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Spain : Andalucia

Walking the White Villages of the Alpujarras

Trip code: W07AP 4.8 (4 reviews)

Self-guided walking

7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 2 & 2+

Flights
available

17.0Kg CO2e

Headwater
Navigation App

10% early booking discount on selected trips. Book by 22 Oct 2024.

SUMMARY

  • Enjoy undisturbed walking stretching from high peaks of the Sierra Nevada to the shimmering Mediterranean below
  • Following the GR7 you'll discover one of the most wild and undiscovered mountain ranges in Spain
  • Add extra nights in the fascinating city of Granada with world-famous Moorish Palace & Gardens

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

  • 7 nights accommodation
  • All breakfasts and evening meals
  • Headwater navigation app
  • Luggage transfers between hotels

TRIP DESCRIPTION

The Alpujarra is one of the most wild and undiscovered mountain ranges of Spain, stretching from the highest peaks of the Sierra Nevada to the Mediterranean below. Life has changed little since the Moors first cultivated the terraces many centuries ago. You may observe farmers tending the land with their mules, or perhaps local women washing clothes in the village springs or shelling almonds by hand.

The tiny, whitewashed villages, which cling precariously to the mountainsides, are linked by the ancient Camino Real (or GR7). On this route, you will walk through shady olive and almond groves and cross tiny mountain springs with snow-capped mountains above and the distant Mediterranean in view. Whatever the season, there is plenty to relish: the spectacular almond blossom of February and March, the pretty wildflowers of late spring and early summer, or the vibrant colours and fruits of autumn (when you will be able to pick almonds, wild figs, mulberries and grapes along the way). Apart from an occasional shepherd tending his herds, your walk will be undisturbed and blissfully at peace. Granada, with its famous Alhambra Palace- a reminder of the Moorish influence on the region - provides a great cultural extension to your walking holiday.

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DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

 

Day 1: Arrive in Berchules

Arrive at your hotel in Berchules where you stay for the first 2 nights.

You stay at Hotel Rural Los Berchules.

hotel details

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Hotel Rural Los Berchules, Berchules

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV


The family run Hotel Rural Los Berchules offers great hospitality and a great access to Southern Spain. Located on the outskirts of the village of Bérchules, at an altitude of 1320m, the hotel is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery making it the ideal location from which to explore the Alpujarras. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere created by the warm welcome of its staff. The pinewood panelled lounge/bar overlooks the valley with views of the mountains and sea beyond, while the established gardens feature a lovely outdoor seasonal pool. Food is mainly regional, serving hearty traditional home-cooked meals.

All rooms feature free Wi-Fi, television, telephone and private bathroom with WC, shower/bath and hairdryer.

Extra nights: Please contact us for details.

Day 2: Yegen to Berchules (14km/8.7mi)

You will be transferred to the start of your walk in Yegen after breakfast. A wonderful and diverse walk, leading you from the cultivated terraces down to the sculpted shapes of desert-like bad-lands, then up again to craggy alpine valleys. This is magical and wild territory with striking rock formations and many bird-watching opportunities. Look out for bee-eaters, rollers, hoopoes and Bonelli eagles at the right time of year. After climbing to the pine forests above Berchules, come down the ancient track that used to be the old silk-trading route, connecting the Alpujarra with Granada.

elevation

You stay at Hotel Rural Los Berchules.

hotel details



Hotel Rural Los Berchules, Berchules

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV


The family run Hotel Rural Los Berchules offers great hospitality and a great access to Southern Spain. Located on the outskirts of the village of Bérchules, at an altitude of 1320m, the hotel is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery making it the ideal location from which to explore the Alpujarras. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere created by the warm welcome of its staff. The pinewood panelled lounge/bar overlooks the valley with views of the mountains and sea beyond, while the established gardens feature a lovely outdoor seasonal pool. Food is mainly regional, serving hearty traditional home-cooked meals.

All rooms feature free Wi-Fi, television, telephone and private bathroom with WC, shower/bath and hairdryer.

Extra nights: Please contact us for details.

Day 3: Berchules to Trevelez (16km/9.9mi)

Start todays walk through the narrow streets of Berchules before climbing steeply out of the village to the highest point of the trek. Enjoy the foothills of Mulhacen, the highest mountain in Spain, dropping down to the steep-sided rugged valley of Trevelez, famous for its air-dried ham and artisanal shops.

elevation

You stay at Hotel La Fragua.

hotel details



Hotel La Fragua, Trevelez

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV


Hotel La Fragua preserves the façade of its 18th century building, with panoramic views to the south of the valley, where the Trevélez river and the Chico River converge. Situated in the village of Trevelez, known within the region for being the highest village in Spain. Their charming restaurant serves typical Alpujarra cuisine and tasty Mediterranean dishes. Rooms are comfortable and bright, decorated in the traditional style of the Alpujarra mountains.

All rooms feature free Wi-Fi, television, telephone and private bathroom with WC, shower/bath and hairdryer.

Extra nights: Please contact us for details.

