Activities in Las Alpujarras

With high peaks, a vast network of trails, snow in winter and long, sunny days in summer, Las Alpujarras is a playground for outdoor activities. Hiking is the big draw; three long-distance trails traverse the region, plus countless other mule tracks, ancient footpaths and dozens of acequias (Moorish irrigation channels) providing more options for splicing together walking routes.

The terrain is ideal for mountain biking, and with quiet, winding, undulating highways, it’s unsurprising that road cycling is becoming increasingly popular. The Sierra Nevada is a biodiversity hotspot, now protected by both a natural park and national park (Spain’s largest); rare birds, butterflies and the big-horned ibex draw wildlife-watchers to the region. The Sierra Nevada is well known as a ski centre, but ice-climbing and snowshoeing are also possible in winter.