This section of the GR-7 long-distance walking path goes through the heart of the Alpujarras. Make your way through the orchards, terraces and open countryside between the picturesque white villages of Busquístar, Pórtugios, Atalbéitar, Pitres, Capilerilla and Capileira. There are plenty of places along the way to stop for a drink or a snack. As you near Capileira you get some spectacular views of the Sierra Nevada.
Level This is a moderate walk with a few steep, uphill sections, but plenty of places along the way to stop for a breather. The GR-7 route is signposted, although this is a little patchy in places, so take the pdf walk description with you to refer to if in doubt. The walk uses good footpaths, tracks and roads, so the terrain is easy. Unfortunately, there are a few (short) sections that involve walking along busier roads.
When to go Possible all year round, although you could be hampered by snow in winter.
Water There are fountains in all of the villages en-route. You can get naturally carbonated spring water from Fuente Agria, just outside Pórtugos. The water from each of its spouts tastes slightly different.
Location: Capileira, Alpujarras
The route involves walking from village to village in the Alpujarras, starting in Busquístar and finishing in Capileira. The last part of the walk takes a detour off the GR-7 to go to Capileira. An alternative is to continue down into Bubión, on the main GR-7 route.
Transport
By Car: From Granada, take the E-902/A-44 towards Motril. Take exit 164 and take the A-348 towards Lanjarón. Carry on past Lanjarón and after about a further 8km turn left onto the A-4132, marked towards Trevélez (the turning is just after you enter Órgiva). Follow this road until you get to Busquístar.
By Bus: Capileira and Busquístar are served by Alsa services from Granada bus station (3 per day), which also stop at other towns in the Alpujarras, including Órgiva, Lanjarón, and Trevélez. You can use the same buses to return to your starting point at the end of the walk. Click here for more details.
Multi-day hikes
This hike forms part of the GR-7 long distance walking route, which runs from Gibraltar to Andorra, and beyond to Greece. The GR-7 generally goes from village to village, so it is relatively easy to organise a hiking trip of several days. Also see our description of the neighbouring section Trevélez to Busquístar.
Another option for a 2 or 3 day trek is to combine hiking the GR-7 with the section of the Sulayr (a circular marked hiking trail around the Sierra Nevada) between Capileira and Trevélez. Click here for a description of this hike.
