Trip Overview
Meandering over the semi-tropical southern flank of the Sierra Nevada,
this moderate trek combines relatively low altitude with delightful
high mountain vistas. The villages in the Alpujarras are characterised
by ancient Moorish traditions found nowhere else in Spain - flat-roofed
houses reminiscent of those found in the Atlas Mountains.
From Malaga we take a winding road up to our trailhead village of
Bubion (1430m), one of a trio of villages teetering on the edge of
the dramatic Poqueira Gorge. From here we begin our 9-day trek along
the 'high route' linking scores of delightful villages. We follow
vestiges of the Camino Real (Royal Way) - old walled trails and mule
paths that were the only access to these mountain villages. We criss-cross
acequias (irrigation canals) to walk through the best country in the
Sierra.
Traversing flower-filled meadows, maquis and pine-scented forests,
we chance upon a scattering of small hamlets and overnight in Busquistar,
Castaras and Juviles. Our main goal is the remote village of Trevelez
(1460m), the highest in Spain, situated at the end of a grand ravine
beneath soaring Mount Mulhacen (3482m). Spread out above us is the
rocky massif of the Sierra Nevada and we plan day walks to enjoy the
spectacular setting. There is also the chance of a demanding hike
up to the peak of Piedra Ventana (2536m).
Trekking graded moderate. Most of our time is spent walking on the
upper slopes of the Alpujarras - summer temperatures can be high but
are more comfortable than at lower altitudes.
Day 1 - Join tour Malaga. Arrive and
check-in at hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore Malaga.
Overnight hostal and breakfast. H+.
Day 2 -Drive to Bubion. We depart Malaga and head towards the
Sierra Nevada. After driving a short distance, the commercial
bustle of life along the coast is replaced by a more traditional
aspect of Spain. Leaving the main roads, we enter a world of typically
Andalucian villages with white-washed stone buildings draped with
vines, bougainvillaea, geraniums and drying
red peppers. After driving past several such communities we arrive
at Bubion. 2 nights hostal and breakfast. H+.
Day 3 - In Bubion. A day to relax and wind-down. You may choose
to spend the day in the village itself, with its narrow white-walled
streets. However, we recommend a walk down the dramatic Poqueira
Gorge, perhaps exploring the nearby villages of Capiliera and
Pampineira with a chance to take a dip in a nearby river.
Day 4 - Walk via Portugos to Busquistar. Today we begin our trek.
Our route takes us around the flanks of the Alpujarras, the name
given to the southern valleys of the Sierra Nevada. Many of our
walks in the region follow the old ‘caminos reales’,
tracks which have been used for centuries by drovers. Each path
is wide enough for a laden mule to pass in each direction, though
some have fallen into disrepair and have become overgrown. In
the morning we walk to the village of Portugos. There is little
to do here except just to sit in the square and watch local life,
or enjoy the views across the valley. We continue to the nearby
village of Busquistar, where we settle into our simple accommodation.
The village is often called ‘the Hidden Garden’ because
of its rich soil and wealth of produce. Further optional walks
can be made during the afternoon. 4 hours walking. 2 nights village
house and breakfast. L+.
Day 5 - In Busquistar. We make a day walk down into the Trevélez
valley to several ‘lost’ villages like Mecina Fondales
and Ferreirola. Such villages once
supported thriving communities, but over theyears their inhabitants
have moved away to the cities, leaving the narrow alleyways almost
deserted. During the walk, we follow the course of one of many
acequias which crisscross the region. These irrigation channels,
like so much of the architecture in this area,
remind us that for several hundred years the Moors ruled this
land. Those who have travelled to Morocco’s Atlas mountains
will be surprised at the similarities to the Alpujarras, the last
of the Moorish empire to fall in Spain. We spend the day walking
through the villages, perhaps taking a picnic lunch to enjoy enroute.
5 hours walking.
Day 6 -Walk to Castaras. We set out on one of our most demanding
days so far, walking down into the Trevélez Valley. After
crossing the river, we make the
steep ascent up a well-graded 'camino real' on the other side
of the valley – well worth it for the views, looking back
north, of the entire Sierra Nevada. Continuing along quiet roads
and paths, we make for Castaras. This small
village is rarely visited and our accommodation is simple and
basic. From here, further walks are again left optional for this
afternoon. 4 hours walking. Overnight pension with limited facilities
and breakfast. L+.
Day 7 - Walk to Juviles. A relatively short distance is covered
today, as we make our way up the shady valley of the Fuente Medina
to the small hamlet of
Juviles, our next night-stop. Here the road through the village
acts as the main square, where the inhabitants while away an hour
or so. From our pension we can sit and enjoy a glass of wine and
watch this absorbing scene. In the afternoon we make a pleasant
optional walk down to the villages of Nieles and Timar through
almond, fig, and olive groves. We follow the valley round the
rocky outcrop known as the fort and climb back to Juviles via
an impressive gorge. Alternatively, depending on local conditions
we take a walk along the crest of the hill to El Fuerta. 4 hours
walking. Overnight pension and breakfast. H+.
