This year we are escaping from Fallas to go to Sierra Nevada and Granada. Five exiting days exploring the wonders of Alpujarra and some very special routes on the other sie of the mountain range.
| 16th of March | Meet in Valencia (Mestalla staidum) at 8:30 |
| Transfer to Soportújar (about 5 hours) | |
| Visit the Witch village of Soportújar | |
| Hike Acequia de la Vega (medium, 8km, 350m+) | |
| Night in Finca Los Llanos | |
| 17th of March | Hike Pueblos de Alpujarra (medium, 12km, 300m+) |
| Night in Finca Los Llanos | |
| 18th of March | Transfer to Granada (about 1 hour) |
| Easy day in Granada (visiting Aljambra and Albaicín) | |
| Night in Hotel Juan Francisco | |
| 19th of March | Hike Vereda de la Estrella (medium, 19km, 500m+) |
| Night in Hotel Juan Francisco | |
| 20th of March | Transfer to Monachil (20 minutes) |
| Hike Cahorros de Monachil (medium, 12km, 400m+) | |
| Return to Valencia (4.5 hours) |
La Alpujarra
Alpujarra Granadina boasts some stunning scenery, including almond trees, vineyards and crops grown on terraces. Due to the particularly hilly terrain, the towns have adapted to the uneven land, which is why they are built spaced out and facing south, to make the most of the gentle Mediterranean climate. The cobbled, winding streets are ideal to go for a stroll and breathe in calmness and tranquillity. Time really does seem to have stopped in the Alpujarra.
One of the main towns in the region is Lanjarón, also known as the Puerta de la Alpujarra. It is the perfect spot to relax in the mineral-medicinal waters. There is also Órgiva, distinguished by its Moorish style. The Balcón de la Alpujarra, formed by the whitewashed villages of Cañar, Soportújar and Carataunas, and the Barranco de Poqueira, home to the towns of Pampaneira, Bubión and Capileira, are a must-see in this region.
La Alpujarra – Andalusia Tourism
Cahorros de Monachil
The gorge of the Río Monachil is one of the most beautiful, popular and easiest hiking routes in the whole province of Granada. The gorge itself is known as Los Cahorros. It is very popular with climbers and day-trippers alike, due to its proximity to the city of Granada.
The trail leads down towards the river where you can enjoy the spectacular vertical cliffs, the narrow stone steps and the rich natural surroundings. The narrowness of the path forces visitors to crouch or to crawl along certain parts of it. Built upon a water pipe, it goes through the Túnel de las Palomas, which links the two walls of the gorge forming a natural cave with a number of climbing routes.
Los Cahorros’ 63 metre-long suspension bridge is probably one of the best known and most popular attractions in the area, together with the Cumbres Verdes and La Silla del Moro. The bridge was first built over 100 years ago, but it has been continually renovated to guarantee the safety of our visitors.
Los Cahorros – Turismo de Granada
Granada
Granada was first settled by native tribes in the prehistoric period, and was known as Ilbyr. When the Romans colonised southern Spain, they built their own city here and called it Illibris. The Arabs, invading the peninsula in the 8th century, gave it its current name of Granada. It was the last Muslim city to fall to the Christians in 1492, at the hands of Queen Isabel of Castile and her husband Ferdinand of Aragon.
One of the most brilliant jewels of universal architecture is the Alhambra, a series of palaces and gardens built under the Nazari Dynasty in the 14th C. This mighty compound of buildings – including the summer palace called Generalife, with its fountains and gardens – stands at the foot of Spain’s highest mountain range, the Sierra Nevada, and overlooks the city below and the fertile plain of Granada. For information about visiting times, tickets etc click here.
El Albaicín is the old Moorish quarter of the city. It’s located on a hill facing the Alhambra and there are dramatic views of this area from the palace’s famous rose gardens. The Zirid Monarchs first established their court here in the 11th century although little remains from this era today, apart from some crumbling remains of the wall (including the section which used to encircle the Albaicín and the gates of El Arco de las Pesas, Monaita and Elvira).
The City of Granada | Andalucia.com
Vereda de la Estrella
This is one of the most beautiful walks in the Sierra Nevada. You will see many lovely rivers, interesting plants and trees and also be able to enjoy the impressive views over the North faces of the Mulhacén, Veleta and Alcazaba mountains. On this route you will pass an amazing giant chestnut tree as well as the now unused ruined mines of La Probadora and La Estrella.
The trail of the Vereda de la Estrella is a route that was created in the past to get from the last stop of the Sierra Nevada Tram (San Juan restaurant) to the numerous mines that were at the end of this path. As such, the path itself is well-conditioned and does not pose any technical difficulties.
Vereda de la Estrella – Turismo de Granada
Accommodation
In quiet and beautiful natural surroundings, the Finca Los Llanos is located in the heart of the Alpujarras, on the slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. In this area guests have the possibility to do hiking and horse riding. Back at the hotel, enjoy the amazing views, the peacefulness, and the outdoor swimming pool. All of the hotel’s rooms are full equipped with heating, TV, fridge, hairdryer and a telephone. The restaurant serves good quality food, and wireless internet is free of charge in the hotels public areas.
Hotel Juan Francisco offers a charming setting for your visit to the Andalusian countryside. It combines traditional amenities, such as a lounge with historic fireplace, with more modern facilities like the outdoor swimming pool. Surrounded by natural beauty of the Sierra Nevada National Park, this rural hotel offers spectacular views of the mountains and is just a short drive from monumental Granada. Dine in the hotel’s own restaurant and enjoy the selection of local specialities. You can then finish off the day with a drink in the welcoming bar, or out on the scenic terrace.
Sign Up
The price of the trip is 375 Euros per person (695 Euros for a couple). 100 euros paid in advance to reserve the spot; balance due by 6th of March (free cancellation till 3rd of March). The price includes transportation, four nights of accommodation, insurance and a professional guide.
Members get a 10-euro discount.
The price is for a person sharing a twin room. You can reserve a single room for additional 65 euros.
It is possible to sign up till 6th of March. Payments by Bizum or bank transfer are accepted.
You can use the button below to reserve your spot / get more info about the trip or contact us by e-mail to info@valenciamountainenthusiasts.com