The Alpujarras Circuit & Explorer

CIRCUIT - Days 1 and 2. Outbound to the Alpujarras

Flying to Almeria (Malaga or Granada), you will be met and transferred to the charming village of Mairena (1083 the western Alpujarras. metres) known as the 'balcony of the Alpujarras'. Set up high with spectacular views across the mountains Mairena is the idea place to relax. The first two nights are spent here in a beautifully restored stone villa, Casa las Chimeneas, full of traditional artefacts and Spanish antiques of yesteryear. Here you can enjoy home-cooked dinners on the terrace under the late evening sun or stars or, for those colder evenings, by the open fire. There are a variety of day walks from Casa las Chimeneas or for the more adventurous an ascent of El Chullo.

Day 3. Trevelez

It is a one hour drive to Trevelez (1500 metres), the highest village in the Alpujarras. For those with determination and stamina there may be time to reach the fantastic heights of Mulhacen (3482 metres), Spain's highest mountain, a long day's trek from the village requiring clear summer weather, a very early start and a good degree of fitness! Alternatively you can climb to the tip of Penabon across the valley where there are outstanding views up to the sierras and dramatic drops down to the villages and river below. There is a gentler alternative following the river on a round trip of about five hours. Do ensure that you give yourselves time to visit the local shops in the village which are famous for their beautiful smoked hams and strong cheeses.

Days 4 to 6. Circuit

For the next three days you will be on a gradually descending route, walking along waterways and ancient trails staying in such delightful villages as Berchules and Yegen each night. These villages will allow you to enjoy varied views and diverse picturesque walks past old Moorish silk factories, ancient chapels and acequia waterways. You will also experience a flavour of some of the most typical and untouched villages in the Alpujarras. The evenings will be spent in charming family-run hotels and pensions with opportunities to taste the locally grown food and other delicacies. The circuit is completed with a return to Mairena.

Days 7 and 8. Mairena and Homeward

From Mairena you may still have the energy to tackle another high peak or perhaps you would just like to enjoy a gentle ramble along the fertile and tranquil terraces of the western Alpujarras.You can, in addition, take an easy walk to the next village of Jubar; here you will find plenty of Moorish architecture including an evocative ancient church that is the oldest in the Alpujarras, used over the years as a synagogue, mosque and Catholic church. You could also visit one of the local olive mills still in use in the area and buy some of the excellent local olive oil. Alternatively you may want to take some final photographs of the fantastic flora and fauna, your beautiful villa, breathtaking surroundings and culture that make Mairena such a beautiful place. Transfer back to the airport to catch the flight home.

EXPLORER

On the Explorer you can still do all of the exquisite walks that are suggested above from the different villages, with local 'pick-ups and drop offs', returning to your accommodation in Mairena each night. However there are also any numbers of walks that you can choose from that begin directly from Mairena itself. From leisurely meandering village paths to a wide variety of well-marked routes which will take you up high into the Sierras, including a bracing trail following the famous GR7 long distance track. Optional activities (payable locally) include a 15km mountain bike descent on forest trails, from the nearby mountain pass of Puerto de la Ragua, a visit to the wine- growing town of Laujar, the last stronghold of the Moors and a full day on horseback guided by experienced riders along the ancient Camino Reales. Highly recommended is a visit to the nearby Alhambra Palace at Granada, a mere 90 minutes drive away and worthy of a day trip in itself. Your friendly English hosts will make helpful suggestions and discuss various walking options that will best suit you. Further details are available in our Trip dossier.