Alpujarras Mountain Trek

Alpujarras Mountain Trek

Day 1 Arrival

Your start point on the Alpujarras Mountain Trek is the site of a former Moorish settlement in the lovely village of Capileira.

Check into your hotel and, if time permits, set out to explore the village’s collection of narrow lanes, weaving your way alongside the white-washed houses, picturesque squares, and fountains!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Capileira
Distance: None
Meals: None

Day 2 Through Río Poqueira Valley

Circular walk along the Río Poqueira Valley, from Capileira via Bubion to Pampaneira. Walk through the remains of old farmhouses lost in time, passing ancient threshing circles as you walk among fields that look up at the stunning higher peaks of Sierra Nevada. In Pampaneira, colorful arts&crafts shops along with small cafés make a good rest for half-way.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Capileira
Distance: 7-9km, 385m of ascent, 520m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 From Capileira to Mecina Fondales

Following old paths that connected the Poqueira valley with the small villages of the lower Alpujarras. Walking from one white-washed village to the next enjoying the varied scenery. 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 Location: Hostel in Mecina Fondales
Distance: 8km, 200m of ascent, 520m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 Circular walks from Mecina

South of Mecina, the Trevélez River has carved a deep gorge in the landscape, which you will cross twice today if you opt for the long circular walk. First you descend 200 m to a medieval bridge spanning the gorge, then climb 400 m up to a wooded plateau where the remote cortijo de Panjulia is located. Then you descend via an old main footpath (the so-called escarihuelas) back into the gorge and walk back to the hotel via the village of Ferreirola.
Overnight Location: Hostel in Mecina Fondales
Distance: 12km, 5.5-6km, 850m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 Welcome to the Trevélez Valley

This route takes you through the Trevélez river valley to fantastic vista points. You walk mainly through holm oak woods, reforestation projects, fields and pasture land. South of Mecina, the Trevélez River has carved a deep gorge in the landscape, which you will cross twice today if you opt for the long circular walk. First you descend 200 m to a medieval bridge spanning the gorge, then climb 400 m up to a wooded plateau where the remote cortijo de Panjulia is located. Along the way you can visit the remains of a Mozarabic settlement with a mosque from the 8-11th century via a small detour.

If this route seems too strenuous, you can take a shortcut along the villages that together make up the Taha: a kind of administrative unit that managed the use of the irrigation canals.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Trevélez
Distance: 5.5-7 hours, 12-18km, 1000-1200m of ascent, 530m of descent
Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Day 6 Choice of Walks

Trevélez and the surrounding area are full of breathtaking landscapes. Today you’ll choose from three walks, all setting out from Trevélez.

Option 1:
Hike a spectacular trail high into the Sierra Nevada.

Option 2:
Hike a scenic loop through the beautiful countryside that surrounds Trevélez

Option 3:
Hike along part of the Camino de Granada pilgrim’s trail.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Trevélez
Distance: 5.5-8 hours, 14km-18km, 1400m of ascent, 1400m of descent
Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Day 7 Climb to El Portichuelo

You’ll say farewell to Trevélez this morning as you enjoy a pleasant route through enchanting woods. The final section grants you fantastic views of the African continent (on clear days) as you reach El Portichuelo.

Arrive in Bérchules, from where you will transfer to Granada via public bus.

Important: the public bus timetables are rather inconvenient, therefore we strongly suggest booking a transfer (as an optional extra).
Overnight Location: Hotel in Granada
Distance: 5.5 hours, 16km, 620m of ascent, 880m of decent
Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Day 8 Hike in the Río Grande Valley

If your departure time permits a final hike, enjoy a gorgeous route along the Río Grande Valley this morning! Here, you’ll trace an irrigation channel and stumble across the ruins of a 13th-century Moorish silk washing house, providing you with a glimpse into the fascinating history of the area and its once-booming textile industry.

This afternoon, your Alpujarras Mountain Trek comes to an end. Catch a bus to Granada to depart. Adiós!
Overnight Location: None
Distance: 3 hours, 10km, 170m of ascent, 170m of decent
Meals: Breakfast