Current as of: September 19, 2024 - 07:48
Walk Spain's Sierra Nevada & Granada Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
- Destination: Spain
- Programmes: Walking & Trekking
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Activity Level:
4 out of 7 - Moderate & Challenging
- 8 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: TSN
- Carbon Footprint: 17kg CO2e
Trip Overview
Enjoy a walking adventure through the highest mountain range in Spain
The Sierra Nevada towers over southern Spain. Much of this dramatic landscape is a protected biosphere reserve, rich in wildlife and home to many endemic plant species. Here, and in the neighbouring Alpujarra region, we are rewarded with some of the finest walking in Andalucía; from ancient chestnut forests to lavender and broom-clad moorland and whitewashed Moorish villages. A night in the city of Granada, home to the magnificent Alhambra palace, is the perfect end to the week.
This trip includes a few of our Citizen Science Departures. These special departures offer you the opportunity to be involved in the collection of freshwater samples during the trip. The environmental DNA information derived from this sample will contribute directly to the eBioAtlas; the world’s largest repository of flora and fauna species data, contributing to the conservation and restoration of biodiversity both locally and globally. To book onto one of these special departures, see the Dates & Prices tab. For more information on these departures and the eBioAtlas, click here.
Did you know you can travel by train to this trip? Find out more here
At a Glance
- Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (hotels)
- Five days of walking; one free day
- Group normally 5 to 14, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
- Altitude maximum: 6,560ft (2,000m); average: 4,590ft (1,400m)
- Some short steep sections
- Option to travel by train to your adventure
Highlights
- Join a small group to explore Spain’s highest mountain range on foot
- Marvel as Moorish settlements hidden in valleys reveal themselves
- Visit white-washed Trevelez, the highest village in the country
- Enjoy a night in Granada with a free day to explore the beautiful city
- Experience a warm Spanish welcome at our family-run hotel with mountain views
Is This Trip for You?
This trip is rated Activity Level 4 (Moderate & Challenging). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
This walking week takes us through some of the finest scenery and villages in the Sierra Nevada, with magnificent long-distance views and many fantastic walks on the mountain flanks, ridges and in the valleys.
We reach some fairly high elevations. On one day, walking from the highest village in Spain, the route can reach 6,560ft (2,000m) above sea level. While the gradients are reasonable, you should be prepared for some short, steep sections both uphill and downhill. You should have a reasonably good level of fitness before you join this trip. On most days, we walk for five to seven hours on a mixture of forest roads and paths, some of which are rough, stony and difficult underfoot. Although we are in Andalucía, most walks involve some wet sections whatever the season, so good walking boots are essential. The heat can make the walking quite demanding at times.
Walking distances and hours stated within the itinerary are approximates only. Timings stated include lunch and photo stops and will vary depending on the pace of your group.
Alhambra, Granada
Entrance to the Alhambra is not included in the tour. If you wish to visit, you must purchase your own ticket in advance. We recommend purchasing this as far in advance as possible as they can sell out months ahead. Please refer to the Extra Expenses section of the Trip Notes for further details.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 5
Max group size: 14
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Los Berchules
- End City: Granada
Land Only Itinerary
Fly to Malaga; transfer to Berchules
Fly to Malaga; transfer to Berchules (2hr 45min).
Start Berchules
The tour starts this afternoon at our hotel in Berchules, where you will meet your leader and the rest of the group at the welcome briefing. Berchules is a 2hr 45min drive from Malaga Airport.
Villages walk in the Contraviesa mountain range with panoramic views of routes for the week ahead
Today we take a 20-minute transfer to the top of the Contraviesa mountain range that faces the hotel. We walk through almond groves and vineyards with the Sierra Nevada as the backdrop, before walking through picturesque villages and enjoying splendid views of the local area. Our guide will point out the walking routes we will take during the week, so we can get our bearings. We walk back to the hotel. If you prefer to take a transfer, there will be the option to be collected from the town of Cádiar, where we stop for a break and refreshments.
