Sierra Nevada & Granada

Name: Sierra Nevada & Granada
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.7 (32 reviews)

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8 Days from

USD 1,949

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Walking & Trekking

Ways to Travel :

Guided Group, Private Group Adventures

Activity :

Walking & Trekking

Activity Levels :

3 out of 7 - Moderate

Group Size :

5 - 14

Ages :

16+

Trip Code :

TSN

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.

Did you know you can travel by train to this trip? Find out more here

Highlights

Embark on beautiful walks through the highest mountain range in Spain
Discover whitewashed Moorish settlements
Visit Trevelez, the highest village in the country
Stay at a family-run hotel with stunning views and warm hospitality
Enjoy a night in Granada with a free day to explore this beautiful city

Key Information

Six nights in Hotel Los Berchules and one night in a Granada city centre hotel
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

Countries visited: Spain

What's Included

All breakfasts, four picnic lunches and six dinners included
All accommodation
Transfer for group flights

What's Not Included

Travel insurance
Visas & vaccinations
Single supplement
Alhambra ticket; purchase in advance if you wish to visit

5 Days of Walking & Trekking

Pace:

Approximately five to seven hours walking per day

Terrain:

Low altitude; good paths with some steep ascents

Day 2

16 km / 9.9 miles

Day 3

17 km / 10.6 miles

Day 4

18 km / 11.2 miles

Day 5

18 km / 11.2 miles

Day 6

17 km / 10.6 miles

Responsible Travel

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…

Itinerary

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.

Meals Included: Dinner

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.

Ascent: 1,640ft (500m); descent: 1,970ft (600m)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Ascent: 1,800ft (550m); descent: 1,970ft (600m)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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.

Ascent: 1,640ft (500m); descent: 1,640ft (500m)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Ascent: 1,970ft (600m); descent: 1,970ft (600m)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Ascent: 2,625ft (800m); descent: 2,625ft (800m)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Essential Info

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

Vaccination

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.

Eating and Drinking

All breakfasts, four picnic lunches and six dinners are included.

Breakfast in Berchules: Cereals or yoghurt, toast with marmalade or tomato, fresh orange juice and tea/coffee. A similar continental breakfast is provided in Granada.
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.

Mealtimes in Spain are later than in many other countries; dinner is usually between 8pm and 9.30pm.

Weather

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.

Is this trip for you?

This trip has been rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate).

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 consider the walking to be moderate and no previous experience is needed.

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 be reasonably fit before you join this trip, though the walks are not long and the pace is leisurely. 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.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Louis Victor

Reviewed November 2022

Glorious location, great walks and a fabulous hotel

We took this trip in early September, the weather turned out to be very hot (mostly 30-32 degrees) but the walks were still fine for most of the group and were really well selected with varied and interesting walking every day. I would say, though, that a fair rating would be ‘moderate to hard’ as each walk had some challenging sections, especially in the heat. The scenery of the Alpujarra is glorious, different to any other mountains we have walked in and very beautiful. Our guide Dan was also excellent, really well informed, dryly funny and considerate to all members of the group. Finally a word for the hotel in Berchules – it was absolutely fabulous! Csilla is a wonderful hostess, so friendly and welcoming and Alejandro is a terrific chef, evening meals were a delight and the breakfasts and packed lunches were very generous. The setting of the hotel, at the head of the Berchules valley, is glorious – one of my favourite memories of the trip was just sitting on the terrace before breakfasts and suppers, chatting over drinks with our walking buddies. I thoroughly recommend this trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Sitting relaxed on the terrace with new friends and out lovely hosts, drinking in the fabulous scenery (and the local wine).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dan was great, full of information and humour and really careful for the well-being of all the group members.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Walking poles (which we didn't bring but others did) were helpful for balance on some steeper walk sections. Do follow the advice on water bottles too. Proper walking boots essential.

Suggestions

We had not known this part of Spain at all before our trip and it was such a treasure to visit - full of atmosphere and character.

donald simpson

Reviewed June 2019

excellent

All round extremely good holiday with a fine bunch companions interesting people

Most Inspirational Moment

The actual terrain/landscape not a flat piece of ground anywhere it was all rugged hills and gulleys/ravines

Thoughts on Group Leader

excellent

Suggestions

The Hotel Los Berchules was excellent wonderful family run, attentative and with good nourishing food

Alan Gelson

Reviewed May 2019

Unspoilt high mountains and verdant valleys in one of the most beautiful regions of Europe.

The Sierra Nevada is the highest mountain range in mainland Spain. They remain snow covered well into the Summer and these walks take place in the wooded valleys in their foothills. The sound of running water seems always to be in the background. The bird life is rich and varied and we heard the cuckoo on our first day. Nightingales and golden orioles and eagles and falcons were viewed with awe and delight.
The walks are pretty challenging but rewarding. Conditions under foot are variable but generally reasonable.The Hotel art Los Berchules is a place of repose and delight. The food is first rate and the owners and staff delightful dedicated and friendly.

