Granada and the Alpujarras

Granada and the Alpujarras

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8 Days From

$960

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Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the enchanting landscapes of Granada and the Alpujarras in Spain. This self-guided walking tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration and natural beauty, with highlights including the UNESCO-listed Alhambra, ancient Moorish villages, and the stunning Sierra Nevada backdrop. Wander through the picturesque Río Poqueira Valley, ascend to Trevélez, the highest village in the Alpujarras, and discover historical treasures like ancient acequias and Moorish threshing circles. Enjoy 7 nights in charming 2-3 star accommodations, with breakfasts and select dinners included. With luggage transfers and a digital information pack, this tour ensures a seamless and enriching experience. ...more ...less

Highlights

  • Exploring Moorish villages with steep, narrow lanes which cling to the mountainside

  • Walking in beautiful surroundings at high elevations with sweeping views

  • Discovering the fascinating remains of times gone by, including ancient acequias and Moorish threshing circles

  • Being surrounded by diverse Mediterranean vegetation with the snowy peaks of Sierra Nevada as a backdrop

  • Visiting the UNESCO listed Alhambra in Granada

  • Walking through the Río Poqueira Valley and visiting villages like Valle del Rio Poqueira, Bubion, and Pampaneira

  • Ascending to the highest village in the Alpujarras, Trevélez, known for its delicious serrano ham

  • Optional walk through the Río Grande valley and exploring the ruins of a 13th century Moorish silk-washing house

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Arrive Granada

Location: Granada

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Make your own way to the splendid city of Granada and your hotel. Granada is a small and surprisingly cosmopolitan city with an intriguing mix of ancient lanes and modern avenues. You can spend the afternoon and evening exploring the city and sampling the tapas.

Day 2 : In Granada, Free Time To Explore The Alhambra

Location: Granada

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today you are free to explore the city of Granada. We recommend visiting the UNESCO listed Alhambra. This ancient Moorish palace and fortress is fascinating to explore. NOTE: Make sure to pre-book your Alhambra tickets as these do sell out.

Day 3 : Local Bus To Capileira Then Circular Walk Through The Río Poqueira Valley (3 Or 5.5Hrs)

Location: Capileira

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, you will take the local bus to Capileira, the main village of the Alpujarras and situated at an elevation of 1436m. The first bus departs from Granada bus station at 10am, journey time is approx. 2.5 hours (not included, allow approx. EUR6 pp). You carry your luggage with you on the bus.
Enchanting Capileira village displays its 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. This afternoon you have a choice of two walks (3 or 5.5 hours) through the Río Poqueira Valley. Walk through fields and past ancient threshing circles, and via the villages of Valle del Rio Poqueira, Bubion and Pampaneira. There are some steep ascents and descents, with marvellous views rewarding your effort. Overnight in Capileira with dinner at leisure.
3hrs - 6.9km/4.3mi, ascent and descent 350m/1148ft
or 5.5hrs - 9.2km/5.75mi, ascent and descent 560m/1837ft

Day 4 : Walk Through Taha De Pitres Villages And Forests To Mencina-Fondales (3Hrs)

Location: Alpujarras

Accommodation Name: Guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast

Following old paths that connected the Poqueira valley with the small villages of the lower Alpujarras, you'll walk from one white-washed village to the next, enjoying the varied scenery. The landscape changes gradually from an ancient Mediterranean holm oak forest, then pine tree plantations and finally irrigated fields approaching the "Taha" de Pitres; an ancient water council centre which dates back to Moorish times.
Overnight in Mencina-Fondales. Own dinner arrangements.
7.9km/4.9mi, ascent 200m/656ft, descent 520m/1706ft

Day 5 : Ascend To The Highest Village In The Alpujarras, Trevélez (7Hrs)

Location: Trevélez

Accommodation Name: Guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today's route takes you through the Trevélez River Valley and past villages including Ferreirola and Atalbéitar. It's a long but scenic route, not too difficult and quite entertaining. You will follow a long distance path to the highest village in the Alpujarras (at 1486m) and home of the delicious serrano ham - enjoy tasting it as you relax after a nice day's walk!
17.8km/11.2mi, ascent 1050m/3445ft, descent 530m/1739ft
Option to shorten with a transfer (with the luggage transfer service) to Pórtugos (4.6km and 300m ascent less) or Busquístar (2km and 120m descent less).

