Granada to Sevilla

Our cultural and hiking discovery of southern Spain brings us from Granada, with its extraordinary Alhambra Palace, to romantic Sevilla, home of flamenco. Between these cultural icons, our hikes explore the glorious Alpujarras—the rose-festooned hamlets nestled below the Sierra Nevada—and the famed whitewashed villages of Andalucia, with their Iberian, Roman, and Moorish heritage, a striking reminder of the multilayered history of southern Spain. We also hike in the Sierra de Grazalema, where atmospheric villages overflow with flowers, and explore dramatic Ronda, one of the most spectacular towns in the world, set on the cliffs of a dramatic gorge.

Itinerary at a Glance

For a more complete description, Download Full Detailed Itinerary

Days 1-2
Granada / Las Alpujarras / Bubión

After visiting the unforgettable Alhambra, we head to Las Alpujarras to hike ancient footpaths between flat-roofed Moorish-style villages reminiscent of their counterparts in Morocco, across the Strait of Gibraltar. One hike brings us through the fascinating La Taha de Pitres, seven linked villages that offer a wonderful glimpse of hidden Spain.

Days 3-4
Ronda

We get our first view of spectacular Ronda on a hike that leads right to town from the deep river gorge, with the sun illuminating the ancient Roman bridge. Our accommodation, the Parador de Ronda, has a breathtaking setting above the gorge.

Days 5-6
Sierra de Grazalema

Sierra de Grazalema National Park shelters majestic cork oak and ancient fir trees along with a dozen of Spain’s spectacular traditional villages. One of our hikes brings us from the “white village” of Benaojan, isolated among high peaks, through the canyon of the Rio Guadiaro to the hamlet of Jimera de Libar. Overnights are in Grazalema, one of Spain’s most striking towns.

Days 7-8
Sevilla

In this elegant Andalucian capital of artists and poets, jasmine-scented gardens, and Moorish monuments, we explore narrow streets and enjoy a festive flamenco performance in the labyrinthine Barrio de Santa Cruz. Depart on Day 8.

For a more complete description, Download Full Detailed Itinerary

What the Trip is Like

The trip is rated Level 3+. We hike from 2 to 5 hours on most days over rolling hills, with some steep sections. Distances are not long , but you should be in good shape and wear good hiking boots. Hiking poles are recomended. You need to carry only a daypack for your camera, water bottle, rain jacket, etc. A vehicle transfers our luggage between overnight accommodations. On some days, we enjoy picnic lunches prepared by the Trip Leaders with local produce, wine, breads, vegetables, and cheeses. On “town” days, we have lunch at local cafes. Accommodations are in charming small inns, with two nights in a spectacular and historic parador in Ronda. Please note that in Spain, the dinner hour is considerably later than what it is in the US. We do our best to secure early reservations for our groups, but most often the evening meal will be at 9:00 PM.

Explanation of Trip Levels