The Alpujarra (Sierra Nevada Mountains)

You arrive at the historical city centre where you will find your hotel. At night you can try the famous “tapas” and perhaps discover some traditional flamenco.

After breakfast why not visit Granada historical centre or the famous palaces and gardens of the Alhambra. At midday, you will be collected at your hotel by a taxi who will take you into the charming village of Pampaneira where you shall start your walk. Pampaneira is situated in the spectacular Poqueira valley. You start walking through the gorge of Barranco de Poqueira to the village of Bubión, where you then ascend to 1600 meters. You will then come across beautiful views over the gorge and the high snowed capped mountains of the Sierra Nevada. You continue walking to Pitres, where you can have a drink before continuing to the authentic village of Mecina where you will stay in a hotel with a swimming pool. You will find some bar-restaurants nearby for dinner.

Today you take a local circular walk to the other side of the river, there is around 620m of elevation as you climb and drop down to the river a few times however as you climb you shall get striking views of the surrounding canyon, several white villages and the high peaks of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Today you walk to your next destination, Trevélez. You will pass through an oak forest, accompanied by the alluring scent of thyme, oregano and lavender. Trevélez lies at the foot of the Mulhacén and this village is the highest of Spain (1478 m) and famous for its cured ham (jamón Serrano).

Leaving Trevelez you will take the GR-trail and walk through the forest which gives you views over Trevelez. You can then decide to take the walk that includes a climb (1900-2000m at the highest point) or walk down towards the village of Juviles. You can then continue onto the village of Berchules.

You take the GR7-trail to Mecina, crossing the green “Barranco” (gorge) on an old path between both villages. In Mecina you can have a drink or buy something to eat before continuing on the trail to Montenegro and Yegen. You will pass the small village El Golco and will see how the landscape changes as you walk on towards Yegen.

You can do one of the small circular walks from the village or do them both!

1) Trail “Walk of the Health” 4 km Sendero de la Salud a walk which climbs to the Fountain of the Health and head back to Yegen through a beautiful gorge bordered by huge chestnut trees.

2) Brenan Trail (Sendero de Brenan): an agreeable stroll that was a favourite of the famous English writer, once a resident of Yegen (it takes about 1.5 hours). Walking through olive and almond groves, and visiting the ancient fortress at Peñon del Fuerte, we enjoy views over a fairytale lunar landscape, to return to Yegen climbing along an old trail which ends at an interesting old fountain and wash-stone.

Early in the morning or in the afternoon you head back to Granada by bus, which costs about 12 €, and takes around three hours. At Granada bus station you can take the bus to Malaga, you can check times at www.alsa.es.  Make the most of the ride to enjoy scenery unique in Europe as you wind through the mountains. Bus times should always be checked locally in case of changes.