Descend into the Guadalfeo Valley, walking from Juviles to Cádiar; return to the hotel via the GR7 long-distance footpath
Today we take a 10-minute transfer to Juviles, where there is a Mozarabic 10th-century castle. Take the chance to see abundant flora and fauna while walking through beautiful landscapes. The route takes us through several traditional towns and villages, such as Lobras and Timar. Lunch is taken in a family-run tapas bar, where we will be offered a selection of local dishes, as available on the day (lunch is paid for locally). In the afternoon, we walk to Cadiar and back to the hotel via the GR7 long-distance path through the villages of Narila and Alcútar.
Walk along Roman paths through La Taha to explore Moorish villages hidden in a deep gorge
A 20-minute transfer takes us to the beginning of our walk exploring the nature of the Rio Trevelez Valley. We follow a forest trail with great views of Taha villages before descending along Roman paths into the area of La Taha, a collection of Moorish villages hidden in a deep gorge.
Scenic walk from the white village of Trevelez; return through working ‘cortijos’ to see how traditional life continues
Our day starts with a short transfer to the white village of Trevelez, the village in Spain at 5,085ft (1,550m). The town is particularly famous for the quality of its serrano ham. There are shopping opportunities in this larger village and a chance to sample the ham at source. From here, we enjoy a scenic circular walk involving riverside sections and a chance to see the local cowboys handle their herds on the hillsides.
Walk through a variety of landscapes, including Mediterranean scrub and the pine forests of the upper reaches of the Río Grande
This walk will vary with the season and is the longest walk of the week. Normally, we take a circular walk from the hotel to take a deeper look at our home valley. Walking through the village of Bérchules, we follow the old mule trail that goes over the Sierra Nevada before arriving at the Junta de los Ríos, the last stand of the Moorish king, Aben Aboo. This is an amazingly scenic walk with opportunities to see ibex and birds of prey. We encounter points of historical and folkloric interest, plus paddling possibilities at the river crossing.
Free day in Granada and optional visit to the Alhambra palace
We transfer to Granada (just under two hours) and enjoy free time to explore. The city is home to one of the great historical monuments in Europe, the magnificent Alhambra palace. Tickets are restricted so you need to book in advance. Please refer to the Extra Expenses section of the Trip Notes for further details.
Transfer to Malaga; fly to London
End at Hotel Dauro and transfer with the group back to Malaga Airport (1hr 30min transfer).
End Granada
Enjoy your final breakfast of the tour before beginning your return journey home. Alternatively, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay in Granada.
Ascents, descents and distances: All ascents, descents and distances listed in the daily itinerary have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. However, different GPS measuring devices can give differing results, particularly on winding paths or in mountainous terrain. Measurements stated throughout these Trips Notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group.
Accommodation
Hotel Berchules and Hotel Dauro 2
On this walking adventure in Spain, we mostly stay at a family-run hotel in Berchules. Our final night is spent in Granada, at a three-star city centre hotel. Below are the properties we typically use:
Berchules: Hotel Los Berchules (nights 1-6)
Our time in the rural village of Berchules is spent at this welcoming 14-room hotel. It has a swimming pool (open seasonally, usually June to September) in the garden and there’s a lounge-bar with a fireplace. The 35-seat dining room serves regional cuisine and there’s a selection of local and Spanish wines to work through.
Granada: Hotel Dauro 2 (night 7)
On the last night, we normally stay in this three-star hotel in Granada old town, a 15-minute walk from the Alhambra. It has a bar specialising in wine, meats and tapas, plus a meditation room for relaxation and a quiet moment to reflect on the trip.
Worth knowing
- In Berchules, single rooms are available at no charge (subject to availability) – these rooms are small and basic, without a view, but have private bathrooms. Single rooms are limited at Hotel Dauro 2 but can be requested at the time of booking for a supplement.
Single supplement from £ 105
Food & Drink
All breakfasts, four picnic lunches and six dinners are included.
- Breakfast in Berchules: cereals, yoghurt, fruits. jam, cheese/ham, bread, tomato, fresh orange juice and tea/coffee
- Breakfast in Granada: continental breakfast
- Lunch: Bread, cheese/cold meat, tomato, chocolate/biscuits, fresh fruit, and local products are provided as part of the packed lunch.
- Dinner: First course usually typical Spanish soup, main local dish with meat/fish and vegetables, followed by fresh fruit or typical sweet for dessert.
