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Holidays

Self-Guided Walking in Las Alpujarras

Spain
6 reviews
Available Departures: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec

8 days from

US$980

without flights
View Dates & Prices
Walk & Trek
Self-Guided
MODERATE MODERATE

Discover the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, visit the UNESCO Alhambra Palace and soak up the culture of Granada

Trip Code: SGLA
Holiday Grades

Our Holiday Grades Explained

To show the relative difficulty of our holidays, each trip is graded on a scale of 1 to 12, with 12 being the most challenging. Although we have tried to make our grading system as clear as possible, it cannot take into account your personal interests, abilities or experience. If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please read the 'Is this holiday for you?' section or contact us.

1 - 3 LEISURELY
1 - 3 LEISURELY

Suitable for most people in good health, holidays at this grade include only limited amounts of activity.

View leisurely holidays
4 - 6 MODERATE
4 - 6 MODERATE

Suitable for reasonably fit individuals, such as weekend walkers and cyclists. There can be the occasional more difficult day.

View moderate holidays
7 - 9 CHALLENGING
7 - 9 CHALLENGING

Physically challenging holidays, where you need to be prepared before you go.

View challenging holidays
10 - 12 TOUGH
10 - 12 TOUGH

Our toughest holidays, involving many long days, often in isolated areas. A high level of fitness and previous wilderness and mountain experience is essential.

View Tough holidays

Self-Guided Walking in Las Alpujarras

Highlights
  • Discover the distinct white washed villages of Las Alpujarras and Sierra Nevada
  • Sample the local delicacies in a quaint bodega
  • Explore the fascinating old quarters of Granada
  • Stay in charming accommodations with swimming pools
At a Glance
  • Self-Guided
  • 5 days walking
  • 1 day sightseeing
  • Friday
  • Saturday
  • and Sunday departures
  • Join In Granada / Ends in Pampaneira
Accommodation & Meals
  • 7 Breakfasts
  • 6 nights Hotel with swimming pool
  • 1 nights Hotel
Overview

Discover the Las Alpujarras nestled in the foothills of Spain’s Sierra Nevada, one of the most stunning National Parks in Europe. Home to Mulhacen (3,479m), Spain’s highest peak, this UNESCO biosphere reserve is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. With hawks, kestrels and golden eagles flying overhead this is a holiday to pack your binoculars on. With the unique combination of Mediterranean climate and altitude, the area hosts an array of flora including fig, cherry and almond trees, and you are bound to fall in love with this lesser known part of Andalucia.

This self-guided walking holiday first explores Granada with its explosion of culture and history before retreating to the hills to explore the rural villages of Trevelez, Busquistar and the three jewels of the Sierra Nevada Pampaneira, Bubion and Capileira. Staying in traditional family run hotels and guesthouses you will soon get to know the locals way of life, where traditional craftsmanship such as handmade ceramic tiles and jarapa rug making are still going strong. Staying in the city of Granada with its magnificent Alhambra Place you will discover the areas fascinating history. Its mix of Arab and Christian rule have influenced the regions architecture and culture, not only in the city but in the Moorish white villages with their flat roofs and distinct chimneys waiting for you to explore.

Is this holiday for you?

This trip is ideal if you love getting away from the crowds, putting on your walking shoes and experiencing a new culture with your friends or family. If you love city sightseeing and retreating to take the path less trodden Self-Guided Walking in Las Alpujarras is just what you are looking for. With walks on tranquil paths of 4-5 hours long and average ascents of 500-600m on well-marked paths …

This trip is ideal if you love getting away from the crowds, putting on your walking shoes and experiencing a new culture with your friends or family. If you love city sightseeing and retreating to take the path less trodden Self-Guided Walking in Las Alpujarras is just what you are looking for. With walks on tranquil paths of 4-5 hours long and average ascents of 500-600m on well-marked paths this trip provides the perfect opportunity to explore rural Spain. Routes are generally rocky under foot and trace the magnificent mountainside on balcony paths, providing fantsatic views into the valleys below for those with a head for heights.

The contrast of staying in the busy city of Granada before heading for the rural traditional style hotels and guesthouses of Trevelez, Pitres and Pampaneira allows you to discover a different side of Spain to that of the busy coast. The advantage of being self-guided, spending 2 nights in each village is that if you would prefer to give your boots a rest and try your hand at one of the local crafts you can.

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Why KE?