Day 6 : Choice Of Walks From Trevélez Including A Short Walk Along The Camino De Granada (3.5-8Hrs)

Location: Sierra Nevada

Accommodation Name: Guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Choose from 3 walking routes: a spectacular longer walk high into the Sierra Nevada; a circular route enjoying the beautiful area around Trevélez; or a shorter walk along the historic Camino de Granada. Pass tiny villages of the Sierra Nevada en route.
5.5hours - 14km/8.7mi, ascent/descent 500m/1640ft
or 3.5-6hrs - 12-17km/7-5-10.5mi, ascent/descent 285-550m/935-1805ft
or max 8hrs - 18km/11.2mi, ascent/descent 1400m/4593ft

Day 7 : Ascend El Portichuelo And Continue To Bérchules (5.5Hrs)

Location: Bérchules

Accommodation Name: Guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

A pleasant route today will take you through shady woodlands along narrow paths to higher elevations which offer sweeping views of your surroundings. In clear weather you can see Africa from El Portichuelo, the highest point on this route. Overnight in Berchules.
15.6km/9.75mi, ascent 620m/2034ft, descent 880m/2887ft

Day 8 : Optional Walk Through The Río Grande Valley (3Hrs), Return To Granada By Local Bus

Location: Granada

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your trip concludes today. To return to Granada you either take the morning bus (departs Berchules at 5:45am), or there is an optional walk (3hrs) through the Rio Grande Valley north of Berchules, where you follow an acequia (irrigation channel) and pass the ruins of a 13th century Moorish silk-washing house. If you choose to do the walk, you take the afternoon bus (departs 5:00pm) to Granada.
The bus takes approx. 4hrs (not included, allow EUR10 pp) and you take your luggage with you on the bus. We can assist with booking accommodation in Granada on request.
Optional walk 9.5km/5.9mi, ascent/descent 170m/558ft
(bus times are subject to change)

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    7 nights in 2-3 star hotels and charming guesthouses

  • 7 breakfasts, 3 dinners

    Enjoy 7 breakfasts and 3 dinners included in your tour package.

  • 7 nights accommodation in 2-3 star hotels and charming guesthouses

    Stay in 2-3 star hotels and charming guesthouses on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities for 7 nights.

  • Digital information pack

    Receive a digital information pack including a smartphone app with maps and routebook, and GPS tracks.

  • Luggage transfers on days 4, 5, and 7

    Luggage transfers are provided on days 4, 5, and 7, with a maximum of 1 piece weighing up to 20kg. A supplement applies for excess luggage.

  • Emergency hotline

    Access to an emergency hotline is included for your safety and convenience.

What's Not Included

  • Travel to and from Granada

    Travel to and from Granada is not included in the tour package.

  • Meals not listed as included, drinks

    Meals not listed as included and drinks are not covered in the tour package.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is mandatory but not included in the tour package.

  • Guide

    This is a self-guided walking holiday, so a guide is not included.

  • A supplement for solo travelers or single rooms

    A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.

  • Entrance fees not listed as included

    Entrance fees not listed as included in the itinerary are not covered.

  • Local transport

    Local transport, including from Granada to Capileira and from Berchules to Granada, is not included.

  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage

    Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage are not included.

  • Excess luggage

    A supplement applies for excess luggage beyond the included 1 piece weighing up to 20kg.

  • Hotel taxes if applicable

    Hotel taxes, if applicable, are payable directly to the hotel and are not included.

  • Items of a personal nature

    Items of a personal nature are not included in the tour package.

Grading

GRADE 3 - This is a self guided walk with average daily stages of 2.5 to 7 hours. The trip is graded moderate as it is mainly on wide unsurfaced tracks, footpaths or animal trails, with the occasional section on surfaced tracks or tarmac roads. Although sometimes the ascents are several kilometres long, they are gradual and technically easy. The use of walking sticks is recommended. A reasonable level of fitness is required. As with all of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, and jogging, two to three times a week for three months prior to your departure. ...more ...less

What You Carry

You only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, phone etc.

Mode of Transport

Travel includes local buses from Granada to Capileira and from Berchules to Granada, with luggage transfers on days 4, 5, and 7.

Accommodation

Enjoy 7 nights of accommodation in 2-3 star hotels and charming guesthouses, all on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes 7 nights of accommodation in 2-3 star hotels and charming guesthouses, all on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour package includes 7 breakfasts and 3 dinners.

  • Is luggage transfer provided during the tour?

    Yes, luggage transfers are provided on days 4, 5, and 7, with a maximum of 1 piece weighing up to 20kg. A supplement applies for excess luggage.

  • Is there an emergency contact available during the tour?

    Yes, access to an emergency hotline is included for your safety and convenience.

  • Do I need to carry my luggage during the walks?

