Trip code: W07AP 4.5 (6 reviews)
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2 & 2+
Flights
available
17.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
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.
The walks on this holiday are mostly on tracks and dirt roads, with occasional small villages roads. On some days, the routes are isolated and away from villages or main roads, which will grant peace and quiet but will require some care when walking. Boots and walking poles are recommended.
Arrive at your hotel in Berchules where you stay for the first 2 nights.
You stay at Hotel Rural Los Berchules.
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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.
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.
You stay at Hotel Rural Los Berchules.
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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.
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.
You stay at Hotel La Fragua.
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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.
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.
You stay at Finca Los Llanos.
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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.
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.
You stay at Hotel Puerta Nazari.
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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.
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.
You stay at Hotel Alcadima.
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The spa town of Lanjaron is best known for its pure spring water which is considered to be among the best in Spain, and as such has become a destination for physical and mental well-being.
The 3* Hotel Alcadima has been in the Morillas family since 1954, having originally been the popular Piscina Castillo de Lanjaron. This rural accommodation lies among landscaped gardens with stunning views of the remains of a 14th century Islamic castle. Its relaxed environment allows you to enjoy those moment of peace, or if you prefer you can make use of its many facilities including the outdoor swimming pool, indoor heated pool, Turkish bath and sauna.
All rooms feature free Wi-Fi, television, private bathroom with WC, shower/bath and hairdryer.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
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.
Depart after breakfast
These tour prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £122.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
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.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment.
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2 & 2+
Flights
available
17.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
