mountainous area called the Alpujarras still recalls its Moorish origins. The charm of this Arabic legacy remains, here at the perfect elevation for a true alpine experience. At the foot of the Sierra Nevada, all sorts of Mediterranean crops thrive: olive orchards, orange and lemon groves, almonds, figs and grapes, against a backdrop of snowy peaks. Dramatic views from enchanting white-washed villages, where terraced fields and authentic irrigation channels survive, remnants of an era gone by. Route Day 1 Arrival in Capileira Arrival in Capileira, situated at an elevation of 1436m. This, the main village of the Alpujarras, still displays its charming 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. Challenge: Arrival in the Alpujarras. Villages along the way: Capileira

2 Day 2 Through Río Poqueira Valley Circular walk in the Río Poqueira Valley, from Capileira via Bubion to Pampaneira, passing ancient threshing circles as you walk among fields. Some steep ascents and descents. Challenge: 5.5hrs, 10km, ascent/descent 560m or 3.5hrs, 7.4km, ascent/descent 350m. Villages along the way: Valle del Río Poqueira, Bubión, Pampaneira Day 3 From Capileira to Pórtugos From Capileira through the villages of Bubion, Pitres, Mencina-Fondales and Atalbéitar to Pórtugos, enjoying varied scenery. Among woodlands, including an ancient Mediterranean Holm oak forest, as well as pine tree plantations. Passing irrigated fields, you reach the Taha de Pitres, ancient water council centre which dates back to Moorish times. Challenge: 5hrs, 12km, ascent 385m, descent 520m. Villages along the way: Bubión, Pitres, Mencina, Altabéitar, Pórtugos Day 4 Trevélez Valley Route through the Trevélez River Valley with fantastic vista points. A long but not too difficult and quite entertaining walk along a long-distance path to the highest village in the Alpujarras, and as they claim, in all of Spain. Challenge: 6hrs, 14.6km, ascent 750m, descent 530m. Villages along the way: Busquistar, Trevélez Day 5 Choice of walks from Trevélez 3 walks to choose from, including a spectacular longer walk high into the Sierra Nevada, a circular route in the beautiful area around Trevélez and a shorter walk along the Camino de Granada. Challenge: 5.5hrs, 14km, ascent/descent 500m. Or 3-6hrs, 12-17km. ascent/descent m. Or max 8hrs, 18km, 1400m. Villages along the way: Tiny villages of the Sierra Nevada Day 6 Ascent to El Portichuelo A pleasant route through a shady wood along narrow paths. The last section with sweeping views. In clear weather, the African continent is visible from the highest point, El Portichuelo. Challenge: 5.5hrs, 16km, ascent 620m, descent 880m. Villages along the way: Bérchules Day 7 Acequia walk in Río Grande Valley Optional walk today in the Río Grande Valley north of Bérchules, following an irrigation channel or "acequia" past the ruins of a 13th century Moorish silk-washing house. This afternoon you catch an afternoon bus to Granada. We highly recommend booking an extra night in Bérchules to make this an 8-day trip. Challenge: 3hrs, 10km, ascent/descent 170m.

3 Accommodation Small family hotels, set in beautiful white villages. All of them have been carefully selected for their location, atmosphere and/or unique services. All rooms are en-suite. Some of the hotels we work with appear here. If a certain hotel is unable to confirm due to lack of availability, we will request a similar one and inform you about the alternative booked. Extra nights: Extra nights can be booked at any of the accommodations along the way. Hotel Poqueira (Poqueira) Hotel built in a rustic style in harmony with traditional local architecture. Fully-equipped rooms feature simple decoration using wooden furniture and tile floors. Splendid views of the surrounding countryside. Hotel Nuevo Malagueño (Pórtugos) With a welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff, this family-run hotel provides guests with an excellent base in the heart of Granada's Alpujarras. Hotel La Fragua (Trévelez) Comfortable, welcoming rooms drenched in natural light are decorated in traditional Alpujarran style. The ideal place to rest and relax after a day of walking. The hotel restaurant serves typical regional dishes and tasty specialities of the Mediterranean diet. Hotel Los Bérchules (Los Bérchules) Small family-run establishment situated just outside Bérchules, surrounded by stunning mountains and landscapes of great natural beauty. Traditional home cooking featuring regional specialities. Practical info You can start on any day of the week, subject to availability, between February 1st and June 25th, and between August and December. Nearest airports are Málaga airport (AGP) and Granada airport (GRX).

4 Arrival in Capileira Flying to Málaga airport (AGP) Direct bus from Málaga Airport(AGP) to Granada: There are a few direct bus services from Málaga Airport to Granada. Check timetables at Málaga airport Málaga (city centre) Granada: You take a bus, train or taxi from Málaga airport to Málaga (city centre). From there,you get a bus to Granada. Travel time is 2hrs. By bus from Granada to Capileira: ALSA offers 3 services a day. Travel time 2h30min. Note: the bus station in Granada is located on the outskirts of town, so plan your travel time accordingly! Flying to Granada airport (GRX) Bus or taxi from Granada airport(grx) to Granada (city centre). By bus from Granada to Capileira. If you are arriving in Granada late in the afternoon, you can take a bus to Orgiva and then get a taxi to Capileira. It s also possible to book an extra night in Granada. Check timetables at (Regional Bus Services) before departure for Spain. Summer schedules are often not made available until late spring. You can book your tickets in advance on-line through the ALSA website or through your agent, S-cape Travel. Departure from Bérchules From Berchules, there are direct buses to Granada twice a day. The journey takes 3,5 hrs. There is also a bus to Granada from Pitres, but you will first need a taxi to Pitres. Another option is to travel from Berchules to Cadiar and then take a bus to Granada. If you re flying out of Granada airport (GRX) you can use public transport to get from Granada city centre to the airport. If you re flying out of Málaga airport (AGP) there direct services from Granada to Málaga airport (also via Málaga city centre). Travel time is about 2h15. GPS tracks are available on request.

5 Included Included Accommodation on a half-board basis Luggage transport on days 3, 4 and 6 Trip notes with detailed route descriptions and maps Not Included Lunches Transport to first and from last accommodation Transfers using public transport Optional Services Extra night(s) in Granada can be booked separately We recommend booking an extra night in Bérchules at our very nice hotel with British/Spanish owners