HEART OF THE ALPUJARRAS WALK (FURTHER DETAILS)

General information:
2 Boot level, independant walking holiday.

Most of your walking is along the hillsides at between 900m and 1400m giving glorious long-distance views.

Location:
This holiday is set in the little known Alpujarras, by the southern foothills of the Sierra Nevada range about 30km inland from the sea and mid-way between Granada and Almería. The Alpujarras were called the ‘Switzerland of Spain’ by the nineteenth century traveller and writer Richard Ford, and the scenery is dramatic in every sense.

Whenever you choose to walk you will enjoy the unspoilt nature of the area. In January the skies are clear blue, in February the almond blossom contrasts with the mountainsides and from March onwards there is a riot of wild flowers. After September there are lovely autumn colours and the figs and grapes ripen.

The area was the last stronghold of the Moors in Spain prior to their expulsion and their lasting influence can be seen in the architecture of the tiny whitewashed villages clinging to the hillsides, in the complex irrigation systems and in the place names.

Who would this holiday appeal to?
Independent minded walkers who are looking to get completely away from it all. People who appreciate the quiet tranquillity of rural life and who are happy to relax at the end of the day with a bottle of wine, rather than wanting smart hotels and restaurants. If people speak a little Spanish, so much the better.

Similar to which other holidays?
The walking is similar to Zuheros.

Possibility of non-standard departures?
This is a Tour Only holiday, transfers to tie in with flight arrivals can usually be arranged, prices on request-all transfers required must be requested and paid for at the time of booking.

Other details:
Walking on stony paths, mule tracks and unsurfaced roads. With open hillsides above 1000m and a lack of shade, the heat can make this holiday more tiring than the distances might suggest.