Acequias del Poqueira

20 km   7-8 hours   1237 m   Hard   Medium   Medium    

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Starting and finishing in the picturesque village of Capileira, this walk takes you up one side of the Poqueira Gorge, and back down the other side. For much of the walk you have great views up to the high peaks of the Sierra Nevada, and as you get higher you can also look down to the Alpujarras below you. The walk takes you through scrubland, into a lush river valley and past grazing sheep and goats. And of course you will see the acequias – traditional irrigation channels – that give the walk its name.

Alcazaba

21 km   8 hours   1280 m   Hard   Hard   Hard    

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At 3,371 metres above sea level, Alcazaba is not quite as high as the neighbouring peaks of Mulhacén and Veleta. However, it is more remote, and the ascent is steeper and more challenging. Even so, in high summer you don’t need any technical equipment to get to the top, and the views and scenery are breathtaking. On your way you will pass the beautiful mountain tarns and meadows of Siete Lagunas.

GR-7 Busquístar – Capileira

11.5 km   3h 30min   612m   Medium   Easy   Medium    

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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.

GR-7 Juviles – Trevélez

9.5 km   3 hours   556 m   Medium   Easy   Easy    

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This section of the GR-7 long-distance walking path takes you between the picturesque villages of Juviles and Trevélez. The climb up from Juviles is fairly long and steep, but the views of the high mountains get better and better. From the highest point you descend gently through a forest, which opens up into idyllic pastureland shortly before you reach Trevélez. If you have to wait for the bus, you can enjoy a cold drink and sample some of the famous ham in one of Trevélez’s many bars and restaurants.

GR-7 Trevélez – Busquístar

13 km   4 hours   512 m   Medium   Medium   Medium    

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This is one of the most attractive legs of the GR-7 long-distance walking trail, and it is a great place to start exploring the beautiful countryside of the Alpujarras. The walk starts in Trevélez, then takes you to a picturesque waterfall, through a forest of holm oaks and past various crumbling farmhouses, before descending to the pretty village of Busquístar. In spring the gorse and broom come into bloom, producing a sea of bright yellow flowers.

Mulhacén

14.5 km   5h 30min   910 m   Hard   Medium   Easy    

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Climb to the top of Spain! Mulhacén is the highest mountain in mainland Spain, towering 3,479 metres above sea level, so it’s not surprising that it offers amazing views. If the weather is clear, you can see right down to the Mediterranean Sea. The landscape is mainly rocky and barren, but many of the plants that do grow here are unique. You are also very likely to see ibex during your walk.

Mulhacén – Laguna de la Caldera

14 km   6 hours   1118 m   Hard   Medium   Medium    

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Climb to the top of Spain! Mulhacén is the highest mountain in mainland Spain, towering 3,479 metres above sea level, so it’s not surprising that it offers amazing views. If the weather is clear, you can see right down to the Mediterranean Sea. The landscape is mainly rocky and barren, but many of the plants that do grow here are unique. You are also very likely to see ibex during your walk. This circular route also includes the crater lake Laguna de la Caldera and the Mulhacén river.

Poqueira Circuit

9.5 km   3 hours   630 m   Medium   Medium   Medium    

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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.

Puente Palo Loop

13.5 km   4 hours   544m   Medium   Easy   Medium    

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A varied circuit that takes you through the dense forest, orchards and idyllic pastureland of the western Alpujarras. There is welcome shade as you climb up at the start of the walk, but after you reach the highest point of the walk there are lovely views over the Órgiva valley, the Rules reservoir and the hills beyond. If you’re staying in one of the villages in the Poquiera gorge, this is just a very short drive away in the next valley.

Ruta Medieval: Busquístar – Juviles

13.5 km   5 hours   829 m   Medium   Medium   Medium    

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Encompassing the spectacular River Trevélez valley, steeply terraced farmland and the quaint village of Nieles, the Ruta Medieval is the Alpujarras in a nutshell. Wherever possible it follows stone paths that have been used by local people since the Middle Ages. The climb up from the river is quite tough, but there are great views of the high mountains for you to enjoy when you need a rest.