Most Inspirational Moment

Looking over a wide valley and listening to bird song and seeing a golden oriole whilst a Bonelli's eagle was being mobbed by a Peregrine falcon.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was completely excellent. Reliable knowledgable humorous and dedicated to our safety and enjoyment.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The walks are quite challenging but there were opt out points on most days.

Suggestions

We have been fortunate to have been on many walking holidays mainly with Exodus and nearly all have been highly enjoyable and the Sierra Nevada walk was up with the best we have been on.

Jacinta Ashworth

Reviewed April 2019

Peace and beauty

Just returned from a wonderful holiday in the Sierra Nevada mountains. This tour has been part of the Exodus programme for many years, I understand, and deservedly so. The walking itinerary and accommodation are both excellent.
We experienced Spring unfolding as our week progressed – the temperatures rising, the leaves and flowers emerging, the warmth of the sun! The walks were varied – 3 ascending from the village, in cool fresh air, following irrigation channels and gorges and one to the snowline, whilst 2 descended to explore the local villages and cultivated slopes with blossoming almond groves, olive trees and vineyards. We saw wild ibex in the remote Berchules valley. We walked through herby scrub with the intoxicating scent of sage, thyme, rosemary and lavender wafting up as you brushed through it. We viewed the snowcapped peaks and Mulhacen.
The staff at the hotel were exceptional – Wendy, Alejandro, Csila, Omar – so friendly and good service. Rooms cleaned immaculately daily, and the meals were lovely – hearty and tasty. Amazing breakfast buffet – no stale rolls here! Chat with Wendy and you will catch her enthusiasm for this area – she is the lychpin – so classy to meet us to chat at breakfast and at the end of our walks, with genuine interest to hear of our adventures each day.
And well, as for Granada….what can you say – except book your Alhambra tickets well in advance. The Alhambra is a special place indeed – beauty in architecture and the gardens, with peace (if you pause away from the crowds) and spirituality of a bygone age. Dan our guide helpfully took us to a lovely meal in the city, a fantastic flamenco show and gave those who wanted it a guided walking tour.

Most Inspirational Moment

I think the Sierra Nevada doesn't offer up its secrets easily. It doesn't shout at you with spiky peaks and chocolate box chalets. But it draws you in subtly if you stop and breathe.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I can highly recommend this trip. Go, and let the mountains gently reveal their secrets to you....

Gaby Naylor

Reviewed October 2018

Beating expectations

From the lovely hotel family, who went the extra mile for me when my case was smashed by Ryanair, to the delicious and plentiful meals ,and the comfortable hotel with its great fire this was the perfect base for our superb trek. Great varied walking with Dan as guide who was a fount of knowledge of all things floral, trees, history, people.
Just go for it .

Most Inspirational Moment

The winding path down to the Roman bridge at the bottom of the gorge and then back up to a crazy restaurant in the village.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very good, inspired catering for those with long legs and also those with shorter ones and those under the weather. Very knowledgeable and friendly with everyone. Gsoh.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take wet weather clothing

Steve Braysher

Reviewed October 2018

Top Autumn Walking

There is a lot of enjoyable walking to be had on this trip, varied routes and tantalising views of big ridges and high peaks. There is also wildlife a plenty but it does need looking hard for. There are some steep ups and downs in places but the paths are considerably better than I had expected and are all very ‘doable’ if you have a reasonable level of fitness.

The hotel in Berchules is a comfortable and very friendly base to operate from, Wendy and her staff couldn’t do enough to help and they serve up some appetising food too; tThe packed lunches are perhaps the best I have had anywhere. If you have an interest in avaiation history ask Wendy about the Royal Air Force Asscoiation plaque that is on the bar!

Granada is a complete and very enjoyable contrast, a city with a really nice ‘feel’ to it. A different but decent hotel. The Alhambra really is a must – it would be a shame to not see it if you are in the city.

Most Inspirational Moment

There are no truely stunning or inspirational moments but spending time walking in the relatively empty mountains of the Sierra Nevada with the possibilities of wildlife spotting and the sun on your back (or face) is pretty fine stuff.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dan is a Yorkshireman - and he is a good bloke (high praise). The sort of leader that that gives a group confidence. Punctuality and organisation were pretty much his trademark, his knowledge of the local area, its history, wildlife etc was detailed and his skill with gaffer tape was impressive. Would be very happy to go into the mountains with him again

Advice for Potential Travellers

To get the most out of it a reasonable level of fitness is needed. Poles are useful for some of the descents. If you have tickets for the Alhambra you do need to be at the right place at the right time or you won't go in - we witnessed some interesting conversations at the entrance point - if you end up with a bit of paper that says 'this is not a tick' which has to be exchanged for a ticket at the box office make sure you have your passport with you - or you won't get your ticket!

