The hills of the Alpujarra and surrounding area offer endless opportunities for enjoyable walking. All of these itineraries are described more fully in the free downloads. We think the routes described here give both great variety and enough to be going at for well over a weeks holiday. Occasionally things change and the descriptions might become out of date or inadequate. If this proves the case, please accept our apologies and let us know.
Although we give route descriptions, these are not a substitute for taking a map and compass and knowing how to use them. All of these walks involve some steep loose ground and boots should be worn. Adequate water and food should be taken as well as weather proof clothing and sun protection. To maximise your enjoyment and make the most of your precious holiday time, we recommend you hire a guide.
1. Exploring the Rio Lanjaron from Lanjaron 5 hours medium
This route ascends along the east side of the Rio Lanjaron, follows the Acequia Alta to Bordaila and descends tracks and terraces back to Lanjaron. A great introduction to walking in the Sierra Nevada and Alpujarra. Can easily be extended at several points for a longer or more challenging walk.
Download the Rio Lanjaron walk details
2. To Tello and Back! The hills above Lanjaron 6 to 7 hours strenuous
From the Spa in Lanjaron this route ascends via the Fuente Pedro Calvo to “Tello.” The return is via the Acequia Alta to Bordaila before descending via El Almendral on old mule tracks back to Lanjaron. Great views into the Upper Rio Lanjaron and The Sierra Nevada.
Download the Tello walk details
3. A circuit in the Rio Poqueira 7 hours strenuous
(can be cut short at several points)
Pampaneira, Bubion and Capileira are the three villages lying on the eastern side of what is perhaps the most popular walking area of the Alpujarra. The villages are linked by trails which traverse the valley sides and cross the Rio Poqueira on old packhorse bridges, these trails provide numerous routes through the valley for you to explore the area making the most of cool picnic spots by the river and passing through the picturesque villages so emblematic of the region. Possibly the most popular walking venue in the Sierra Nevada and Alpujarra.
Download the Rio Poqueira walk details
4. The Taha! 5 to 6 hours medium
Based in the Taha area of the Alpujarra this walk links a number of small picturesque villages using ancient pack horse trails running through olive and almond groves, passing Moorish remains and crossing the spectacular Rio Trevelz on an ancient medieval bridge, with great views of the Sierra Nevada mountains. We think the hill walking on this route is unsurpassed. Definitely one of the best walks in the Sierra Nevada and Alpujarra.
Download the Taha walk details
5. Rope bridges and gorges! The Rio Monachil 4 hours easy
For those who want a bit of adventure we can offer gorge walks at Monachil, where suspension bridges span the river and we pass through natural rock tunnels with the odd bit of squirming and crawling! Once the fun is over there are stunning views into the Sierra Nevada.
6. Trevenque 2079m 4 or 6 hours, medium or hard
“The Matterhorn of the Sierra Nevada”
Trevenque is not as high as some, but none the less is a very stylish, appealing and at times challenging mountain. Well worth the effort to enjoy the summit and it’s extensive views of the higher mountains in The Sierra Nevada beyond.
A stylish mountain!
Download the Trevenque walk details
7. To The Poqueira Refuge 2500m 5 to 6 hours medium
An easy mountain itinerary though not to be underestimated. Avoid if the weather forecast is bad. 400m of ascent on the way in 150m of ascent on the return. Refreshments can be bought at the refuge. Some of the best views of the Sierra Nevada can be enjoyed from this route.
Download the Poqueira Refuge walk details
8. Exploring the Rio Verde 4 to 5 hours medium
The Rio Verde area is a spectacular gorge worth the visit if only to drive through! The walk takes you into what feels like a rock desert in places and can feel quite remote, especially in poor weather. Makes a nice tour combined with driving down the length of the Rio Verde to the coast.
Download the Rio Verde walk details
9. The Hill above Pinos del Valle 3 hours easy (apart from the ascent!)
The Hill above Pinos del Valle is dominated by the Ermita de Santo Cristo del Zapato. (The hermatige of the shoe). So called as the rock on which it stands is painted white and looks like a boot. This pretty building is well worth the climb. It is the focus of a procession from the village every year on 3rd May when ladies will be seen in traditional dresses and men riding their horses also in traditional style. Great views of The Sierra Nevada from the Ermita.
Download the Pinos del Valle walk details
10. A Circular walk from Albunuelas 3 hours Easy
Albunuelas is the highest village in the ‘Lecrin Valley’ (737m), situated towards the head of the valley above the ‘Rio Albunuelas’. It is a particularly pretty and interesting village that still has a flavour of traditional or old Spain; e.g. the village ladies can be seen using the communal wash house to do their laundry. Other interesting things to see in the village: the myriad of narrow alleys and streets, the 19th century church, the 14th century Moorish tower and 18th century Archbishops palace. This walk takes in some of the old industrial sites too!
Download the Albunuelas walk details