S-cape travel

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Moorish villages of Granada

A fascinating drive & discover tour around the Sierra Nevada, Andalusia’s snow-capped mountain range. 

The peaks of Southern Spain reach elevations of over 3000m and beneath these snowy giants we can find the remains from the ancient Caliphate of Al Andalus, kingdom of the Moors. You’ll visit the spectacular Alhambra in Granada, as well as the historic “White Villages” – or Pueblos Blancos – and the magical Alpujarras, with sculpted hillsides in the form of ancient stepped terraces and irrigation systems still in use centuries later. The traditional architecture belies its Berber origins, tiny white-washed dwellings with flat rooftops.

On the Sierra’s north side, you’ll explore an area of dramatic badlands – known as the backdrop for many Western films. Water is also present here and it marks the countryside in the form of hot springs, destination for one of the optional walking routes on this program. 

Three welcoming accommodations: a rural hotel with an excellent restaurant, charming cave dwellings with a lovely hammam, and a friendly “casa rural” in the mountainous Alpujarras.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Southern Spain 

Arrival in Alhama de Granada, a lovely town with white facades and brown tile rooftops beneath the stunning tower of its Gothic church. The town’s splendid location, at the edge of a deep gorge, makes for a breath-taking backdrop.

Challenge: Travel to Alhama de Granada from Granada airport (42 km) or Málaga airport (94 km)

Day 2: Choice of excursions from Alhama de Granada  

From Alhama de Granada, there are several nice walks to do in the nearby Natural Park of “Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama”, with summits of over 2000m surrounded by gorgeous evergreen oaks. Or spend the day visiting the unique city of Granada, just 50km away, with the world famous palatial complex at the Alhambra and lovely Generalife gardens. The cathedral and ancient Albaycín quarter add to the virtues of this impressing setting. 

Challenge: Walking routes from Alhama de Granada or visit Granada´s historical hightlights.

Day 3: From Alhama de Granada to Guadix

Today you move onward, to the intriguing badlands near Guadix, on theSierra Nevada’s north side. You passGranadaalong the way, option of stopping here to visit theAlhambra. In summer, option of driving all the way up to the ski station at Pradollano, where you’ll be treated to fabulous sweeping views from an elevation of 3200m. Ridge walk from here, along the high mountain tops, with olive orchards and the “white villages” far below. 

Challenge: Travel from Alhama de Granada to Guadix (110 km)

Day 4: Excursions in the Badlands near Guadix 

Today is the day to explore the bizarre and fanciful formations of the badlands, where green valleys nestle at the foot of bare hilly terrain. Coloured desert-like landscapes emerge from the floors of an ancient inland sea. Optional walking route, which takes you past green oasis in the midst of a dry eroded landscape. Your accommodation here is a unique complex of cave-dwellings, an ideal base for exploring this fascinating area. 

Challenge: Exploring the bizarre formations of the Badlands 

Day 5: From Guadix to Bérchules 

Rest day today. Then choose your driving route through mountains to the south side of the Sierra Nevada. Via the 2000m-high pass at Puerto de la Ragua with several optional walking routes, through the rolling terrain of El Chullo. Or by way of the Sierra de Baza, through virgin countryside marked by deep ravines in a protected area with a great variety of bird species. A longer route for today, and a good option for winter months, goes by way of Tabernas – where many spaghetti westerns were filmed years back.   

Challenge: Travel from Guadix to Bérchules (90 km)

Day 6 & 7: Choice of excursions in the Alpujarras 

Berchules is the perfect base for excursions in the Alpujarras: on foot, by car, by mountain bike or even on horseback. Here you have 2 days to explore the authentic surroundings in the rest of the Alpujarras, where charming Moorish villages cling to steep mountainsides and ancient irrigation channels criss-cross the slopes. This was one of the last Arabic strongholds to fall in the Christian reconquest. Circular walks from spectacular settings such as Trevélez, Bubion or Pórtugos, or directly from your front door at Cortijo El Paraje. Challenging mountain biking routes from Trevélez or horse-riding excursions from Berchules.  

Challenge: Walks starting directly from your accommodation or from spectacular mountains villages. 

Day 8: End of Program

Your journey comes to an end this morning after breakfast. Departure from Bérchules.

Challenge: Travel from Bérchules