Our walks have been specially selected by our local experts to showcase the best of the Las Alpujarras and we have included a night in the fascinating city of Granada, once one of the richest and most influential cities in Europe.

Also included in this trip is a private transfer from Granada to Travelez, and where possible, we've found hotels with pools to help with your post walk unwinding.

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Itinerary

Download Trip Notes

Arrive in Granada and settle in to your hotel in the heart of the city, located next to the Moorish Albayzin Quarter. Depending on your arrival time you may wish to visit the Alhambra Palace and its gardens. We recommend booking your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. Alternatively you may wish to explore the Moorish baths or enjoy a spot of tea in one of the many Tererias. In the evening you will be spoilt for choice for places to dine with Tapas in abundance and the streets filled with the smell of aromatic spices.

Accommodation

Hotel
Hide Details

This morning you will have time to further explore Granada before taking your private transfer (included) to your first stop in the Alpujarras, the traditional village of Trevelez, known for its delicious dry cured Serrano Ham. This white washed village nestled in a beautiful unspoilt valley is your base for the evening staying in a hotel filled with local character. Take time to stroll the steep quaint streets filled with bodegas and shops selling traditional produce.

Accommodation

Hotel with swimming pool

Meals

B
Hide Details

Feeling well rested today you will undertake a circular route above Trevelez. Leaving the village you will ascend to reach a high point of 2000m for picturesque views. Along the way you pass old sheepfolds, farmland and terraces of crops carved neatly into the mountain landscape. Reaching the river from where the farmers irrigate their crops you may be lucky enough to spot local trout sheltering from the flow of the river. Your return route follows the river back to the village for well-earned refreshment in the square and your hotel for the evening. PLEASE NOTE: today's walking route is under re-development; details of the new route will be published shortly.

Accommodation

Hotel with swimming pool

Meals

B

Ascent

500 M

Descent

500 M

Time

5 hours

Distance

14 KM
Hide Details

Today you will make your way to the white washed village of Busquistar along an ancient path which connects the two villages. This beautiful village was originally known as 'el paraiso Escondido de los mozarabes', translated to 'the hidden paradise of the Mozarabic'. Following a balcony path you will say goodbye to Trevelez and head east gradually descending to your goal, Busquistar accompanied by stunning views of the valley and Trevelez. The route was once a trading path between the villages but today is part of the long-distance GR7 trail from Greece to Spain. This is a walk of diversity as you pass through pine forests and green oaks with the scents of thyme, rosemary, oregano and lavender which grow in the area. This unexpected variety of scents at this altitude is owed to the unique Mediterranean climate and altitude of the Las Alpujarras. Arriving in Busquistar you can enjoy a coffee in one of the local cafes before continuing a further 3.5km, through the small hamlet of Atalbeitar to your accommodation in Mecina Fondales. Alternatively, you can shorten todays walk by taking the bus from Busquitar to Mecina Fondales.

Accommodation

Hotel with swimming pool

Meals

B

Ascent

700 M

Descent

1000 M

Time

5-6 hours

Distance

17 KM
Hide Details

Today you have a choice of two picturesque circular routes from your accommodation in Mecina Fondales. The first is a shorter option which will take you to three pretty villages: Fondales, Pitres and Ferreirola with its photogenic fountain and old washhouse in the church square. Along the way you will pass orchards and giant cacti and under the shade of the trees a unique fizzy water fountain. The second is a longer option taking you across the river to ascend the other side of the valley. Your hard work is rewarded with spectacular views of the high mountain peaks and pretty villages of the Sierra Nevada; making for a perfect picnic stop.

Accommodation

Hotel with swimming pool

Meals

B

Ascent

620 M

Descent

620 M

Distance

12 KM
Hide Details

After breakfast you will say goodbye to Mecina Fondales and make your way to the beautiful valley of Poqueira where the villages of Pampaneira, Bubion and Capileira lay. Here tradition remains at the heart of everyday life with old houses, mills and irrigation channels built by the Moors feeding the crops and the production of ceramics and colourful traditional rugs. Your route will take you through holm oak forests and Mediterranean landscapes set against the stark contrast of the snow-capped Veleta in the distance standing proud at 3,391m. Depending on your arrival you may have time to cool off in the swimming pool at your accommodation in the heart of Pampaneira before going for dinner in a local restaurant.

