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A strange but true Rustic Blue story, Peter first came here on a Rustic Blue walking holiday ten years ago. Within a year he had sold up in the UK and had made the Alpujarras his home. An avid walker and a lover of mountains and nature all his life, when he is not out walking, he is expertly keeping the computers chugging away in Rustic Blue's offices.
An experienced and very knowledgeable guide, he has led many groups around the Sierra Nevada and Las Alpujarras over the past seven years. He has an insatiable enthusiasm for this area and an extensive knowledge of its trails, villages, history and people.
His wife Myriam is French and an experienced and inventive cook who believes in healthy as well as delicious recipes. The good news is that she provides the picnics!
Day 1 |
Welcome to La Alpujarra |
Sunday |
Transfer from either Málaga or Granada airport to La Alpujarra. Welcome drinks with Peter followed by dinner at your 3-star hotel, "Finca Los Llanos" in Capileira (details below), your home for the next five days (six nights)
Day 2 |
La Tahá and its Seven Villages |
Monday |
Walking : 17 km, starting at 4,900 ft; Ascent 1,680 ft; Descent 2,900 ft Breakfast at the hotel. Then your first experience of the exhilarating mountain countryside of La Alpujarra, visiting the seven villages of La Tahá along the way.
Climbing up from Capileira's sister village, Bubión (1,350 m), the scent of wild herbs notable in the pure air, we pause to look back at the magnificent Poqueira gorge and high peaks of the Sierra Nevada before crossing the ridge into La Tahá. Now carpets of mountain flowers spread out before us, the natural splendour presaging the ancient whitewashed little pueblos of Capilerilla, (the former Moorish capital), Mecina, Mecinilla, Fondales, and Ferreirola, villages that have remained largely unchanged for centuries.
We have descended to 1,000m, and the terrain here is softer, a land of almonds and olives, grapes on the vine, oranges and lemons. It´s time for lunch, and where better to enjoy it than on the terrace of Peter’s beautifully restored farmhouse at the foot of the village in Fondales. Here you will have your first sample of Myriam's delicious fare and perhaps decide that the Spanish have it right about their siestas!
Nevertheless, after lunch it's on to Ferreirola, where we pause at the bubbling mountain spring whose natural fizzy water will revive any flagging heart. From here, we make for Busquístar, the seventh Tahá village on our trek. Winding up a rocky path we traverse the northern side of "the Valley of the Mills", which were powered by the abundant waters of the Río Trevélez below. The sound of goat bells might signal a stop to admire one of the arabic zig-zag trails on the other side; we can almost picture the mules, heads down, carrying their bundles of raw silk up the trail on their way to the workshops of Almería. And finally, Busquístar comes into view, with its cascade of green terraces.
A last climb up into the village, and a chance to enjoy a delightful "tinto de verano" or cool beer in the local bar before our transport takes us back to Capileira, with plenty of time for a relaxing shower (or perhaps a swim in warmer months) before dinner at the hotel.
Day 3 |
O Sel Ling, the Buddhist Retreat |
Tuesday |
Walking : 19km, starting at 4,900 ft; Ascent 950 ft; Descent 2,500 ft
Breakfast at your hotel. A lovely trek (with picnic lunch), down to the river below Capileira then up through the oak glades and ancient pastures of La Atalaya on the western slopes of the Poqueira Ravine towards the Tibetan Buddhist Retreat, O Sel Ling.
As we climb, we pause and look north and get our first full view of Mulhacén - we never see the actual top from this valley because it is hidden by Mulhacén II, a false top which is 120 metres lower than the summit.
After a nice rhythmic walk on a wide and fairly level track we make a last climb to reach the grounds of O Sel Ling (tibetan for "place of clear light"). This is indeed a special place, with sweeping views of La Alpujarra, its villages far below; the mountain ranges of La Contraviesa and Lújar; and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea beyond. We visit the Buddhist stupa and see that the Buddha faces across to the village of Bubión, where a reincarnation of an important Lama was discovered some 20 years ago.
We take our picnic lunch here, almost intoxicated by the smell of the thyme around us. Filling our water bottles with the kind permission of the monastery, we slowly descend to the picturesque village of Pampaneira. The walking is done, so it's time for a jug (or two) of celebratory wine and some tapas in Pampaneira's village square.
We transport you back to Capileira. Tuesday night is a special night. You are invited to an excellent night out with dinner, authentic local flavour and good cheer as guests of Rustic Blue.
Day 4 |
Rest Day ? |
Wednesday |
Time for a break, a free day to enjoy in any way you want. Breakfast at your hotel. We will arrange horse riding or other outdoor activities (subject to supplements and availability) for anyone who wants to try something different.
If you want to try a route of your own, Peter will be pleased to offer any advice you need about your route. You may prefer simply to relax, have a massage, go for a swim (in summer months) or explore the beautiful mountain villages. Dinner at the hotel.
