GREAT WALKS OF EUROPE
SPAIN - MECINA, IN THE ALPUJARRAS - CENTRE-BASED WALKING HOLIDAYS
The Alpujarras region of Spain, set in the
foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, has
excellent walking opportunities. On guided
walks through the hills and valleys you'll be
absorbed in a relaxed rural lifestyle as featured
in Chris Stewart's book 'Driving over Lemons'.
About an hour away is the enchanting city of
Granada, dominated by the awe-inspiring
Alhambra Palace.
So popular has been this combination that our
operator’s guests voted it their 'Holiday of the
Year'.
Mecina is a peaceful hamlet, set amidst
traditional terraced hillsides, and with
panoramic views down the valley. It is an ideal
spot to relax and from which to explore the
beautiful surrounding countryside
These centre-based classic walking 7 and 14 night holidays are designed to be flexible. Up to 2 different
guided walks will be offered each walking day, varied according to length and degree of difficulty and
each group’s abilities. If you are new to walking, start at the easiest level, where the pace is the gentlest
and we have plenty of stops to enjoy the views and to rest. As your holiday progresses you may feel
confident to try a more challenging level, or stick to the same level - it’s entirely your choice.
2005 Classic Walking Departures:
6, 13 March 3, 10, 17, 24 April, 18, 25 Sept, 2, 9, 16 October
Cost Per person:
AU$1315 (Single supplement $270)
Please allow 40 € per week for local transport during the week, excluding your free day.
Day 1: Arrival day
Day 2: Silk Villages of the Taha - These first day walks introduce us to the charms of the Taha region,
the last Moorish enclave in Spain. Starting from the hotel we will take a walk back through time on a
circuit of the Taha's ancient, white-washed, silk villages. Each of these villages has retained its unique
charm and individuality, along with their collective and fascinating 'Berber' character. As we ascend
towards Busquístar by the time honoured byways still used by locals, we will pass through terraced
fields still farmed as they were in the 19th Century.
Easier Walk: 7¾km (5 miles);380 metres (1,250 feet) of ascent.
Harder Walk: 10½km (6½ miles); 640 metres (2,100 feet) of ascent
Day 3: Pampaneira - Today we make a short journey to the village of Pampaneira which lies in the
Poqueira Gorge to the west of Mecina. Here we can enjoy walks to the neighbouring villages or the hills
above the village. The easier walk links the villages of Bubión, Capileira and Pampaneira, each built in
classic Berber style. The harder walk ascends to a stunning viewpoint with a Buddhist Stupa from
where you will be rewarded with views north to the Sierra Nevada and south to the small town of
Orgiva and the coast.
Easier Walk: 8km (5 miles); 370 metres (585 feet) of ascent
Harder Walk: 13km (8 miles); 720 metres (2,300 feet) of ascent
Day 4: From Ham to Silk - A short coach trip takes us to Trevélez, said to be the highest settlement in
mainland Spain, and famous for its 'jamon serrano', cured ham. From here you might also be able to see
Spain's highest peak, the magnificent mountain of Mulhacén, standing at 3,482 metres. The walks head
back to Mecina through the lush vineyards and chestnut groves that line the lower slopes of the
Trevélez Valley passing the villages of Busquistar and Portugos.
Easier Walk: 11km (7 miles); 140 metres (460 feet) of ascent; 415 metres (1,370 feet) of descent
Harder Walk: 16¼km (10 miles); 390 metres (1,280 feet) of ascent; 820 metres (2,700 feet) of descent
Day 5: Free Day - If there is sufficient interest your Leaders will arrange an excursion to the historic city
of Granada. Located on a hill just above the town is the romantic Alhambra Palace, the fortress home of
the Nasrid Sultans, the last Moorish rulers in Spain. The palace contains a myriad of mosaics, coloured
tiles, and sparkling fountains and is situated within the cool, perfumed Generalife Gardens.
Day 6: Into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada - The first glimpse of the Poqueira Gorge, a deep cleft
leading right up into the Sierra Nevada, is awe-inspiring. It is a huge ravine cut deep into the soft mica
and shales of the region, where little stone farmhouses dot the landscape and where flowers and trees
are in profusion. We start at Capileira, the highest of the Poqueira villages and head north along the
valley into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. The hardest option is to ascend to the Cortijo de las Tomas,
high on the slopes above the valley.
Easier Walk: 9½km (6 miles); 365 metres (1,200 feet) of ascent and descent
Harder Walk: 16km (10 miles); up to 860 metres (2,800 feet) of ascent and descent
Day 7: Panoramas of Poqueira and La Taha - The two valleys of Poqueira and Trevelez have different
characters, both of which are experienced during the day. The walks start at Bubion in the Poqueira
Gorge and follow two different routes back to our hotel in Mecina. We ascend to the top of the ridge
that marks the divide between the two valleys to admire the view of the villages of La Taha, set amongst
a patchwork of terraced fields.
Easier Walk: 11¼km (7 miles); 280 metres (920 feet) of ascent and 600 metres (2,000 feet) of descent
Harder Walk: 13¾km (8½ miles); 540 metres (1,800 feet) of ascent
Day 8: Departure day – tour ends after breakfast
Contact OUTDOOR TRAVEL or your travel agent for more details, brochures and reservations
• Call Outdoor Travel Toll free on 1800 331 582 or (03) 57551743 or Fax (03) 57501020
• Email [email protected]
• Web: www.outdoortravel.com.au
• Mail: Outdoor Travel Pty Ltd, PO Box 286, Bright VIC 3741
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