Accommodation

Hotel with swimming pool

Meals

B

Ascent

620 M

Descent

300 M

Time

3 hours

Distance

8 KM
Hide Details

Your final day walking will explore the picturesque Poqueira Valley and its three whitewashed villages which lace the mountainside. The villages famed for their distinctive white washed houses with flat roofs and unusual chimneys are in abundance with crafts and cafes along the way. Your route will wind through theses vibrant villages all the while with the often snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada massif dominating the skyline before returning to Pampaneira for your final nights stay in this beautiful area.

Accommodation

Hotel with swimming pool

Meals

B

Ascent

600 M

Descent

600 M

Time

4-5 hours

Distance

9 KM
Hide Details

Enjoy a final breakfast before your onward journey. A public bus operates 3 times daily from Bubion to Granada; alternatively it is possible to arrange a private transfer to Granada or Malaga.

Meals

B
Hide Details
Download Trip Notes
The Route
Airport Airport
Point Point
Trek
Transfer

Essential Information

We've compiled some of our Frequently Asked Questions to help you learn more about this amazing trip.

  • Private transfer from Granada to Trevelez
  • All accommodation as described
  • Luggage transfers
  • Meals as described in the Meal Plan
  • Self-guided information pack containing your map and route notes

  • Travel insurance
  • Travel to Granada
  • Travel From Pampaneira
  • Local transfers and lifts
  • Visas (if applicable)
  • Tourist Taxes may apply and are usually under 5 Euros per person per night
  • Some meals as described in the Meal Plan (lunches and dinners)
  • Personal equipment
  • Any additional activities/excursions indicated as optional

Each self-guided holiday comes with comprehensive route notes and a map or pocket guidebook of the area you are exploring. The route notes contain information about the places you will visit and the local transport you might need, along with the detailed route notes for your daily walks or cycle rides. We even include some tips for the best places to stop for lunch.

You can expect to receive your Self-Guided Pack containing your route notes, a map or guidebook, and all your relevant documents, no later than 3 weeks before your holiday start-date. We will send your documents using a signed-for courier so that you can track your package and know that it is safely on its way to you. For bookings of more than 4 people we will send an additional Self-Guided Pack. If you do not need this additional pack please inform our Sales Team. Your pack will be sent to the lead booker, so please remind them to pack it before setting off.

Should your self-guided trip be part of a longer adventure requiring you to leave home more than three weeks before your holiday start-date, please inform our Sales Team so that we can make alternative delivery arrangements.

Our Self-Guided Holidays are perfect for your next family holiday and are suitable for children of all ages.

Our partner hotels and accommodations are able to provide cots for young children, and some offer family rooms. We can also arrange hire of children’s bikes and tag along bikes for most of our self-guided cycling trips and with trips such as Lake Constance and the Danube offering routes on designated cycle paths you can rest assured in keeping your family safe.

As a parent we trust that you know your own child’s capabilities, so please read the itinerary details to ensure the distances covered each day are suitable for your family. If this is a first time walking holiday for your family, a centre based trip is a fantastic option as it allows you to easily opt out of a days walking if a day of building sand castles, swimming in the pool or visiting museums is calling instead.

Please discuss this further with our sales team who will be happy to assist in picking the best trip for your family.

The trip starts at your hotel in Granada. All of our self-guided holidays are sold on a land only basis allowing you the flexibility to choose the travel method which best suits you. The nearest airport for this trip is Granada Airport however Malaga Airport is often the best option when travelling from the UK with many departures from regional UK airports.

If you are flying to Malaga Airport you can travel via public transport which will take approximately 2-3 hours with 1 change. From the airport take the shuttle bus to Malaga Bus Station which operates every 20 minutes. From here you take the bus direct to Granada Bus Station. It is possible to book your tickets in advance at www.alsa.es

Alternatively, we offer a private transfer from either Malaga or Granada Airport to your accommodation. Please ask our sales team for a quotation.

This trip is on a bed and breakfast basis to allow you the most flexibility during your holiday.

Water from the taps is perfectly drinkable on this holiday - please use this to fill your personal bottles for your daily activities. We do not encourage the purchase of single-use plastic bottles.

The Las Alpujarras climate and altitude make for a true culinary experience very different from what is deemed as typical Spanish food. You won’t find Paella in abundance here but many hearty soups and stews along with meals such as ‘Chicken in Almond sauce’ a delicacy from the Moors influence. Almonds, chestnuts, olives, peppers, figs and berries feature heavily in cuisines which grow in abundance in the area. The chocolate shop in Pampaneira is well worth a visit to sample the seasonal produce deliciously coated in sumptuous chocolate.