Day 5 |
The Trevélez Valley and the highest village in Spain |
Thursday |
Walking : 14km, starting at 4,600 ft; Ascent / Descent 2,000 ft
Breakfast at your hotel. We transport you to Trevélez, the highest village of the Sierra Nevada (with disputed claims to be the highest village in Spain!). Our walk takes us along a little-known bridle path which winds its way through a number of abandoned cortijos (farmsteads) along the eastern slopes of the beautiful high Trevélez Valley.
Crossing ravines with streams that feed the Río Trevélez, and at times following ancient acequias (irrigation channels), the valley widens out and we get stunning views of Mulhacén and Alcazaba ("the fortress") on the other side. With luck, tomorrow we will up there looking down on today's walk!
After another delicious picnic on one of the scenic terraces, we descend to the River Trevélez, where we cross and thread our way along the lush green (and at times waterlogged!) path which takes us gently back down to the village. Here we stop to refresh ourselves (or visit one of the famous ham-curing houses) before being transported back to our hotel.
Tonight, by way of variety, we dine at Cortijo Catifalarga, set apart in the hills above Capileira. A grand view sweeps down the river gorge, the food is exceptionally good and dinner is followed by a splendid flamenco performance by local artists. Transport is provided.
Day 6 |
Ascent of Mulhácen, Iberia's highest peak |
Friday |
Walking : 15km, starting at 8,800 ft; Ascent / Descent 2,621 ft
After breakfast, National Park vehicles take us into the Sierra Nevada for a high altitude walk. This is a quite different experience: a world of primeval rockscapes, glacial lagoons, endemic plants and insects, choughs and eagles soaring, and ibex grazing.
As we climb steadily through the thinning air (and if we are not walking in snow!), our attention is drawn away from the vast scale and drama of "the roof of Spain" to the tiny alpine plants at our feet, such as the exquisite Sierra Nevada Violets.
If fine weather and Park transport permit, we reach the summit of Mulhacén, at 3,482 metres (11,421 feet) the highest mountain on the Iberian Peninsula. The views at the top are breathtaking: on the north side, the sheer drop of several thousand feet with a tiny emerald lagoon at the bottom; to the west, the main ridge and the peak of Veleta (the second highest of the Sierra); and in all directions, mountain ranges as far as the eye can see. Closer, for keen birdwatchers, there should be alpine accentors flitting from rock to rock right in front of you!
After taking our fill of the views, and our photos, we set off down the western face of Mulhacén on a steep, zig-zag track which takes us to the lagoon of Caldera ("The Boiler"). This was believed by shepherds to be connected to the sea. It is around these high lagoons that nearly half the Sierra's unique plant species live - here, notably the "star of the snow".
Then back along the track to eat a late and very welcome picnic lunch before being returned to Capileira. Tonight you will have your last Alpujarran dinner in a local restaurant.
This day is always a splendid experience, whether or not you reach the top. Since your arrival in La Alpujarra, you have risen through no less than five bio-climatic zones - from palm trees to near arctic tundra within 30 kilometres. You can now appreciate more fully the stunning variety of the Sierra Nevada.
Day 7 |
The Magic of Granada |
Saturday |
After an early breakfast we set off by coach to Granada, to enjoy the very best this fabulous, historic city has to offer.
First, a guided tour of the awe-inspiring Alhambra Palace and its exquisite gardens • Then a gentle walk, winding up through the ancient, cobbled Arabic quarter, El Albaicín, a little world full of character and charm.
At the Mirador de San Nicolas we take in the world-famous view of the Alhambra and Sierra Nevada, and a lunch of dishes based on the cooking of the three cultures of Andalucía. Having eaten our fill, we take a leisurely stroll past the Moroccan tearooms, the incense in the streets providing a flavour of pre-Christian Andalucía • From this historic district we see you to your hotel in the centre of town.
Time for a bit of shopping perhaps, or to put your feet up before setting out to enjoy the tapas bars outside your hotel or, if your stomach has room, perhaps to enjoy a special last meal in Granada (we will give you full details of places to snack or dine, and will make any reservations you need).
The evening is free for you to enjoy the easy-going nightlife of Granada in any way you choose: it´s fun! For more information about Granada, click here
Day 8 |
Goodbye and Farewell |
Sunday |
Breakfast at the hotel before our transport transfers you to Granada and Málaga airports. With lots of great memories of Andalucía at its authentic best.
Finca Los Llanos *** After a tough day out in the hills, we think that a little bit of comfort is well deserved. Here, in La Alpujarra, for six nights you will stay at the three star "Finca Los Llanos" in Capileira, the last and highest of the Moorish villages in the Poqueira Ravine, the most beautiful location of all in our sunny, magic mountains.
The friendly service offered by Gloria and Fernando and their charming daughters is appreciated by all who stay there. The twin-bedded rooms (all with en-suite bathrooms) are cosy, well equipped and comfortable. There is a full-sized swimming pool.
Restaurant times are flexible and you will always have a choice of dishes. On three evenings, to add still more variety to your holiday, we dine out: there’s ‘local flavour night’ on Tuesday, the flamenco evening on Thursday and your celebratory dinner on Friday, your last night in La Alpujarra to look forward to. For more information (and photos), click here
Hotel Dauro II *** On the Saturday evening you will stay in Granada, at the 3-star Hotel Dauro II.