Day 4: Trevelez to Capileira (18km/11.2mi or 20km/12.4mi)

A pleasant walk from Trevelez to the beautiful village of Capileira. Either take the low-level tranquil and contouring Pista Forestal, with good views of the surrounding area and the high mountains, or the high-level Sulayr path on the southern flank of the Sierra Nevada. This is a wonderful walk with a high mountain feel and great views over the sea, and if you are lucky, the Atlas Mountains in the distance.

elevation

You stay at Finca Los Llanos.

hotel details



Finca Los Llanos, Capileira

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Safe


Sat above the Poqueria River at an altitude of 1436m, the 3* Finca Los Llanos is located in the ancient town on Capileira. Established in 1990, it is known for its excellent customer service and beautiful location in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range. Chef Gloria serves typical Alpujarran produce including Serrano ham from Trevelez, goats’ cheese from the cottages of Busquistar and the local sweetmeats of Pampaneira with wine to compliment from the Contraviesa.

All rooms feature free Wi-Fi, television, telephone, safe, minibar, and private bathroom with WC, shower/bath and hairdryer.

Extra nights: Please contact us for details.

Day 5: Capileira to Pampaneira (Orgiva) (5km/3.1mi)

Today’s walk you will take you to the charming white villages of Capileira, Bubion and Pampaneira. The paths are well marked passing cherry, walnut and fig trees as well as goats clattering their bells below you. From Pampaneira you will be transferred to Orgiva where you stay overnight.

elevation

You stay at Hotel Puerta Nazari.

hotel details



Hotel Puerta Nazari, Orgiva

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi


Situated in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, Orgiva is a tranquil town surrounded by orange groves, olive and almond trees. Featuring 21 rooms with bright interior, the 2* Hotel Puerta Nazari is ideally located for exploring the surrounding area. Enjoy authentic flavours of the region including the Alpujarreño Plate.

All rooms feature free Wi-Fi, television, A/C, private bathroom with WC, shower/bath and hairdryer. Rooms either have a balcony or terrace with pleasant views of the La Alpujarra Granadina.

Extra nights: Please contact us for details.

Day 6: Orgiva to Lanjaron (9km/5.6mi or 20km/12.4mi)

Leaving Orgiva, follow the riverbank of the Rio Sucio before climbing the slopes of a green valley to reach the high point where the GR7 and GR142 paths meet. Here there is a detour for an extensive view over Orgiva and the Guadalfeo valley up to Canar to the north-east, the route is then downhill on tracks, with viewpoints overlooking Lanjaron, and the the Embalse de Benar reservoir.

Alternatively, there is a varied, sometimes challenging route taking you from the riverbanks of the Rio Chico at Orgiva to the Mirador overlooking the town, then steeply up to visit the pretty villages of Carataunas and Soportujar with their fascinating sculptures. Enjoy wonderful views as the route is high above the valley. Wind your way to the Canar Mirador and fountains before descending via paths with views of Lanjaron in the distance.

elevation

Day 7: Walks around Lanjaron (14km/8.7mi or 7km/4.3mi)

Lanjaron Circular

This circular walk dips down to the river valley to the south before climbing to a ridge, providing fantastic panoramic views. To the north is countryside with scattered corijos and houses with their olive and fruit trees together with fantastic views of Lanjaron. At the end of the walk there is the opportunity to visit the castle. Standing on a rocky prominence above the Lanjaron river valley, it was built by the Moors between the thirteenth and sixteenth century.

Lanjaron Acequia Aceituno to Cecarta

A lovely walk through the narrow streets of Hondilla and up via paths and tracks into the wooded Rio de Lanjaron valley. The walking along the acequias is easy with an unexpected airy section at the beginning. The Huerta de las Monjas is a pleasant place to rest before returning to Lanjaron via another acequia and descending more steeply to the town centre.

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Day 8: Departure

Depart after breakfast

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These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £120.

We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.

TRAVEL DETAILS

If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Almeria airport. We can provide transfers from the airport, please contact us for details and prices.

We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.

Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.

OPTIONAL UPGRADES
  • Flights from London or any available regional airport*
  • Airport parking and airport hotels
  • Priority at Security and Fast Track
  • Airport lounge access
  • Priority boarding and extra leg-room seats
  • Business/club/first class fares

Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment. *Unfortunately, due to the airline themselves we are unable to book Ryanair.

REVIEWS

Excellently designed holiday and very good hotels.

A Valued Customer, 12 Sep 2024

 

This was our first hotel-to-hotel for many years, and apart from an issue with the pick-up things ran pretty smoothly. The walking days were quite long, and at times we were glad we had purchased a walking map. We hardly saw a soul for hours at a time so great if you like peace and quiet.









A Valued Customer, 10 Sep 2024

 

I think that Headwater had the daily physical scoping of the Alpujarras trek, and the supporting hotel accommodation to allow the trek to happen, pitched just right. I think that Headwater showed good evaluative judgement on both aspects.

Joe Pidgeon, 19 Mar 2024

 

This was a fabulous holiday. We enjoyed every bit of it.

Julie Winkler, 19 Oct 2023

 


Self-guided walking

7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 2 & 2+

Flights
available

17.0Kg CO2e

Headwater
Navigation App

7 nights from £649

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE

Call: 01606 720199

 

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