Day 8 - Walk to Trevélez. A long morning’s walk takes
us across the scrub and gorse high above Juviles flanking Mount
Penabon, with our first views of Mount
Mulhacen in the distance, before dropping down through forest
to mainland Spain’s highest village, Trevélez. The
scenery becomes more dramatic and rugged, the village itself nestling
deep in the mountain folds. We arrive in time to explore this
picturesque community. 4/5 hours walking. 3 nights hotel and breakfast.
H+.
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Days 9 & 10 - Exploring Trevélez area
Two days are left free to hike, relax or wander around Trevélez,
the highest village in Spain with a superb aspect looking south.
Red peppers and geraniums decorate the balconies of the white-washed
houses. The town is famous for its cured hams and woven blankets.
You may wish to take a relaxing walk along the Trevélez
river, perhaps taking a
picnic lunch and stopping in one of the shady meadows next to
the stream. On our second day, a more demanding ascent of Piedra
Ventana Peak (2534m), situated above the rocky outcrop of Penabon,
can be attempted by fit and keen walkers (6/8 hours). There is
also an opportunity for optional horse rides into the surrounding
country side.
Day 11 - Walk to Bubion. Leaving Trevélez in the morning,
we follow apath through pleasant scenery, high above the villages
of Busquistar, Pitres and
Portugos, perhaps stopping en route for a picnic lunch near a
waterfall in La Chorrera gorge, where we are able to look back
and follow our route of the last eight days. In the afternoon
we continue around the large mountain spur which divides the Trevélez
and Poqueira valleys and return to Bubion, perhaps the most picturesque
village in the Alpujarras. We arrive and check in to ourhotel.
5/6 hours walking. 2 nights hostal and breakfast. H+.
Day 12 - In Bubion, optional ascent of Mulhacen Bubion is a charming
village with a choice of various walks and the possibility of
horse riding. However, those who wish to, can make the optional
walk to the summit of Mulhacen, the highest mountain on the Spanish
mainland at 3482m. This involves a journey by vehicle that takes
us high up on a winding track – with spectacular views of
the whole of the Alpujarras – to the start point of our
trail. From here, the walk is very steep in places, over desolate
and dramatic terrain, so good footwear is essential. At the top
of the mountain, it is said that the bones of an old Moorish King
are buried. The views from the summit are simply stunning (3/4
hours
walking). After a picnic lunch you will have the opportunity to
relax and enjoy the tranquillity. Returning to Bubion by road,
we have our last meal (perhaps on a terrace overlooking the valley)
before leaving the sleepy world of the Alpujarras.
Day 13 - Drive to Granada Today we take a bus to the famous Andalucian
city of Granada. The word ‘Al Andalus’, which is probably
derived from Arabic, was the name for the part of the Iberian
peninsula under Islamic control for some 800 years. Moorish traditions
are retained everywhere in Granada, one of
Spain's most beautiful cities. Our morning orientation walk around
the city will indicate the main points of interest including the
Albaicin, the old artisans’ quarter, where many Moorish
traditions are retained, giving the area its characteristic look
of white walls and narrow streets. From its highest point,
there are spectacular views across to the Alhambra and Generalife,
with the Sierra Nevada as a backdrop. 2 nights hostal and breakfast.
H+.
Day 14 - In Granada. A major highlight is a visit to the magnificent
Alhambra Palace and the Generalife gardens. In 1239 Muhammad al-Ahmar,
founder of the Nasrid dynasty and Sultan of Granada, began work
on this, the finest example of Moorish architecture outside the
Arab world. The fabulous decoration in stucco, both inside and
outside the buildings, reveals the purest
expression of a sophisticated civilisation just before its decline.
Our visit this morning also includes the Generalife, the summer
residence of the Caliphs, rated among the top ten landscaped gardens
of the world. Here are particularly fine views across the old
city of Granada and the Albaicin. Our afternoon is free to enjoy
at leisure.
Day 15 - Drive to Malaga airport. This morning we drive to Malaga
airport,
where the tour ends.
Look below for departure dates. |
Accommodations
14 nights Hotels, Hostals & Pensions
Meals
14 Breakfasts
Departure Dates
01 May - 15 May
29 May - 12 June
12 June - 26 June
26 June - 10 July
10 July - 24 July
24 July - 07 August
07 August - 21 August
21 August - 04 September
18 September - 02 October
Local payment $160 CAD (100 EUR)
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