This is a clean, comfortable 3 star city-centre hotel, which is relatively small, offering reasonable intimacy and, in our experience, always polite and friendly service.
All the amenities of a quality hotel are available: rooms are en-suite with satellite TV, direct-dial telephone, mini bar, internet connection, safe deposit boxes, hairdryer and bathrobes. There is air conditioning throughout. Common facilities include room service, a cafetería / bar, garage parking and reception services.
Chosen not only for its functionality and service but also because it's right in the heart of the city, the ideal starting point for
exploring the town - or to go out on the town! For more information (and photos), click here
The inclusive price, per person, is £890 (sharing a room, or willing to share); the single accommodation supplement (if required) is £110. Payment of the single accommodation supplement is optional. It guarantees single clients their own room in the hotels.
Prices are inclusive of • Seven nights quality hotel accommodation • All breakfasts & all dinners (except dinner on your last night in Granada) • Wines & beverages on each of the three evenings when we dine out, and your first bottles on the table on two other nights • Guided walks • Picnics and a mid-morning snack during the walks • Lunch in Granada • Airport transfers at set times to and from Granada or Málaga Airport (see below) • All local transport • Flamenco show • Alhambra entrance & 3-hour guided tour.
Prices do not include • Airfares • Walking equipment • Personal or medical insurance
Starting Dates 2009
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| April |
12 |
| May |
10 |
| June |
07* |
| September |
27 |
| October |
18 |
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* The itinerary for the week starting on 7th June has been specially designed to make the walking easier. Everything is the same, only the routes have been redesigned to suit walkers who require a more leisurely pace, with more time to rest along the way and enjoy the views.
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Clients arrange their own flights, either to Málaga Airport or Granada Airport. Granada Airport is nearer but has fewer incoming international flights than Málaga.
See our Links Page for web sites of airlines travelling to Málaga and Granada from the UK.
Transfers to and from Airports - Our free collection service
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We will pick you up on the Sunday of your arrival from either airport and transfer you to your hotel in La Alpujarra, Finca Los Llanos in Capileira. Our collection service leaves from Granada at 11.30 am and from Málaga at 1.30 pm. Please make sure that your flight arrives in good time - otherwise you will need to pay your own way to Capileira (see note below).
Similarly, we do one drop-off at each Airport on the Sunday of your departure, at 9.00 am at Granada airport and at 10.30 am at Málaga airport.
Transfers to and from Airports at other times
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If you require transfers at other times (or days) we can arrange these for you, but we will have to charge you for the additional cost (approximately £80 each way per taxi). Where it is possible to combine extra transfers we will do so and pass any savings on to everyone concerned. |
The walks are designed to be enjoyable, varied and challenging, always through mountain terrain, often at altitudes significantly higher than in Britain. Nevertheless, they are well within the capability of anyone of good general fitness and sound health. We recommend that you read Nancy Wilson's comments on page 2 to get a better idea of the levels of fitness required.
For anyone who is a little less confident about either their fitness or their enthusiasm, we suggest they consider the week of 15th June 2008 when we are offering an easier itinerary.
How long are the walks and how high do we go?
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On average, we are out walking for seven hours each day, including picnic time, and cover between 14 to 20 kilometres. Obviously, each day is a little different depending on the altitude and terrain covered on the particular day. We are commonly walking at altitudes between 1,500 and 2,000 metres, except for the Mulhacen trek which begins at 2,680 metres and may reach the summit at 3,482 metres.
The maximum number on any one week is 18. The average group size is 10.
Do you prefer a more leisurely pace ?
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The itinerary for the week starting on 15th June 2008 has been specially designed to make the walking a little easier. Everything is the same, only the routes have been redesigned to suit walkers who require a more leisurely pace, with more time to rest along the way and enjoy the views. About 10 kilometres are covered on a typical day.
There is every reason to expect the delightful Andalucían sun to shine during your holiday. However, there may be showers during spring and autumn. Temperatures range from 10C to 15C degrees in early March to 30C or 35C degrees in July and August. We don't offer walking holidays in July and August !
Your most important item is, of course, a pair of comfortable
walking boots - preferably not brand new ones !
It can be cold - especially high in the mountains - so you should bring some warm
clothing, particularly in early Spring and late Autumn. And, just in case . .
. a lightweight waterproof. We hope you won't need it. Mostly we will be walking
in dry weather, in warm sunshine, so casual, comfortable, summer clothes will
generally suffice. A hat and sun protection cream are essential.
A comprehensive list of 'what to pack' will be sent to you with your booking confirmation.
We recommend that you take out adequate holiday and accident insurance in advance of your holiday. See our Links Page for web sites of travel insurance companies.
Spain has a National Health Service and it is important that participants from European Union countries obtain a European Health Card (this replaces the form E111 in the UK) from their local post office which will entitle them to free medical service while in Spain. Without this clients may be requested to pay in full for any medical treatment received in Spain.
Whilst every care is taken to ensure the safety of participants and their effects, Rustic Blue cannot accept responsibility for loss of personal belongings or injury. |
