For over a thousand years, people have farmed the steep sides of the Poqueira gorge. Today, with its three picturesque white villages clinging to the mountainside, it is the most popular tourist destination in the Alpujarras, and a great base for hiking in the high mountains. Starting in Capileira, Bubión or Pampaneira, this beautiful circular walk first takes you down through all three villages, and then back up the other side of the gorge.
Note: Following a serious landslip in 2024, the path between Capileira and Bubión is closed. Take the main road instead and rejoin the route in Bubión.
Level The route involves quite a lot of climbing. Most of the route uses good paths and tracks, but signposting is a bit variable, so follow the directions in the route description or use a GPS.
When to go All year round, but the best times to go are in spring and autumn. In summer it can be very hot.
Water Available in all three villages but take it with you for the rest of the loop.
Location: Alpujarras, Capileira The hike starts from the village of Capileira. You can also start from Bubión or Pampaneira.
Transport
To get to Pampaneira, Bubión and Capileira:
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 reach Pampaneira. For the other villages, carry on past Pampaneira then turn up to the left following signs for Bubión and Capileira.
By Bus: Capileira, Bubión and Pampaneira are served by Alsa services from Granada bus station (4 per day). Click here for more details.
