As part of our Green Traveller's Guide to Las Alpujarras, here is a selection of outdoor activities in this stunning region of southern Spain.
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.
Google map: shows the location and details of all the places to stay, local food and drink, nearby visitor attractions and activities in our Green Traveller's Guide to Las Alpujarras:
Green = Places to stay Blue = Local food & drink Yellow = Attractions Purple = Activities
Activities in Las Alpujarras
Walking in Spain - Valleys & High Slopes of Las Alpujarras
Self-guided walking through the valleys & high slopes of Las Alpujarras, Spain takes a route following the trans-European long-distance GR7 path from Athens to Tarifa, in the shadow of the Sierra Nevada and along the cavernous Poqueira Gorge
Walking in Spain - With Chris Stewart in Las Alpujarras
A week walking with author Chris Stewart in Las Alpujarras, Spain. Based in a hotel in Mairena, take scenic walks and excursions that explore this alluring corner of southern Spain and then join Chris and his wife for meals and a tour of their farm. inntravel.co.uk/walking-holidays/spain/andalucia
Walking in Spain - Rural Life in the Alpujarras
Self-guided, single-centre walking holiday through the Sierra Nevada with scenic, varied walks along ancient paths linking other traditional villages, eating local food, you will gain a real insight into this alluring corner of southern Spain inntravel.co.uk/walking-holidays/spain/andalucia/rural-life-in-the-alpujarras
Walking in Spain - Life in an Alpujarran Village
Self-Guided Walking to Experience Life in an Alpujarran Village is an opportunity to take scenic, varied walks along ancient paths linking other traditional villages, seeing local farming practices and seasonal food preparation. inntravel.co.uk/walking-holidays/spain/andalucia/alpujarras
Wildlife-watching with Jorge Garzón, Las Alpujarras, Spain
Jorge is an experienced guide with an in-depth knowledge of the wildlife and flora of the Sierra Nevada. Having lived and worked in Australia and New Zealand as well as across Europe and North Africa, Jorge’s English is excellent and he has a charm and easy charisma that makes a nature walk with him a delight. He offers a range of tours and courses in Las Alpujarras and beyond, and is an authorised guide for Granada and the Alhambra. al-natural.eu Nevadensis, Las Alpujarras, Spain
Guided walks and climbs of peaks including Mulhacén, plus canyoning, kayaking, skiing, snowshoeing, rock- and ice-climbing. nevadensis.com Aventura Rural, Las Alpujarras, Spain
Shorter walks plus two-week supported treks along the Sulayr (GR240) circuit. Also canyoning, kayaking, bungy, snowshoeing and multi-adventure excursions. aventurarural.net
Puerto de la Ragua, Almería, Spain
The recreation station at the highest point of the pass over the mountains (2000m) offers equipment hire for cross-county skiing, sledging and mountain-biking. There are several waymarked trails spidering from the main chalet. puertodelaragua.com
