The Alpujarras – the white villages of Andalucia May 2026

Itinerary – this is subject to change depending on the weather and at the discretion of the guide. The days walking will be discussed with the group the evening before and may vary depending on the group and the weather. We always trust the local knowledge of our guide and guests need flexibility and a sense of adventure.

Arrival for an evening briefing at our hotel around 18:00 with dinner to follow.

Walk 1 – White Villages Of The Poqueira 9.5km 544m ascent/descent

We start from our hotel at the top of three white hill villages in Capileira. We walk between Bubion and Pampaneira, all sitting on hillsides above the dramatic Poqueira gorge only a couple of hours from Malaga and the coast. Mulhacen, the highest mountain in the Sierra Nevada at 3482m rises above Capileira where we are based. We will walk along the historic trail that links all three of these villages.

We start from our base in the highest of the villages, Capileira. The trail drops down to cross the Rio Poqueira via a small bridge. We wind down through the hills going through Bubion with lots of cafes and rest stops. Then on to Pampaneira and back via a circular route.

Walk 2 – Medieval Way – Taha Del Pitres Villages 8.5km 424m ascent/decent

We will walk in the Taha de Pitres region. This is an area characterised by small white villages, steep sided gorges and abundant flora and fauna.

Most of this walk we are following old medieval trails through the hills and villages. We start in Mecina Fondales and drop down to the enchanting village of Fondales. Here we turn east and head for Ferrierola, perched high above the Trevelez gorge.

Then it’s uphill to visit the very quaint Atalbeitar before rising to reach the road that leads us to the town of Portugos. We take quiet back tracks to Pitres before dropping steeply back down to the start point at Mecina.

Walk 3 – GR7 long distance path Soportujar to Lanjaron 15km 386m ascent and 680m descent

The Alpujarra boast stunning scenery, normally sunny weather and is a wonderful area for enjoying the delights of this uniquely Andalucian Spanish walking tour. We choose the spring and autumn months when the surroundings are particularly beautiful. In spring the land is carpeted with a vast array of wild flowers and blossom adorns the fruit trees which are dotted around the slopes.

We walk along the long distance GR7, traversing hillsides and gorges, through the quiet non-tourist white villages of Soportujar and Cañar.

This is a varied walk through Forests, cultivated land, gorges, streams and irrigation channels, complete with sleepy white villages. The walk is, for the most part, easy gradients. A lovely day walk and a good introduction to the area.

Walk 4 – GR240 High Forests Of The Alpujarras 11km 539m ascent/descent

This is a walk to visit the high forests and experience new vistas of the Sierra Nevada. We walk through the pine forests to break out onto open hillside and arrive at the Puerta del Molina. This is a superb viewpoint of the Sierra Nevada and on a good day we can clearly see the main peaks.

Walk 5 – there will be an option to walk up Mulhacen and/or visit the village of Trevelez.

Mulhacen is 15km 977m ascent/descent. We take a bus to start half way up the mountain.

There  will be an option for free time during the week to have time to rest at the hotel pool or wander about the village. We will provide options.