- 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
Walk Spain's Sierra Nevada & Granada
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8 Days
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8 Days
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Walking & Trekking
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
Highlights
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
Itinerary
Los Berchules Granada
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.
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Hotels
Berchules: Hotel Berchules (nights 1-6)
We spend six nights in the traditional rural town of Berchules, staying in the family-run Hotel Los Berchules. All rooms are en suite and all twin rooms have balconies with mountain and valley views. There is also a swimming pool (for use seasonally, usually June to September) in the garden, and a lounge/bar area with comfortable sofas and a wood-burning fire. Free wifi is also available.
Granada: Hotel Dauro 2 (night 7)
On the last night in Granada, we stay in a three-star hotel in the city centre, within walking distance of all the sights and restaurants. Single rooms here are limited but can be requested at the time of booking at an extra cost. In Berchules, single rooms are available at no charge (subject to availability). These rooms are small and basic, without a view, but all are en suite.
Trip Experts
Reviews
Add your own reviewExcellent walking
A good variety of walks out from a lovely small hotel run by very friendly people.
The food was excellent, the lunch bags superb, the wine and beer very enjoyable.
Most Inspirational Moment
The circular walk on the last day.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Dan was excellent, kept us informed, and ensured plenty of recovery breaks in unseasonable hot weather.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The going with ascents and descents on rocky terrain means that to get the best out of the walks some preparation is required.
Suggestions
I was fortunate to be part of a good group who got along well with each other and made the whole trip very enjoyable.
Sierra Nevada
The heat and the rough trails made the walks challenging enough for a grade 3. Although some of the days were less of a challenge than others. After a very hot summer in Europe, late September was still very hot and the scenery reflected this. It was cooler down in the valleys shaded by trees with lovely natural streams still full of water.
Most Inspirational Moment
The day we stopped for a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant with a lovely shaded terrace, views and fantastic food. How we made it up the hill after over indulging was anyone’s guess!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Dan was very knowledgeable about the local area. He kept us all safe on the rough, stony trails making sure everyone was going at their own pace and keeping well hydrated in the heat. His dry Yorkshire sense of humour kept us all entertained during the days!
Advice for Potential Travellers
The trails are quite rough with loose stones & shale so wear good supportive boots and use poles if you need to.
Suggestions
The Berchules hotel is very comfortable. Be prepared to be well fed with delicious 3 course meals every night created by Alejandro and served with grace by Omar. Be sure to ask Csilla for one of her special cocktails - delicious!
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.
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
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.
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....
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
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.
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
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!
Start
Finish
Availability
Adult Price From
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Saturday Saturday
13 Apr 2024 13 Apr 2024
Saturday Saturday
20 Apr 2024 20 Apr 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From USD 1,820 Book with 25% deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 147
Citizen Science Departure
Citizen Science Departure
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View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
27 Apr 2024 27 Apr 2024
Saturday Saturday
04 May 2024 04 May 2024
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Adult Price From USD 1,795 Book with 25% deposit
Optional Single Supplement Single Rooms sold out
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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 NotesSaturday Saturday
11 May 2024 11 May 2024
Saturday Saturday
18 May 2024 18 May 2024
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Adult Price From USD 1,795 Book with 25% deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 147
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.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
25 May 2024 25 May 2024
Saturday Saturday
01 Jun 2024 01 Jun 2024
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Adult Price From USD 1,820 Book with 25% deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 147
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.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
31 Aug 2024 31 Aug 2024
Saturday Saturday
07 Sep 2024 07 Sep 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From USD 1,820 Book with 25% deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 147
Citizen Science Departure
Citizen Science Departure
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.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
21 Sep 2024 21 Sep 2024
Saturday Saturday
28 Sep 2024 28 Sep 2024
Availability Sold Out
Adult Price From USD 1,820 Book with 25% deposit
Optional Single Supplement Single Rooms sold out
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and is now fully booked, although we may have people holding spaces without payment. Please contact our Sales team for further information.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
05 Oct 2024 05 Oct 2024
Saturday Saturday
12 Oct 2024 12 Oct 2024
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From USD 1,820 Book with 25% deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 147
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 NotesSaturday Saturday
19 Oct 2024 19 Oct 2024
Saturday Saturday
26 Oct 2024 26 Oct 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From USD 1,795 Book with 25% deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 147
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.
View Trip NotesWould you like to include flights with your booking?
- ATOL protected
- Competitive flight prices
- Full refunds in the event of FCDO cancellations or major disruption at your UK departure airport
- Specialist support to rearrange flights and transfers
- Regional flights available from many UK airports
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Walk Spain's Sierra Nevada & Granada
8 Days
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8 Days
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