The Alpujarras – the white villages of Andalucia September 2027

SUMMARY

Dates: Saturday 25th September t0 Friday 1st October   – 6 nights and 7 days with 5 days hiking

Guide: Local Guide – Victoria Bocanegra Montanes

Walking Grade: We grade this 2 Goats – we are in the Sierra Nevada staying in the village of Capileira which is the highest white village at 1,436m. You are hiking at altitude so it is good to prepare for this. Victoria always gives advice and lots of drinking of water helps! .Paths are good and steady with lots of variety. Our guide Victoria will lead you on walks that will give you an experience of life in the Alpujarras. We use some of the paths that villagers have been using for centuries. There is an option to walk up Mulhacen the highest mountain on the Spanish Peninsula – a very good steady path which our groups have enjoyed. especially the sense of achievement at the end!

On a clear day you can see Morocco from the mountain tops! Perhaps you might like to extend and take a trip to Africa.

We have walking poles to borrow.

Maximum distance: 15km/9.3 miles

Maximum ascent: 550m unless you walk up Mulhacen which is 879m ascent.

Terrain: mostly smooth paths but there are some rocky with loose stones.

There is a chance to walk Mulhacen the highest mountain in the Sierra Nevada which is 3,479m. We start from 2,600m so this ascent is 879m and very gradual. This is a longer walk and gives fabulous views across the Sierra Nevada. Due to altitude we grade this hike 3 Goats.  This is an optional walk for those who would like it and Victoria leads at a steady pace to make sure everyone acclimatises.

Highlights:

• Spending time in an enchanting region tucked away in the heart of Andalucia
• The alpine white village of Capileira offers the best views of the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains
• The abundance of lemon.orange,olive and almond trees filling the air with their scent
• Local cuisine
• Of course the varied walks in stunning landscapes

Base: Hotel de Real Poqueira,Capileira.The hotel is in the centre of the village and is a traditional old hotel run by women. It has a large outdoor pool weather permitting. In May we hope for warmth and the pool open as it is a lovely refreshing swim after a days hiking.

Note: the pool is not open if the weather is too cold. It is unheated.

Arrival: Capileira is 2 hours from Malaga Airport. We will arrange one airport transfer to pick up around 15:00 at Malaga Airport. Please book flights to meet this transfer.

Departure: There will be an airport transfer leaving the hotel at approximately 10:00. Please book flights to leave at 14:00 or later.

If you would like to stay on for a weekend in Malaga, Granada or further afield we can help arrange this. We have hotels we use and can recommend and our local guide is an Alhambra guide.  We can arrange a Granada add on for you.

Price: £2200 per person for the weeks holiday includes:

• Bed and Breakfast – ensuite room
• A packed lunch from a local cafe or we eat in local cafes/restaurants on our walks
• All evening meals at local restaurants to give you a flavour of the area.
• Expert local guiding
• Group transfer to and from Malaga airport
• Local transport required for walks

Not Included:

• Travel to Spain ( Malaga is the nearest airport)

If you bring a partner/friend and share a room the price is £2000 per person ( £200 discount per person)

DETAILS

We are based in a lovely small village Capileira which is one of the well known white villages of the Alpujarras. It is the highest of the three villages and there is a well marked ancient trail down to Bubion and Pampaneira. The beautiful cobbled streets and back drop of the Sierra Nevada mountains makes this a wonderful place to spend some time and get to experience this rural culture. You can find so many homemade products – honey, wine, cheese, chocolate, speciality ham and the restaurants are proud to share their local specialities with guests.

The villages have a Moorish influence as the local Spanish Muslims inhabited this area for hundreds of years after the initial Moorish conquest of 711AD. These villages were created in the style to which they were used to in Africa. Now these villages are quiet with many young people leaving to seek out a life in the city. The villagers rely on tourism and we have found a wonderful hotel run by women where we base ourselves.

This area is fantastic for nature lovers and as you walk there are wonderful views of gorges, waterfalls and rivers as well as the mountains of the Sierra Nevada. There may be opportunities for a dip!

Our guide Victoria lives in Granada and has been walking these hills and mountains for many many years. She shares her knowledge and passion for the region as you walk and talk.

ITINERARY

Itinerary – this is subject to change depending on the weather and at the discretion of the guide. The days walking will be discussed with the group the evening before and may vary depending on the group and the weather. We always trust the local knowledge of our guide and guests need flexibility and a sense of adventure.

Arrival to settle in , have a welcome drink and a briefing around 18:00 with dinner to follow in the village.

Walk 1 – La Cebadilla Circular walk 9km Ascent 400m 

We start from our hotel in Capileira. We like to begin with this walk to give everyone a chance to test their mountain legs without being too far from your hotel! The route provides wonderful sights on the way up the valley gorge and back down the other side. You are walking the Poqueira Gorge and you will hear about the importance of water reaching the villages. In the distance you see the peaks of the Sierra Nevada.

Walk 2 – Medieval Way – Taha Del Pitres Villages 7km 336m ascent/decent

We will walk in the Taha de Pitres region. This is an area characterised by small white villages, steep sided gorges and abundant flora and fauna.

Most of this walk we are following old medieval trails through the hills and villages. We start in Mecina Fondales and drop down to the enchanting village of Fondales. Here we turn east and head for Ferrierola, perched high above the Trevelez gorge.

Then it’s uphill to visit the very quaint Atalbeitar before rising to reach the road that leads us to the town of Portugos. We take quiet back tracks to Pitres before dropping steeply back down to the start point at Mecina.

Walk 3 – Hoya del Portillo to Trevelez 11km 390m to 845m ascent.

The Alpujarra boast stunning scenery, normally sunny weather and is a wonderful area for enjoying the delights of this uniquely Andalucian Spanish hiking area.  In spring the land is carpeted with a vast array of wild flowers and blossom adorns the fruit trees which are dotted around the slopes – its a beautiful time and this hike has been loved by our walking women. This trail connects Capileira and Trevelez. You arrive for a lovely lunch!

Walk 4 – Tres Pueblos – walking between the 3 villages of Capileira, Bubion and Pampaneira 11km Descent/ascent 680m 

This is the ancient path between the 3 famous white villages. There is an option to walk down and get the local bus back, or walk both ways. The path has been used by villagers for centuries and as you walk you see how they live on the hillsides. There is a chance to stop for refreshments and visit the local handicraft shops.

Walk 5 – Mulhacen – 11km  760 ascent/descent. We take a bus to start half way up the mountain.

The path is a good path and the walk is steady with lots of stops. Views are stunning and it is well worth doing this ascent.

There  will be an option for free time during the week to have time to rest at the hotel pool or wander about the village. We will provide options.