 

Breakfasts in the area are typically continental, often featuring beautiful homemade jams and local honey accompanied by fresh bread and pastries. Lunches can be enjoyed in local cafes or produce can be bought from small grocers and bakeries. A trip to the Las Alpujarras is not complete without a visit to one of the bodega’s to sample the Serrano ham produced in the area washed down with some organic wine of the region. It is certainly recommended after a day walking.

We have hand selected small traditional 2-star and 3 star hotels and guesthouses for this trip to help submerse you in the fascinating culture of this mountainous region of Spain. All have been chosen for their fantastic locations and warm hospitality. And all of our chosen hotels in the mountains now have seasonal swimming pools to help you cool off after a busy day exploring during those warmer summer months.

In Granada you will stay in a highly rated modern 3-star hotel in the heart of the historic city. The hotel is situated at the meeting point of the Albayzin and Realejo neighbourhoods at the foot of Alhambra hill, next to the cathedral making exploring this amazing city an easy task and with restaurants and Tapas bars in abundance; your dining experience will be spoilt for choice!

Please note: For departures during January and February we have arranged for you to stay in a traditional, well equipped apartment in Trevelez, close to the centre to town while our hoteliers enjoy a welcome break themselves.

Your main luggage will be transferred between each of your hotels while you are out walking. We ask that you please ensure that each piece of your luggage is under 20KG and that your luggage is ready for collection in the morning on the day of each hotel change. You will also need a daypack to carry your daily essentials with you whilst you are walking.

Europe

Your passport must meet 2 requirements. It must be:

  • less than 10 years old on the day you enter (check the ‘date of issue’)

  • valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

For the latest details on visiting countries within the EU or the European Economic Area (EEA), please check the UK Government website

The information that we provide is for UK passport holders. A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required, and you should have at least 2 blank pages for each country that you visit.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Please ensure that you check for the latest advice before travel. For the most up to date information on entry requirements, please visit the UK Government website.

Vaccinations

You should contact your doctor or travel clinic to check whether you require any specific vaccinations.

GHIC / Medical cover

UK residents should carry a free Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This entitles you to state provided medical treatment when you're visiting an EU country or Switzerland. This is not a substitute for medical travel insurance which is vital when travelling overseas.

The advantage of a self-guided walking holiday is that you decide the pace however, getting some additional exercise before coming on an active holiday makes a lot of sense. The fitter you are, after all, the more enjoyable your walks will be. You should be comfortable with walking 4 to 5 hours for consecutive days and we recommend getting out hill walking, with some ascent and descent, before your holiday to help boost your fitness.

The Alpujarras have an unusual Mediterranean climate at high altitude which allows for its unique flora and fauna. It also provides warm sunny days almost every day from June through to September with temperatures in July and August reaching up to 30 degrees. However the evening can cool dramatically to a chilly 8 degrees even in the summer months so don’t forget your jumper. Winters are much cooler with snow in the mountain tops and daily temperatures of up to 20 degrees but evening temperatures down to freezing point.

As a reputable tour operator, KE supports the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's ‘Travel Aware’ campaign to enable British citizens to prepare for their journeys overseas. The 'Travel Aware' website provides a single, authoritative source of advice for all kinds of travellers and we recommend that before travel, all KE clients visit the official UK Government website at travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and read the FCDO Travel Advice for their chosen destination. North Americans can also check out the U.S. Department of State website: www.travel.state.gov for essential travel advice and tips.

KE treat the safety and security of all clients as the most important aspect of any trip we organise. We would not run any trip that we did not consider reasonably safe.  Should the FCDO advise against travel for any reason, we will contact everyone booked to travel to discuss the situation.  We receive regular updates directly from the FCDO and are in constant touch with our contacts on the ground.  If you have any questions about government travel advice, please call our office.

KE do not encourage the use of single use plastic items. We are ensuring that our agents all over the world are working together to reduce the problem and educate those around them. We are leading by example in our KE office by reducing our plastic use.

Driving over lemons by Chris Stewart

It is an essential condition of joining a holiday with KE Adventure Travel that you have a valid travel insurance policy to cover the cost of medical treatment and to protect the value of your holiday in the event of cancellation.  When taking out insurance please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary.