- Vegetarians: It is possible to cater for vegetarians and other dietary requirements. Please inform us at time of booking.
Breakfast in Granada is only provided from 7 am. Therefore, in case of early flights, there is no breakfast included on departure day.
Mealtimes in Spain are later than in many other countries; dinner is usually between 8pm and 9.30pm.
Transport
Minibuses are used as support vehicles during this trip, for transfers to and from Malaga Airport and between Berchules and Granada on Day 7.
Weather & Seasonality
Andalucía has one of the mildest off-season climates in Europe, normally ideal for spring and autumn trekking. Days are warm to hot, with temperatures ranging from 10C (50F) in early spring to 30C (86F); nights are cool to warm, with temperatures varying between 0C (32F) and 20C (68F). The risk of rain is low, particularly in September and October, but if it does occur it is most likely to be an occasional shower or storm. April and May are the best months for spring flowers, while February brings the almond blossom. Mountains can always make their own weather and as a result your guide may occasionally vary the walks from those in the itinerary.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Hotel Los Berchules, Carr. de Granada, 20, 18451 Bérchules, Granada
Phone: +34 958 85 25 30
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Malaga Airport (AGP)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately three hours’ drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:
Take an Exodus transfer
Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
Make your own way
It’s possible to reach the start hotel by public transport, but the journey is complicated. We therefore recommend joining the group transfer where possible. If not, a cab from the airport to the start hotel costs €200. On arrival at the hotel, please make the reception staff aware that you are part of an Exodus group and they will have more details on meeting with your leader and group.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Los Berchules
Location end: Granada
What To Take
Essential Equipment
- Small daypack (20 litres to 30 litres)
- Light waterproofs
- Strong walking boots (with good tread and ankle support)
- Lightweight warm sweater/two-season jacket for evenings
- Large refillable water bottle
- Sunglasses, sunhat and sunscreen
Tap water is safe to drink in the area which means all you need to do is bring a bottle to refill at the hotel. Please add this to your packing list as this will save on wasteful plastic bottles.
Optional Equipment
- Warm hat and gloves (March, April, May and October departures)
- Walking poles
- Swimsuit and towel
Practical Information
Visa
Spain
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Spain. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/spain
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/spain
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Spain.html
Vaccinations and Health
Spain
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus and rabies. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
If you’re a UK citizen, please note that your UK-issued European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) are still valid and offer the same cover as the Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC) in the EU. This gives you medical care at a reduced cost, and in some cases for free, in many European countries, but should not be considered a substitute for adequate insurance. Once your EHIC has expired, replace it with a GHIC.
Local Time
Spain's time zone: Europe/Madrid (UTC +02:00)
Electricity
Spain's electricity: Plug type F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
Spain's currency: Euros (EUR)
ATM Availability
There are plenty of chances to withdraw cash in Berchules and Granada. You can also pay for hotel bills by credit card, although cash is more popular.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
Please allow approximately €80 in total for the meals not included in the price of the tour.
Optional excursions
Tickets are limited for the Alhambra palace in Granada, so you need to book in advance. Tickets can sell out months in advance, so we recommend purchasing them as soon as possible. Tickets are usually available for purchase up to three months in advance.
Please visit: tickets.alhambra-patronato.es/en
When booking, having selected the tickets for the appropriate date, it will be necessary to pick a time to access the Nasrid Palace. We recommend booking an afternoon slot. Please note, availability of time slots vary according to the date requested. The purchase should be made with a credit card you intend to take with you on the trip. When booking tickets online, you can choose to print your ticket at home, on the TVRs at the site or at the Alhambra ticket office.
If you choose to print your ticket at home, it must be printed on A4, good-quality paper. More information about the booking and purchasing of these tickets can be found on the above website.
If you wish to book your ticket over the telephone, call +34 858 953 616.
There are some very good audio guides available for just a few euros.
Tipping
Although optional, a tip for the leader at the end of the trip is greatly appreciated. As a guideline we recommend a contribution of between €15 and €20 per client. It is also customary to leave a tip for the driver and the hotel staff. This can be handed to your leader at the end of the trip. For the local staff, we recommend approximately €10 to €15 per person.
People, Places & Planet
At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.
Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here…
Important Information
Water safety
This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.