Suggestions

Another excellent Exodus trip, made not only by the walking, venues, accommodation and guide but by the smashing bunch of people who were also on the trip.

Loretta Kinsella

Reviewed September 2018

Spain

This is a wonderful combination of walking in the lovely Sierra Nevada mountains and then staying in Granada, although we extended our trip to give us 3 days in Granada, which meant we could explore most of this interesting and beautiful city.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved the wide expanse of the mountains and the family run hotel in berchules was just perfect, the staff could not do enough, so friendly and lots of lovely home made food. Granada is a wonderful city to explore, churches and Alhambra amazing

Thoughts on Group Leader

Knew the mountains well

Advice for Potential Travellers

Many of the walks involve rivers and river crossings, so waterproof boots and some agility needed. Food is very plentiful so be hungry! Well worth extending stay in Granada we stayed in same hotel. Perfect

Suggestions

Another brilliant exodus holiday

Sioned Jones

Reviewed September 2018

Berchules, Sierra Nevada, Spain

Another great holiday thanks to Exodus! This was my 13th walking holiday with Exodus and one of the best, thanks to the varied walks, excellent leader, great scenery, wonderful family run hotel and good weather.

Most Inspirational Moment

Following the Moors waterways into the hills and enjoying the long varied walks along the rugged landscape and through pretty little villages. We covered 9 miles, 10 miles, 9 miles, 10 miles, then 12 miles during the week, which was challenging enough for a Grade 3 walk. It was great to be out for a full day, before returning "home" to the wonderful, family run Los Berchules Hotel. Our hosts were Alejandro, his wife Csilla, the lovely Wendy (Alejandro's mum) and Omar. The staff were amazing and nothing was too much bother for them. Alejandro cooked us fantastic, locally sourced food, whilst Csilla and Omar waited on. Wendy made the excellent home made puddings and gave us a warm welcome "home" each day front of house.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dan was a great leader. His local knowledge of history, the way people live and wildlife was second to none and his Yorkshireman sense of humour added to that! Dan allows you to walk on at your own pace, but has control of the group is an unassuming, professional way.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Having exhausted most of the Grade 5 centre based options over the years, we were looking for a more challenging Grade 3 walking trip and this one surpassed our expectations in terms of terrain, scenery, length of walks and accommodation. I would highly recommend this holiday.

Suggestions

We are used to a large group of 14 to 16 people, but on this occasion, there were only six of us. That did not detract from the holiday at all, in fact, it added to it as we all got on so well. Thanks Exodus for another fantastic walking holiday!

Sioned Jones

Reviewed September 2018

Berchules, Sierra Nevada, Spain

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Suggestions

Jane Firth

Reviewed May 2018

Loved it!

Our first Exodus holiday and it will certainly not be the last. Everything ran smoothly even though we had to have a replacement guide due to illness. Dan, our guide, had a great sense of humour and was knowledgeable about the region. The walks were varied and the scenery was beautiful.
Hotel Los Bérchules was comfortable and very clean. Wendy, Alejandro, Csilla and Omar made us all feel so at home. The food was super, tasty homemade bread and marmalade at breakfast, satisfying packed lunches and generous portions at dinner with always a homemade pudding. Finally our fellow travellers were a great group of people, so interesting and full of fun.

Most Inspirational Moment

Managing to keep on walking whatever the weather threw at us!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dan is a great leader, calm and confident with a great sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take an extra day for Granada, so much to see, so little time.

Suggestions

No complaints at all! 😊

Read All Reviews

Covid-19 refund commitment

You will get a refund if you have to cancel your trip due to COVID-19.

Availability

This departure is guaranteed to go ahead but there are only 1 space left. Do not delay your booking!

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Availability

This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

View Trip Notes

Availability

View Trip Notes

Availability

This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

Availability

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Sierra Nevada & Granada

Enjoy a walking adventure through the highest mountain range in Spain

5 Days of Walking & Trekking

Responsible Travel

Itinerary

Share Your Photos...

Essential Info

Visa

Spain

Vaccination

Spain

Eating and Drinking

Weather

Is this trip for you?

Hotels

Reviews

Glorious location, great walks and a fabulous hotel

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Suggestions

excellent

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suggestions

Unspoilt high mountains and verdant valleys in one of the most beautiful regions of Europe.

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Suggestions

Peace and beauty

Most Inspirational Moment

Advice for Potential Travellers

Beating expectations

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Top Autumn Walking

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Suggestions

Spain

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Suggestions

Berchules, Sierra Nevada, Spain

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Suggestions

Berchules, Sierra Nevada, Spain

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Suggestions

Loved it!

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Suggestions

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