For appropriate insurance cover we recommend Campbell Irvine Direct.  Please go to our Travel Insurance page for further information and to get a quote.

  • Hiking boots with good grip soles

  • Functional base layer

  • T-shirts

  • Hat

  • Windproof jacket

  • Fleece / extra layer

  • Long/short hiking trousers

  • Hiking socks

  • Waterproof jacket

  • Waterproof trousers

  • Rucksack (approx. 20 l)

  • Small first aid kit inside your rucksack

  • Sunscreen

  • Water bottle or hydration pack

  • Camera (batteries/memory card)

  • Mobile Phone (ensure your data package covers your destination)

  • Power bank

  • Waterproof phone cover

  • Sun glasses

  • Personal wash kit

  • Reusable cloth bag for shopping to avoid the use of plastic bags

  • Tupperware for picnics

  • Walking poles

  • Headtorch & spare batteries

  • Your self-guided route notes

Many of the equipment items listed above are available from Cotswold Outdoor - our 'Official Recommended Outdoor Retailer'. When you book a holiday with KE you will receive a 12.5% discount with Cotswold Outdoor, Snow+Rock and Runners Need. The discount code can be downloaded from your MyKE account and you can use this code at the checkout, either in store or online.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 from 6 reviews

Beautifully Varied Walking Holiday ★★★★

We started our trip with two extra nights in Granada which was well worth it. We did the Alhambra (need to book in high season), a flamenco evening and took in the ambience of the different parts of the city. We met with our local contact, Sandra, who was a great source of information and advice. Our transfer to Trevelez was by Jose, who was very knowledgeable about the area. We stayed in the sister hotel of La Fragua, I think because we were a late booking, and although we could use the swimm ing pool of the main hotel and the staff were very helpful, it was not as nicely furnished as the main hotel. Our first walk was the "Route to Penabon' as Sandra had advised us that the alternative was too overgrown. This was a steep walk but very rewarding, so a good choice. Transfer of luggage was efficient and the walks for the rest of the holiday were excellent, varied terrain and very picturesque. Be aware though, these are very steep hills. So even though the mileage is not extreme, some of the ascents/descents were. The villages were also beautiful and offered some delightful restaurants to sample the local cuisine (especially the ham!). We were slightly disappointed with the final hotel as the pool had closed for the winter. It only opens July, August and September. but we did have a good sized terrace to relax on and admire the views. All in all, a very good holiday, we felt well supported and would definitely do another self guided holiday with KE.
By Jillian from Halifax | 21 October 2024

Great walks to beautiful villages ★★★★★

A great part of Spain to visit, beautiful country and villages, welcoming but not overly touristy. The walks were well planned - it was good to take the route from Trevelez down to Mecina, rather than the other way as some tours do. We did not receive .gpx files, which would have helped, but the written directions were good. All the hotels were very good, it was nice to have pools. Recommend the vegetarian restaurant in tiny Mecina. The local agent OtrosCaminos were very helpful. Consi der staying on and making the bus-assisted climb of Mulhacen from Capiliera. It is hot walking in summer - best in the early morning and higher up!
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By Sarah from London | 10 September 2024

Great hiking, beautiful part of Spain ★★★★★

Great self-guided trip. In March, when we completed the trip, the trails were quiet. A couple of other walkers at the start of the circuit from Trevelez, but they turned off for the more popular Siete Lagos path after 2km, so the rest of the circuit we saw nobody else other than a farmer on his horse! Other days, we saw no other walkers all day, the exception being the Poqueria circuit on the last day, where we saw three other couples on the trail. In Mecina de Fondales, there is the most amazin g vegetarian restaurant which seems so improbable given how tiny and off the beaten track the village is. I love my meat, but this was one of the best and most enjoyable meals / restaurants I’ve ever been to! The restaurant is tiny and in a ramshackle little house with a real “hippy” vibe to it. It’s just amazing. The hotel in Mecina de Fondales is lovely too, and the owner (Victor) is a fantastic host. I think if you’re a really keen hill-walker, there’s enough difficulty to keep you happy, with some quite vertiginous drops on some of the paths (eg the circuit from Mecina de Fondales). However, the trip can also be done by somebody with less hill-walking experience so long as they’re up for it. My wife has never walked in the Lakes or similar, and whilst she found it tough, she managed it (although after the third day, she was pretty tired, and did find some of the drops at the side of the paths on the Mecina de Fondales circuit a little unnerving, but doable (with trekking poles helping a lot). Even though it was bone dry when we went, and had been for some time, there were still some short (albeit small infrequent) muddy sections, so GoreTex lined boots are a good idea). I’d recommend an extra day added on at the end to go back to Granada. It’s a lovely city, and I wouldn’t have liked to finish the trip by going straight from Pampaneira to Malaga Airport. Overall, a great trip for experienced hill-walkers and reasonably fit novices alike with great views and some lovely food!
By Adrian from Leeds | 23 March 2023

