Hidden Andalucia -- The Foothills of the Sierra Nevada
This outstanding itinerary takes you away from the crowds and into some of the most scenic, peaceful pathways of the range of mountains and valleys known as the Aplujarras. This fabled land of the Moors boasts outstanding natural beauty and diversity. Our route recaptures that feeling of breaking new ground and reaching the remote villages of Spain that see few tourists.
When the Moors settled here they brought their advanced civil engineering skills with them. 500 years after their departure we can still admire, and walk along, the elaborate systems of acequias (aqueducts) which bring water from the high mountain torrents to irrigate the terraced fields of the Alpujarras. The Moorish heritage is also evident in then narrow winding streets and Moroccan style flat roofs with protruding chimneys, reminiscent of the villages in the High Atlas. Typically Andalucian are the dazzling whitewashed walls and flower-bedecked balconies, often in autumn festooned with drying red peppers.
Tiny villages are linked by a network of ancient Camino Reales, centuries old pathways kept open by royal decree and which are still used to this day by the mules taking farmers to their work. The Mediterranean glistens only 20 miles to the south whilst the magnificent towering and often snow-capped heights of the Sierra Nevada peer down on the astonishingly fertile terraces from almost 8,000 feet above. You will stay in a beautifully restored village house with gardens and pool and in hotels chosen for their atmosphere and views. Whatever your expectations, this tour is guaranteed to enchant anyone who enjoys outdoor life and wishes to holiday in an area still virtually untouched by tourism and to experience the magic of real Spain.
The tour begins and ends at Mairena, the 'Balcony of the Alpujarras', one of the many typical whitewashed villages, set high up atthe eastern end of the Sierra Nevada, with spectacular views down to the Mediterranean. Meanwhile for the ambitious walker there are opportunities to ascend subsidiary peaks of the Sierra Nevada range such as Penabon (2200m) and Morron (2730m).
TRAIL MARKERS: Apart from some sections along the GR7 long distance trail which is waymarked, much of the route is not well marked. It is often necessary to pay close attention to the detailed 1:25,000 scale mapsand to our specially researched and written route notes.
ACCOMMODATION & MEALS: 3 nights full board, 1 night half board and 3 nights B&B.
ARRIVAL: The starting point of the tour is Mairena. You will be met on arrival at Granada Airport and transferred to your first hotel, journey time 1hr 30mins.
END OF TOUR: The tour ends at Mairena. Transfer to Granada Airport or Almeria Airport, included in tour cost.
Self Guided Inn to Inn 8 days
CODE: SHA
GRADE:
* This tour is also available as an ESCORTED DEPARTURE
CODE: SHAE
P I P E S T O N E...T R A V E L
1-800-766-4318
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