Guided hikes and walks in Sierra Nevada, southern Spain

A walk through the beautiful Moorish white villages of Capileira, Bubión and Pampaneira.

Circular walk with the first half along the other side of the Poqueira Gorge.

Through forests and along Moorish terraces we pass old farms, some ruins and some still in use. With views of the white villages, the second half from village to village along the old paths that connect them. A beautiful and varied walk where you cross the river Poqueira twice, during the walk a lot of history is told. We can see the large number of terraces from the time when this was part of the center of agriculture in Moorish times.

Difficulty: moderate

This is another diverse and beautiful walk through nature and ancient Moorish white villages, from the top of the group of villages of Capilerilla, where the remains of the oldest Visigoth temple can be found from the V||| century, to the Moorish mill (X||| century) and Roman bridge down by the river Trevélez. We walk through 8 small and original Moorish beautiful white villages walking along ancient paths as these connected the villages since hundreds of years.

Difficulty: Moderate

Busquistar is one of the towns where the best preserved traditional Alpujarrean architecture of Moorish origin remains. From here we walk through the woods and on dirt roads with beautiful views of the village of Trevélez, the highest village of the peninsula at 1600 meters. Trevélez is famous for the quality of its air and dried hams, which hang there by the thousands in multi-level storage rooms. It is possible and interesting to visit one of these.

Difficulty: Moderate

A rather unknown but beautiful walk with fantastic views with rugged and flat parts passing old ruins and picturesque farms. Starting or ending in Pampaneira on its beautiful square dominated by the 16th century Mudéjar church, the Iglesia de Santa Cruz. From here we walk towards Soportujar of Roman origin, the village of witches, where there are many things to see that remind you of its connection with witches. From here we walk again on narrow paths through nature towards Cañar and finally we end in Lanjarón, the water village with its famous thermal baths.

Can also be shortened to just Cañar.

Difficulty: Moderate

Close to Granada we find a completely different Sierra Nevada compared to the South side. While the South side is mostly slate, the North side is mostly dolomite stone. This completely changes the environment. The dry zone with its special flora is surrounded by lush forests and green valleys, interspersed with dramatic views. Several routes are possible.

Difficulty: Moderate

Also near Granada and adjacent to Cumbres Verdes is the dramatic summit of Trevenque with its spectacular views. It is a steep climb, following a narrow path where you pass ruggedly shaped rocks. It is fairly easy to get to the top where a fantastic 360º view awaits.

Difficulty: challenging

The scenery in this deep valley is overwhelming. Among the beautiful views you can enjoy the highest peaks of the Sierra Nevada, the Alcazaba and the Mulhacen. We start near Barranco de San Juan, where one of the old streetcar stations was situated and follow the river below us for a while. The walk is along ancient chestnut trees and through beautiful nature, forests, gorges and ancient ruins.

Level of difficulty: moderate

"Los lavaheros de La Reina" is one of the most impressive side in the Sierra Nevada, famous for the snow caves formed when the snow begins to melt, which makes it such a wonderful and incredible place, especially in the winter period. From Jerez Del Marquesado we walk through the meadows and continue the route following the Sulayr trail, which brings us to the bottom of "Los Lavaderos de La Reina" with its beautiful waterfalls and incredible views.

Difficulty: Challenging

In the inner heart of the Alpujarra, is located the spectacular beauty of the Barranco del Poqueira Gorge, one of the best known places in the La Alpujarra part of the Sierra Nevada. With its special flora and fauna and spectacular views one of the most beautiful gorges. Several hikes through this gorge are possible.

Difficulty: Moderate

A lesser known smaller gorge through impressive old chestnut forests with many beautiful waterfalls and very old but still working Moorish water canals. Starting in Pitres we walk into the rugged nature. With its special flora and a perfect walk for bird watching.

Difficulty: Moderate

A lower gorge with beautiful views and nature, very diverse with cedar and pine forests. Starting from Cañar and passing one of the largest waterfalls near Dam 24, a kind of dam built in the 1940s for controlling the river.

This hike includes part of the famous Sulayr trail. Starting and ending in Cañar.

Difficulty: Moderate

Geographical data: although the altitude is not exceptional, the Mulhacén (3,479) is the highest peak of the Iberian Peninsula and of Europe outside the Caucasus and the Alps, as the Canary Islands with the highest peak El Teide (3,718) and Greenland with Gunnbjørn Fjeld (3,694), with higher peaks, belongs politically to Europe, but geographically they are part of Africa and North America respectively.

