Name: LAROLES TO LANJARON - Hiking - Bike and Hike Granada
Price: 1850.00 EUR
Availability: InStock

OVERVIEW

Tour Type: Guided HIKING Tour

Province: Granada

Duration: 7 Nights/ 8 Days

Hiking Days: 7 Days

Min Number of Participants: 4

Best Season: March, April, May, June, September, October

Ave distance per day: 15 Km

Difficulty level: Moderate

Total Hiking distance: 120 Km

Start & End at: Granada

Nearest Airport: Granada

EMBRACING SUSTAINABLE JOURNEY

At Bike and Hike Granada, we’re dedicated to redefining travel through sustainability. Our tours are thoughtfully crafted to promote conscious exploration, focusing on minimizing our ecological footprint and fostering positive societal growth within local communities and economies.

WHY HIKE IN ALPUJARRA TRAIL

Hiking the Alpujarras Trail on the Sierra NevadaHiking the Alpujarras trail on the Sierra Nevada offers a perfect blend of culture, nature, and history. This region, renowned for its ‘pueblos blancos’ (white-washed villages), boasts a rich cultural heritage as the last stronghold of the Spanish Moors. The Alpujarras are located near the historic city of Granada, where Muslim kings ruled from the Alhambra palace until the Reconquista in 1492.

Throughout history, the natural beauty of the Alpujarras has provided a serene escape from city life. When the last Muslim King, Boabdil, fled Granada, he found refuge in the Alpujarras. The Islamic influence remains evident in the traditional architecture, with flat clay roofs and cylindrical chimneys reminiscent of Berber homes in the Moroccan Atlas Mountains. The Moors also constructed sophisticated irrigation canals known as ‘acequias’ and terraces for agriculture on the fertile mountain slopes.

The Alpujarras are home to around fifty ‘pueblos blancos,’ each perched on the slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountains. These villages are close enough together to offer ample accommodation and dining options along the way, making the hike suitable for beginners and families with children. There is no need to carry a tent or food, and the GR7 trail is well-marked on its most popular stretches.

THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF HIKING THE ALPUJARRAS

Nature won’t disappoint when hiking the Alpujarras along the GR7 trail. This route takes you through picturesque valleys and breathtaking mountain landscapes, offering panoramic views of the snowcapped peaks of the Sierra Nevada.

The trail is remarkably diverse, following ancient donkey and mule tracks that villagers have used for centuries. One moment, you’ll find yourself in a dense forest; the next, you’re hiking through pastures or among almond and olive groves. The constantly changing scenery keeps the hike engaging and visually rewarding.

The Alpujarras is home to rich biodiversity. As you hike the GR7 trail, you might spot the iconic Spanish ibex navigating rocky slopes or see Griffon vultures and golden eagles soaring above. The area is also rich in various reptiles and bird species.

Unlike some of Spain’s more popular hiking destinations, the Alpujarras has retained its authentic rural character. The GR7 trail offers a chance to escape the crowds and immerse yourself in nature, providing a sense of tranquility and solitude.

HIGHLIGHT

1, Olive Farm

2, Almond Farm

3, Ham Curing Village

4, Spoting Spanish Ibex, Griffon Vultures and Golden Eagle

WHAT TO EXPECT

The guide will provide a detailed briefing on each day’s hike, introduce the trail, and offer continuous advice throughout the day while hiking with the group. The tour leader will handle day-to-day needs. Additionally, the guide will share interesting facts about the region’s true beauty, including its traditions, cuisine, history, and landscapes.

We will organize several outdoor picnics featuring a variety of local products. Each day, we aim to arrive at the hotel at a respectable hour, allowing time to enjoy the surroundings and take a swim in the hotel swimming pool. A hiking day typically lasts between 5 and 6 hours, including breaks and lunch.

Included/Excluded

Professional guides with years of expertise
7-night stay in charming rural hotels
Breakfast
Civil Liability and accident insurance
Luggage transfers according to the itinerary
Transportation from Granada to Granada

Tickets and Visa
Insurance
Extra meals
Extra excursions
Personal Expenses
Tips
Extra nights
Lunch and Dinner – all days

Tour Plan

Day 1 GRANADA – LAROLES - YEGEN

Hiking Distance: 18 Km

Hiking Time: 5-6 hrs

Driving distance: 120 Km

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Our guide will meet you at the hotel in Granada at 9 am. From there, we will drive approximately 110 km to Laroles. Upon arrival, the guide will provide a comprehensive overview of the hiking itinerary for the next seven days. After a brief refreshment, we will begin our hike towards Yegen, a beautiful village in the Andalusian mountain region.

The Alpujarra's 18 km hike from Laroles to Yegen is a captivating journey through the heart of the Andalusian mountains. This trail offers stunning views of terraced hillsides, verdant valleys, and traditional white-washed villages. As you traverse the scenic path, you'll experience the region's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, with opportunities to explore local flora and fauna. The hike culminates in Yegen, a charming village that encapsulates the timeless allure of the Alpujarra. This route is perfect for hikers seeking a blend of adventure and cultural immersion.

Accommodation: Hotel

Day 2 YEGEN TO CADIAR

Hiking Distance: 19 Km

Hiking Time: 6-7 hrs

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Difficulty level: Moderate

The 19 km hike from Yegen to Cádiar in the Alpujarra region offers an immersive experience of Andalusian natural beauty and culture. The trail winds through picturesque landscapes featuring rolling hills, lush valleys, and historic villages. Along the way, you'll encounter traditional terraced fields, charming stone bridges, and diverse flora and fauna.

