OVERVIEW

Tour Type:                                        Guided HIKING Tour

Province:                                           Granada

Duration:                                           4 Nights/ 5 Days

Hiking Days:                                     3 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:                       46 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.

TRIP AT A GLANCE

Embark on a short getaway exploring Andalucia’s renowned “Pueblos Blancos” (White Villages), culminating in the historic city of Ronda, dramatically perched atop the breathtaking El Tajo gorge. Begin your journey in Zahara de la Sierra, a dazzling white village nestled on a crag at the foot of the Grazalema mountains. Traverse through the stunning Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, hailed as one of Spain’s most picturesque mountainous regions, boasting rugged limestone peaks, deep gorges, and verdant mountain meadows. Stay overnight in charming boutique hotels scattered across Zahara de la Sierra, Grazalema, and Ronda, immersing yourself in days filled with exhilarating mountain hikes and savoring delectable local cuisine like serrano gazpacho, chorizo sausage, and flavorful Payoyo goat cheese.

WHY HIKE IN ALPUJARRA TRAIL

 Hiking 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.

HIGHLIGHTS

1, Experience breathtaking hikes amidst limestone peaks, lush pastures, and deep gorges in the Sierra de Grazalema.

2, Relish tapas and local wine in charming bars shaded by fragrant orange trees.

3, Wander through Grazalema’s mountain village, with its quaint narrow lanes and cobbled streets.

4, Discover the vibrant town of Ronda, known for its iconic Puento Nuevo Bridge and the stunning El Tajo gorge.

WHAT TO EXPECT