Basically possible all year round without equipment, but in winter, from November to April/May, sometimes only possible with special mountain guides and equipment.

Possible to do it in one day, but very challenging, usually two days needed (with a night in the refugio Poqueira). The same goes for Alcazaba. It is also possible to take the minibus (13 euros extra p.p.) from Capileira that takes you higher and closer to the peaks and makes it easier to get there. It is also possible to combine it with one or two of the other summits and stay a night or two in the mountain hut Poqueira or more adventurously in a tent.

Level of difficulty: moderate

Second highest mountain in the Sierra Nevada (3,398) and easiest to reach. Can be done from the Pradollano ski area on the north side or from the south side from Capileira. Same possibilities as for Mulhacén.

Basically possible all year round without equipment, but in winter, from November to April/May, sometimes only possible with special mountain guides and equipment. It is not possible to do it in one day from the Capileira side, usually two days needed (with a night in the refugio Poqueira). It is also possible to combine it with one or two of the other summits and stay a night or two in the Poqueira mountain hut or more adventurously in a tent.

Level of difficulty: moderate

Option 3 - AlcazabaThird highest mountain of the Sierra Nevada (3,371) with the most diverse route. We pass the beautiful "7 Lagunas" where unique endemic flora can be found. Can be combined with the other two peaks with the same conditions as the other two.

We start at Hoya del Portillo or Alto del Corillo. We walk to the beautiful site of 7 Lagunas and climb up to Alcazaba from there.

Difficulty: Moderate

Spectacular hiking trail that starts at the highest village of Trevélez in Spain, allows us to reach the Cañada de Siete Lagunas, with beautiful waterfalls where Laguna Hondera flows into a large waterfall.

If you like a varied hike, this is one that takes you through beautiful landscapes and fantastic views. It is possible to start from Hoya del Portillo above Capileira. You can make a two- or three-day hike by adding one or two of the nearby highest peaks, such as Alcazaba or Mulhacén.

Level of difficulty: moderate

The Moors left behind an impressive water canal system that still works perfectly and is used as the main veins to transport water. This is used for irrigation purposes and water supply for the small villages in the Alpujarras.

We will start at "La Cabaña de Simon" in Prado Grande just above Capileira where we will follow acequia Baja and take us to the highest farm around "Cortijo de las Tomas" where we will hike back along acequia Alta. All the time we will have impressive views from the Sierra Nevada and will see many endemic flora and watch special birds.

Difficulty: easy

A challenging hike along the Toril River that meets the Poqueira River at La Cebadilla, near Capileira, past gorges and old farms. Great, dramatic views and beautiful scenery. Following the river and crossing and walking back along the other side of the river. This is a little known and forgotten route. That means we won't see many people on this hike.

Difficulty: challenging

It is considered the only real desert on the entire European continent, and its landscape is tremendously stimulating and surprising to the eye.

What not many people know is that it has been used as a set for such films as "Lawrence of Arabia" and "For a few dollars more." We can visit the western studios with their western sets. The little rain that falls is usually heavy and forms the unique and characteristic landscape of badlands.

The visit to the Tabernas Desert will leave unforgettable memories.

Level of difficulty: easy

Between the southern side of the Sierra Nevada and the coast lies another unique mountain range, lower but equally spectacular.

With constant views of the entire Sierra Nevada on one side and the coast and the Mediterranean Sea on the other. The Sierra de Lújar is known for mining. The mining of the Sierra de Lújar has been exploited since ancient times by Phoenicians, Romans, Moors and Spaniards, mainly for lead and to a lesser extent for copper and silver. Today they mine fluorite which is used for many purposes. It is possible to visit one of the mines if the group is larger than 6 people. Another special and unique forest we find at the Contraviesa. A cork oak forest where you can see how cork is harvested.

It is also possible to visit one of the many wineries with their special wines. Most of the grapes grow between 1000 and 1300 meters high which gives the wine a very special and refined taste.

Difficulty: moderate

The gorge of the Monachil River forms one of the most attractive and popular hiking trails in the province of Granada. This gorge, known as Los Cahorros, is also an area frequented by climbing enthusiasts and ideal for a day in the countryside for those staying in Granada due to its proximity to the capital.

We will use an Indiana Jones bridge to enter the gorge and walk through the narrow and spectacular gorge and follow the river upwards. Higher and higher we will see fantastic views and special flora and fauna. Great to do with kids, they will love it.

Difficulty: easy