Having spent a lot of time in Spain, I have yet to find anywhere that is not worth discovering. Even in the areas that are heaving with tourists, I have found a bar that only has eggs, potatoes, onions and cheese and still managed to have 20 dishes on the menu, providing a true Spanish experience! However, one of the best sides of Spain is it's peaceful, truly hidden and undiscovered side.   While it is always a pleasure to drop in on one of the country's amazing cities, heading out to an authentic and tranquil part of Spain is a joy, so for your perusal we present Walking in Las Alpujarras. [caption id="attachment_16298" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Approaching the town of Trevelez[/caption]

In a Nutshell

Distance: 60 - 70 km.  On some of the days you have a choice of loop walks, so if you want to take it a little easier, then you are more than welcome to. Grading: Moderate.  Las Alpujarras is a hilly region, so there are uphill sections almost every day.  They tend to be gradual and sustained, however, rather than a short sharp shock.  The paths are a healthy mix of trail, farm track and irrigation channels and there is a little way marking here and there, but we will give you everything you need to navigate it successfully.

Where is it?

Las Alpujarras is in Andalucia, down in the very south of Spain.  The area is better known for its amazing trio of cities, Seville, Cordoba and Granada, but the surrounding countryside is absolutely stunning too and the Moorish influence that pervades in the cities is gloriously present in each little village on the route.

Why walk it?

This is a part of Spain that is ignored in the main, which gives you an amazing reason to visit it straight away.  It is an exploration, somewhere that not many of your friends and relatives will have heard of, but one that is ripe for tourism.  The actual route itself is charming, with unbelievable vistas of the Sierra Nevada which brings a wealth of birdlife unique flora. [caption id="attachment_16294" align="aligncenter" width="300"] The majesty of the Alhambra[/caption] The start and end point for this trip is Granada.  This is a city that everyone should visit once in their lives, such is the heartwarming beauty of this coming together of ancient cultures. While the culture clash was not the friendliest back in the day, it has produced one of the most interesting and visually stunning cities in Europe.  The crowning glory of this is the majestic Alhambra, a palace of such immense design and history that it is often cited as the most popular tourist attraction in Spain. [caption id="attachment_16297" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Moorish spices that heavily influence the food of Andalusia[/caption] And as ever there is the food of the region.  Spain is so good at regional food that it is a constant battle to know which is the best for food lovers.  Andalusia has its obvious difference, the Moorish influence and what outstanding fare it produces. Tapas is the way to explore what the locals eat and though daunting with their hustle and bustle, the Tapas bars are a real joy to eat in.  The main meals of lamb and rabbit, delicately flavoured with Moorish spices are hard to beat, however.

Planning to go Walking in Las Alpujarras

It is fairly easy to get to Granada to the start of this wonderful trip.  Malaga is only 1.5 hours away from Granada on the bus and just about every regional airport in Europe goes to Malaga.  You might be lucky enough to have a direct route to Granada, but often they are much less available. The only real caveat about this trip is when to go.  We don't sell it in July/August because of the heat, not fun to walk in and from experience, not even that much fun to sit in a cafe and drink wine in! [caption id="attachment_16296" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Views over the Sierra Nevada[/caption] Macs Adventure have a couple of experts on the route and are happy to help with the planning or tailoring of your trip in Las Alpujarras.  If you have any questions about the region or the trip, don't hesitate to contact info@macsadventure.com and one of the team will be more than happy to get back to you.