The hike begins with a scenic walk to Mecina Bombarón along the main road, where we will take a long break before continuing to Berchúlez. This is a particularly quiet stretch of the GR7 trail. Berchúlez, an ideal spot for a lunch break, offers a glimpse of Cádiar in the distance. The journey concludes in the vibrant town of Cádiar, known for its rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality. This route provides a perfect blend of scenic vistas and authentic local experiences.

Accommodation: Hotel

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Day 3: CADIAR TO TREVELEZ

Hiking Distance: 20 Km

Hiking Time: 6-7 hrs

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The 20 km hike from Cádiar to Trevélez in the Alpujarra region offers an exhilarating journey through diverse and rugged landscapes. Starting from a cortijo, we'll follow a shortcut back to the GR7 trail, reaching the small village of Tímar. From Tímar, the path ascends steeply along a narrow, rocky mountain trail, where we may spot mountain goats.

The only village on today's trail is Juviles, offering a brief respite before another climb through remote terrain with excellent views. The trail, perched against the mountains, presents a deceptively close view of Trevélez, with each bend revealing more of the mountain rather than the destination.

As we approach Trevélez, the first pastures and homes come into sight. Known for its famous cured ham, jamones nevadensis, Trevélez showcases these delicacies hanging to dry—a common and charming sight in this beautiful mountain village

Accommodation: Hotel

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Day 4: TREVELEZ TO BUSQUISTAR/ FERREIROLA

Hiking Distance: 16 Km

Hiking Time: 5-6 hrs

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The 16 km hike from Trevélez to Busquístar / Ferreirola reveals the true beauty of Trevélez as you set out in the morning. This remote trail meanders through the mountains, with no villages in between, only a few farms and cow pastures.

The path features a series of ascents and descents, including some challenging and slippery sections. The official GR7 trail leads to Busquístar, where we'll stop for an early lunch. From there, we'll take a scenic detour to Ferreirola.

This detour is one of the most spectacular parts of the Alpujarras hike. The trail is easygoing with breathtaking views, and Ferreirola, a charming and authentic white village, offers a picturesque end to the day’s adventure.

Accommodation: Hotel

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Day 5: FERREIROLA/ BUSQUISTAR TO CAPILEIRA

Hiking Distance: 13 Km

Hiking Time: 5 hrs

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The 13 km hike from Ferreirola/Busquístar to Capileira offers a rewarding journey through the Alpujarra region. The detour to Ferreirola is well worth it, as from there it is easy to rejoin the official GR7 trail at Pitres. This section of the GR7 has been peaceful and quiet, providing a stark contrast to the bustling Capileira in the popular Poqueira Gorge.

Arriving in Capileira feels almost like a culture shock, with its souvenir shops and numerous tourists—a stark difference from the solitude of previous days. Despite the crowds, Capileira's beauty is undeniable, and the increased activity brings its own advantages, such as more amenities and vibrant local life. This hike perfectly blends serene natural landscapes with the lively atmosphere of a popular destination.

Accommodation: Hotel

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Day 6: CAPILEIRA TO PAMPANEIRA

Hiking Distance: 7 Km

Hiking Time: 3-4 hrs

Ascent: 950 mtrs

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Difficulty level: Moderate

Today's hike on the GR7 trail is a short but delightful 7 km journey from Capileira to Pampaneira, passing through the beautiful village of Bubión. These three picturesque villages are brimming with charm, offering numerous souvenir shops, restaurants, and even museums dedicated to life in the Alpujarras.

While Capileira and Bubión retain much of their traditional allure, the increased crowds can feel overwhelming at times. However, the lively atmosphere provides a unique opportunity to experience the vibrant local culture and the region's rich history. Despite the bustling environment, the stunning views and cultural experiences make this short hike truly enjoyable.

Accommodation: Hotel

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Day: 7 PAMPANEIRA TO SOPORTUJAR

Hiking Distance: 13 Km

Hiking Time: 6 hrs

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Difficulty level: Moderate

The 13 km hike from Pampaneira to Soportújar on the GR7 trail takes you closer to Granada, where the trail becomes busier. Along the way, you'll enjoy beautiful views, though the number of white villages might seem overwhelming.

Despite this, Soportújar manages to surprise with its quirky witch theme. This unique village, known as a "pueblo blanco," features whimsical decorations, including a Baba Yaga hut—a nod to the witch from Slavic fairy tales. It's a delightful mystery how Baba Yaga found her way to Spain, but her presence adds a charming and unexpected twist to the hike.

Accommodation: Hotel

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Day: 8 SOPORTUJAR - LANJARON - GRANADA

Hiking Distance: 13 Km

Hiking Time: 6 hrs

Driving Distance: 47 Km

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Difficulty level: Moderate

On the final stretch of our journey along the GR7 trail in the Alpujarras, covering 13 km from Soportújar to Lanjarón, the atmosphere feels different. While the scenery remains pleasant, it lacks the unique charm and allure of previous days.

Leaving Soportújar behind, we bid farewell to the enchanting white villages that have defined our hike thus far. As we approach Lanjarón, a large spa town renowned for its mineral waters, the landscape shifts to a more urban setting. Despite its fame, Lanjarón feels quieter compared to the vibrant markets and cultural attractions of other villages along the trail.

While our last day may lack the excitement of discovery, it offers a peaceful conclusion to our Alpujarras adventure, allowing us to reflect on the memories made along the way.

Meal Plan: Breakfast