Walking in the Alpujarras - Andalucia. Foothills of the Sierra Nevada

7 lagunas walk

Foothills of the Sierra Nevada

Walking in the Alpujarras: this region in Southern Spain, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, is a perfect walking venue, with perhaps the most varied landscape in Andalucia. Our tour is twin centred, staying in 2 family run hotels, in Bubion and Trevelez (the highest village in Spain). Both are ideal for exploring this region of deep valleys, high mountains, forests of oak and chestnut and terraced farms. The area is rich in wild flowers, ibex, and birdlife with the ever present backdrop of the snow capped Sierrra Nevada mountains.

Ramblers group _ Alpujarras

Alpujarras

“Donal led walks for us on four holidays – Alicante Mountains, Matarranya, Amalfi and Alpujarras….He is an exceptionally good walk leader and walk organiser who prepares meticulously and establishes a good rapport with all walkers”.

Berchules walk

To Penabon

Bubion

At an altitude of 1300m, Bubion is set in the beautiful Poqueira Valley, the middle of its 3 white villages.
It is a typical Alpujarran village which retains a sleepy atmosphere. The name of the village is derived from “land of oxen”, as they were used to plough the surrounding terraces.

With beautiful views across the terraced Poqueira valley and access to some of the easier routes in the area, it is the ideal base in which to start our week’s walking.

Trevelez

At the foot of Mulhacen, Trevelez – at around 1500m. – is reputedly Spain’s highest village.
A vibrant town, both as a centre for walking and because of its world famous ‘jamon serrano’, it is surrounded by high peaks and valleys. It is the perfect base to exolore the Sierra Nevada Natural Park and many walks of varying degrees of difficulty begin directly from our hotel.

A stronghold during the Moorish occupation, these valleys were their final refuge, where the the last battles took place. Agriculture including cattle pasture continues to be important but the town is most famous for producing the best cured ham in Spain and it is the most significant industry with various secaderos (ham curing factories) dotted around the area.

Bubion: Hotel Las Terrazas

The family run hotel has been serving walking groups for many years and is the ideal base to explore one of the most beautiful parts of the Alpujarras. From the hotel terrace there is a beautiful view of the Poquera valley. Family run and with a definite homely feel, the hotel is built in local style with whitewashed walls & new pine furniture.

Trevelez: Hotel La Fragua

La Fragua is the come to choice for groups exploring the surrouding area.
The hotel (and adjacent restaurant) are situated in the upper-middle part of the village, from where one can enjoy excellent views of the Sierra Nevada Natural Park. The food is excellent and dinner during 3 of our nights here is included in the overall price.

Walking in the Alpujarras – access

Flights and transport

There are cheap flights direct to Malaga from many regional airports in Europe, from where there is a group transfer available – see trip page for more details. Bubion is approximately a 1.5 hour bus ride from Malaga airport.

Travelling by Train:

It is surprisingly easy to travel from the UK

and Northern Europe to Spain by train. Take an afternoon Eurostar from London to Paris in just 2 hours 20 minutes, then the excellent Elipsos trainhotel from Paris to Madrid or Barcelona overnight, with onward train connections for Malaga or Granada (train fares not included in package).

Timing and weather.

Given the relatively high altitudes, for departures in late Spring and early Autumn the weather should ideal for walking with daytime temperatures generally in the 20’s. For more information check out http://www.weatheronline.co.uk/Spain/Granada.htm

Links relating to the Alpujarras and Spain

Iberian Nature, www.iberianature.com A guide to the environment, geography, climate, wildlife, natural history and landscape of Spain

PHOTOS of the Alpujarra.

THE MAP SHOP Books and maps for the Alpujarra can be ordered online. They give a good rapid service:

TOURIST INFORMATION AND ACTIVITIES Las Alpujarras community and tourist information portal – , local news, forecast, events, classifieds, photos, message board.