HEART OF THE ALPUJARRAS WALK

We think this is the perfect corner of the Alpujarras for an independent walking holiday. It’s a region of great natural beauty, midway between the Mediterranean coast and the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, and it hardly seems to have changed in centuries.

The walking is relaxed and mostly undemanding, and it’s not too hot as the sun is softened by the gentle breeze coming in from the sea. Much of your route follows the ancient Caminos Reales– a network of centuries-old pathways still used today by farmers and their mules. You walk through spectacular white villages, olive groves, vineyards and hidden cortijos(small holdings) dating back to Moorish times. And, everywhere, there’s the heady mix of lavender, wild herbs and colourful flowers that cloak the hillsides.

The hotels we’ve chosen for this holiday are all run with a personal touch, usually by the owners and their families. One of our favourites is in Bérchules, a charming mountain village in the heart of the Sierra Nevada Nature Reserve. Another is an exquisitely restored farmhouse with a bodega(wine cellar) and an ermita(old chapel – with rooms) set in its own secluded gardens. Most have pools open Jun-Sep inc.

For more infomation about this holiday, including hotel descriptions, travel options and full holiday itinerary, please see our new 'further details' section.