Group Tour Operator for Holidays to Spain
Hiking in the Sierra Nevada
Discover the High Peaks and Mountain Villages of Southern Spain on this Active Holiday
Explore the Sierra Nevada, Spain’s highest mountain range, an area of outstanding natural beauty and tranquil white villages where time seems to stand still. The walks are conducted through a region on the south-east side of the sierra called “Las Alpujarras”, which, apart from its beauty, is famed as the last settlement of the Moors.
Read MoreTraversing the Sierra Nevada
The vast and sumptuous mountain range of the Sierra Nevada is situated within two of the provinces of Andalucia, Granada and Almeria. The range is truly a diverse landscape and home to many animal, bird and plant species, and has the largest National Park in Spain, The Sierra Nevada Nature Park. The area is probably most known for its winter skiing. Having the highest peaks in Spain, the Mulhacen at 3481m above sea level and the Veleta at 3393m, makes for ideal winter skiing conditions in an area extensively more renowned for its sunshine. However, there is so much more to offer than just its winter ski resorts. The mountainous landscapes change from white to varying shades of green as summer approaches, frozen ice glaciers liquefy into mountain lakes, melted snow forms into rivers that cascade down the mountainside ravines, and the area comes alive making it perfect setting for hiking and exploring.
Granada & Alhambra
Discover one of Spain’s best known icons. The stunning Alhambra and adjacent Generalife are a Moorish palace, fort and garden complex. Designed as a military zone at the beginning, the Alhambra became the royal residence and court of Granada. On a rocky hill, difficult to access, on the banks of the river Darro, the castle is protected by the mountains and surrounded by forest, the Alhambra rises like an imposing castle of reddish tones in its walls that hide to the Exterior the delicate beauty of its interior.
As well as this there will be plenty of time to explore the fascinating city of Granada. Walk through the city’s most interesting areas and explore Granada’s city centre, lined with packed bars, student dives, bohemian cafes and intimate flamenco clubs, this city combines history and modernity in a fascinating fashion. Some of the cultural highlights are the many great sights including Spain’s first Renaissance cathedral, the Royal Chapel containing the tombs of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella and the Alcaicería (Arab Bazaar).
Discover the Sierra Nevada and see the incredible natural beauty of Southern Spain. For an alternative walking tour, why not check out our Walking and Wandering in Bavaria.
Dates
April - October 2021
Suggested itinerary by air
Day 1
Fly Directly to Malaga or Granada
Fly from your chosen UK airport to Malaga or Granada where you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Day 2
Capileira – Bubion – Pampaneira
The first walk of the trip includes the three white villages above all situated in the gorge of Poqueira. On this tour you will see amongst other Mulhacen, which at 3482m is the highest peak of the Sierra Nevada. You will walk to the bottom of the gorge, where you will cross the river. With beautiful views of the three villages the walk continues to Pampaneira where you will have lunch before continuing on to Bubion and finishing back Capileira.
Day 3
Capileira – La Cebadilla
Today you will walk alongside the river, Poqueira until you reach the abandoned settlement of La Cebadilla, where there is now a small hydro electric station which uses the power of the river. Here you will have a picnic lunch before continuing further up the mountains to “La Isla” where after a break you will return to Capileira.
Day 4
Busquistar – Trevelez
This morning you will be transported to the village of Busquistar, which is situated by the river Trevelez. From here you will walk through beautiful countryside and woodland stone-oak until you reach Trevelz, which at 1650m is the highest town in Spain. This area is well known for its drying of hams (Jambon Serrano) and there is the opportunity to visit a ham curer before the return to Capileira.
Day 5
Granada and Alhambra
Today you will be taken on an excursion to Granada where there is time for shopping and a visit to the cathedral or the royal chapel with the graves of the legendary catholic monarchs Isabel and Fernardo. Afterwards there will be a walk through the old part of town, the Albaycin. After lunch at a you will visit the world-famous Moorish palace “the Alhambra”, which was built 700 years ago. After a guided tour by a local guide you will return to Capileira late in the afternoon.
Day 6
Pampaneira – Soportujar – Canar
After being transported to Pampaneira where there are lovely views to the Mediterranean you will walk in a westerly direction until you enter the valley of Guadalfeo. From there you will continue to the village of Soportujar, where you will have lunch at a local Bodega. The walk continues over one of Sierra Nevada’s most spectacular dams from the early 20th century. After reaching the village of Canar you will be transported back to Capileira.
Day 7
Pitres – Mecina Fondales
For the last walk of the tour you will drive from Capileira to Pitres; from there you will walk in a different valley where you will pass through several white villages that date back to the Moorish times. After having lunch at a local bodega in Mecina Forales you will be driven back to Capileira.
Day 8
Return to the UK
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
We have a range of 3 and 4 star hotels in the region.
You may also be interested in:
Highlights of Andalucia – Granada, Córdoba, Seville and Malaga
The Jewel of Andalusia; Seville: home of Flamenco and Fiesta
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2021 dates | Prices on request |