    No, you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, and phone.

  • Is the tour guided or self-guided?

    This is a self-guided walking holiday, so a guide is not included.

  • What kind of digital support is provided during the tour?

    You will receive a digital information pack including a smartphone app with maps and routebook, and GPS tracks.

  • What is the difficulty level of the tour?

    The tour is graded as moderate. It involves walking on wide unsurfaced tracks, footpaths, or animal trails, with occasional sections on surfaced tracks or tarmac roads. Although some ascents are several kilometers long, they are gradual and technically easy. A reasonable level of fitness is required.

  • What should I do if I need to skip a stage of the walk?

    Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage are not included in the tour package, so you would need to arrange these yourself.

  • Are entrance fees included in the tour package?

    Entrance fees not listed as included in the itinerary are not covered in the tour package.

  • How fit do I have to be?

    Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.

  • What happens if something goes wrong?

    On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.

  • I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?

    Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

G. Koczberski(Bicton, Australia)  

Granada and the Alpujarras

17 Oct 2023

Very interesting Moorish history.

E. Árnadóttir(Mosfellsbær, Iceland)  

Granada and the Alpujarras

1 Oct 2024

We loved to stay in Granada.

Andrew Greaves(Brighton, United Kingdom)  

Granada and the Alpujarras

27 Sep 2022

Well chosen hotels. Everyone has been very friendly and helpful. Walking guides were clear. The app was great and essential. I would recommend you to others.

J. McClory(Edinburgh, United Kingdom)  

Granada and the Alpujarras

13 Apr 2024

This trip has been thoughtfully developed around range of walks and location, making for an interesting experience of these wonderful mountain villages. The route information was very clear, with different options identified for some stages. The hotels all provided comfortable accommodation and our specific requests for vegetarian meals had been clearly communicated. Helpful local information re shops, restaurants etc all very helpful. A well organised trip for keen walkers in a lovely part of Andalusia. ...more ...less

N. Boydell(Highgate, Australia)  

Granada and the Alpujarras

17 Oct 2023

A fantastic walk through beautiful countryside and lovely villages. The accommodation and food was great. There were a few challenging days but that added to the enjoyment.

N. Macleod(Edgecliff, Australia)  

Granada and the Alpujarras

3 Dec 2024

Walking Granada and in Las Alpujarras was an amazing walk, in beautiful autumn weather. The region and its villages was fascinating, the accommodation and food commendable. We had a glitch with bus travel to the first village, but on the whole, everything went very well. I would recommend this walk. ...more ...less

G. Hession(Cherrybrook, Australia)  

Granada and the Alpujarras

21 Sep 2023

The walk was spectacular. There were a few short challenging sections but otherwise a comfortable walk if you are fit. The hotel accommodation was lovely and the hosts were all aware of baggage transfers and were a good source of information. The breakfasts and dinners were outstanding. Would definitely recommend this walk. The app and printed walk guides were great and we had no issues on the trails. ...more ...less

C. Sorensen(Allawah, Australia)  

Granada and the Alpujarras

17 Jun 2022

A very good walking holiday getting to experience the pueblos blancos. Amazing so much Berber influence has survived to this day. Excellent accommodation and the trip notes were essential for navigation though occasionally difficult to interpret. All in all a great trip and Granada & the Alhambra were also highlights. ...more ...less

D. Rosengren(Boulder, United States)  

Granada and the Alpujarras

13 Apr 2023

The Andalusian culture and villages are quite engaging. All of the inns were very nice and accommodating. However the walk itself was somewhat underwhelming, with some uninteresting portions. Additionally the walk directions/guidance was sometimes not very clear. That said... we enjoyed the trip. ...more ...less

W. Osterweil(Philadelphia, United States)  

Granada and the Alpujarras

24 Oct 2023

The Alpujarras Mountains hikes are very challenging with steep up and downs, sometimes gravel or rock trails that can be narrow. It was extremely hot when we were there in October, over 90 degrees F so that was hard too. The terrain is arid, as if it hasn't rained in months. The views though are breathtaking. This hike was rated moderate but I would rate it strenuous. The navigation app was very helpful. The prep, notes and arrangements at the various inns worked very well. All accommodations along the hikes were lovely as are the people who run them and their staff. ...more ...less

Read all 13 reviews

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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Granada and the Alpujarras

8 Days Starting and ending in Granada, Spain

Visiting: Granada, Capileira, Alpujarras, Trevélez, Sierra Nevada, Bérchules

Tour operator:

UTracks

Tour code:

UAT

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

moderate

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $960 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 22-Feb-2025 but subject to change.