Las Alpujarras - March 2023

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By Adrian from Leeds | 23 March 2023

Well organized tour ★★★★★

Well organized tour. Very attentive, professional and informed staff. Very good planning. Realistic trekking expectations. Wonderful choice in venue (Las Alpujarras). Every day had many high points. The Alpujarras are a wonderful destination for anyone wanting a good combination of challenging hiking, wonderful natural views and a cultural experience to beat none.

By Michael from Virginia | 19 October 2022
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Traveller Reviews
4.7 out of 5 from 7 reviews
Leave a Review
Beautifully Varied Walking Holiday
★ ★ ★ ★
We started our trip with two extra nights in Granada which was well worth it. We did the Alhambra (need to book in high season), a flamenco evening and took in the ambience of the different parts of the city. We met with our local contact, Sandra, who was a great source of information and advice. Our transfer to Trevelez was by Jose, who was very knowledgeable about the area. We stayed in the sister hotel of La Fragua, I think because we were a late booking, and although we could use the swimm ing pool of the main hotel and the staff were very helpful, it was not as nicely furnished as the main hotel. Our first walk was the "Route to Penabon' as Sandra had advised us that the alternative was too overgrown. This was a steep walk but very rewarding, so a good choice. Transfer of luggage was efficient and the walks for the rest of the holiday were excellent, varied terrain and very picturesque. Be aware though, these are very steep hills. So even though the mileage is not extreme, some of the ascents/descents were. The villages were also beautiful and offered some delightful restaurants to sample the local cuisine (especially the ham!). We were slightly disappointed with the final hotel as the pool had closed for the winter. It only opens July, August and September. but we did have a good sized terrace to relax on and admire the views. All in all, a very good holiday, we felt well supported and would definitely do another self guided holiday with KE.
By Jillian from Halifax | 21 October 2024
Great walks to beautiful villages
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
A great part of Spain to visit, beautiful country and villages, welcoming but not overly touristy. The walks were well planned - it was good to take the route from Trevelez down to Mecina, rather than the other way as some tours do. We did not receive .gpx files, which would have helped, but the written directions were good. All the hotels were very good, it was nice to have pools. Recommend the vegetarian restaurant in tiny Mecina. The local agent OtrosCaminos were very helpful. Consi der staying on and making the bus-assisted climb of Mulhacen from Capiliera. It is hot walking in summer - best in the early morning and higher up!
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By Sarah from London | 10 September 2024
Great hiking, beautiful part of Spain
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Great self-guided trip. In March, when we completed the trip, the trails were quiet. A couple of other walkers at the start of the circuit from Trevelez, but they turned off for the more popular Siete Lagos path after 2km, so the rest of the circuit we saw nobody else other than a farmer on his horse! Other days, we saw no other walkers all day, the exception being the Poqueria circuit on the last day, where we saw three other couples on the trail. In Mecina de Fondales, there is the most amazin g vegetarian restaurant which seems so improbable given how tiny and off the beaten track the village is. I love my meat, but this was one of the best and most enjoyable meals / restaurants I’ve ever been to! The restaurant is tiny and in a ramshackle little house with a real “hippy” vibe to it. It’s just amazing. The hotel in Mecina de Fondales is lovely too, and the owner (Victor) is a fantastic host. I think if you’re a really keen hill-walker, there’s enough difficulty to keep you happy, with some quite vertiginous drops on some of the paths (eg the circuit from Mecina de Fondales). However, the trip can also be done by somebody with less hill-walking experience so long as they’re up for it. My wife has never walked in the Lakes or similar, and whilst she found it tough, she managed it (although after the third day, she was pretty tired, and did find some of the drops at the side of the paths on the Mecina de Fondales circuit a little unnerving, but doable (with trekking poles helping a lot). Even though it was bone dry when we went, and had been for some time, there were still some short (albeit small infrequent) muddy sections, so GoreTex lined boots are a good idea). I’d recommend an extra day added on at the end to go back to Granada. It’s a lovely city, and I wouldn’t have liked to finish the trip by going straight from Pampaneira to Malaga Airport. Overall, a great trip for experienced hill-walkers and reasonably fit novices alike with great views and some lovely food!
By Adrian from Leeds | 23 March 2023
Las Alpujarras - March 2023

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View all (12)
By Adrian from Leeds | 23 March 2023
Well organized tour
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Well organized tour. Very attentive, professional and informed staff. Very good planning. Realistic trekking expectations. Wonderful choice in venue (Las Alpujarras). Every day had many high points. The Alpujarras are a wonderful destination for anyone wanting a good combination of challenging hiking, wonderful natural views and a cultural experience to beat none.

By Michael from Virginia | 19 October 2022
Cultural Granada to great walk and white villages
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Lovely relaxing trip visiting areas of Andalusia we haven't been to. Granada was excellent but recommend adding at least a day to trip for this, as by time arrive and need to leave for bus transfers there is limited time to see the sites. KE adventure booked the extra night in hotel for us. The walks were interesting and different to those we see in UK, giving insight into very different way of living. Guide notes clear, though the .gpx files were helpful, when not sure which sharp turn or track to ignore between waypoints. Each of villages we stayed in was very different, but be warned that many of restaurants weren't open in evening. This may have been time of year (Oct), but even in busy Pampaneira at the weekend, many were closed in evening. We still enjoyed the food we had each day. We travelled on public buses, which were prompt and reliable, and easy to book online. We also didn't buy any bottled water, drinking safely from local fuentes. Overall, this was a lovely experience, which we would recommend.
By David from Bedlington | 13 October 2019
Beautiful walking and scenery in a friendly area
★ ★ ★ ★
We thoroughly enjoyed our walking holiday in Las Alpujarras. Because one member of the party was not able to complete the described walks, she nevertheless very much enjoyed the pretty villages, the good food and (with one exception) the excellent hotels. One member experienced a bad fall down a loose scree on day 3 using the short cut path. It is rightfully described as 'less clear' and 'difficult' and not of 'great quality'. However my friend would consider this p ath dangerous (the other member of the party used the longer route without problems). The hotel San Roque at Pitres was below standard. However, all the other hotels used were excellent and the staff at the Trevelez hotel (La Fragua) went out of their way to be helpful in locating the injured party member. The hotel in Granada is very well placed for the old town and the Al Hambra. All the villages were delightful with good places to eat and drink with plenty of interest for the non-walking member. The detailed walk on day 6 Pitres to Pampaneira was exceptionally beautiful with views up to the snow-capped Veleta mountain
By Marian from Nethybridge | 13 May 2019

KE Adventure reply

Thank you for your review. We were sorry to hear about your friend's fall and we have updated the route notes with further information about the nature of this short cut. Accommodation in Pitres is quite limited, but we are looking at alternatives following your feedback. We are pleased that you enjoyed your walking holiday in the Las Alpujarras.

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Please note our 'from price' listed is based on 4 persons on twin or double occupancy, however we can quote for any number of travellers including solo travellers, contact our sales team for a quote.

All of our self-guided holidays are sold on a Land Only basis allowing you the flexibility to choose the travel method which best suits you. You may even wish to make this holiday part of a bigger adventure or pair it with one of our other holidays. We can arrange additional nights accommodation before or after your self-guided trip, ask our sales team to find out more about this.

Our sales team will be happy to provide you a quote for scheduled flights or alternatively you may wish to book your own flights with a low cost carrier from your nearest regional airport.

Please DO NOT book your flights before you have received your booking confirmation and your deposit has been taken.

We offer some transfers to your hotel from the nearest airports, please refer to the 'joining arrangements and transfers' for further details for this trip.

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The price of our holidays can change depending on a variety of factors but unlike some other tour operators, KE have undertaken to guarantee the Land Only price of your holiday will not change after you have booked. The price when you book is the price you will pay, whether you are booking for this year or the next. Book early to avoid any tour price increases, get the best flight prices and take advantage of our 'No Surcharge Guarantee'.

KE Adventure is a fully bonded tour operator. We hold an ATOL license (No: 2808) and are bonded with ABTA (Membership No: W4341)


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