Self guided walking holidays in the Alpujarras, Andalucia, southern Spain

At Cortijo Opazo we supply a folder of laminated walk cards that we have written ourselves in order to help you explore the local area. The selection has a range of walks from short strolls to challenging high altitude treks. Many of the walks start from our doorstep, so no need to get in the car. We check the walks at least once a year so you are unlikely to encounter anything too unexpected to prevent your progress. These walks are available to all our guests free of charge (we just ask for a small damage deposit refundable at the end of your stay), whether you are here on a self catering basis or have booked into our fully catered walking holiday option. Below we have given a brief description of some of the walks, just to give a flavour.

Scroll to foot of page to find links to video presentations of some of these walks.

Walk No. 1 - A Short stroll from the house - This circular route is the walk we do with the dogs in the morning and it sets us up well for the day – better than any visit to the gym. It takes about 30 minutes and leads you into the gorge of the Rio Bermejo - situated between Cortijo Opazo and the village of Pitres. The walk can be extended into the village itself for a morning saunter to the bakers or in persuit of a cup of excellent Spanish coffee.

Approximate distance: Short 1-2 kms; approximate altitude range: 60 metres

Site map

Walk No. 2 - The Villages of La Taha A very pleasant introduction to the local area. Starting at Cortijo Opazo the walk takes you to all of the Taha villages, Capilerilla, Pitres, Mecina, Mecinilla, Fondales, Ferrierola and Atalbeitar using an network of ancient mule paths. Plenty of opportunities for refreshments from bars, shops and restaurants. Absorb a strong sense of the history of the area that makes the Alpujarras unique.

Approximate distance: Medium, 8 kms; approximate altitude range: 400 metres

Walk No. 3 - The Waterfalls This walk starts at Cortijo Opazo and takes you up to the ridge behind the house and to a fabulous collection of waterfalls that are found in a fissure in the rock where two rivers join to form the Bermejo - known as the Junta del Rios or rather boringly the Area Recreativa de Portugos. It is a steep climb up through Portugos, the cultivated land above and finally the oak forest. Once there you can fresh yourself in the waters before they descend to irrigate the surrounding area - there are plenty of shallow pools for wallowing in.

Approximate distance: 6 kms Approximate altitude range: 550 metre

Walk No. 4 - Sierra de la Corona Starting from Cortijo Opazo this walk takes you up and on to the ridge of the small mountain facing the house, Sierra de la Corona. It is sometimes called ´Walking the Elephant´ because from a certain angle the mountain looks like a sleeping elephant. It is a very special walk in that you get to see the whole of the La Taha area and more from afar, and get to glimpse the snow covered high peaks of the Sierra Nevada if conditions are clear. Two of the paths are part of the ancient silk trading routes and you get a strong sense of history as you labour over cobbled tracks where laden mules have laboured.

Approximate distance: 12 km Approximate altitude range: 450 metres

Walk No. 5 - The Lower Poqueira Gorge This is a lovely way to explore the lower Poqueira Gorge and take in the two towns of Pampaneira and Bubion. You also get a chance to look back at all three of the Poqueira gorge towns and glimpse the summit of Mulhacen. Many ideal picnic spots offered as well as the potential for bathing in the Poqueira river in the summer months.

Approximate distance: 6 km Approximate altitude range: 350 metres

Walk No. 6 - Upper Poqueira Gorge This walks takes you into the high Sierra Nevada mountains along the slopes that lead up to the peak of Mulhacen. You will follow some of the principle acequias - irrigation channels - and descend into the fabulously beautiful valley of the Rio Mulhacen, Rio Naute and Rio Poqueira. The first part of the walk is the steepest but generally this walk is not too demanding even though it takes you to some of the best scenery around.

Approximate distance: 14 km Approximate altitude range: 600 metres

See foot of page for a video presentation of this walk

Walk No. 7 - Walk up the Dog's Bottom This is one of the best walks we know, and takes you from the cultivated terraces of Trevelez to the wild reaches of the Sierra Nevada. It involves walking along the upper Rio Trevelez valley at a high level, walking into a valley called ‘Culo de Perro’ (literally ‘Dog’s backside’) and back down the Rio Trevelez at river level. The walk may involve a little wading through water, but is well worth it and is most refreshing on a hot day.

Approximate distance: 15 km Approximate altitude range: 550 metres See foot of page for a video presentation of this walk

Walk No. 8 - Capileira to the Rio Toril This walks takes you from the centre of Capileira, down into the valley of the Rio Poquiera and the Puente Abuchite, then up into the high Sierra Nevada mountains along the less visited Rio Toril, and the slopes that lead up to the peak of La Veleta. You will walk through the summer pastures used by local shepherds and cross the top of the Hydro Electric Power station, then descend to La Cebadilla and back to the village of Capileira.

Approximate distance: 16 km Approximate altitude range: 650 metres

These are just a sample, but more guided walks are available. In addition we also supply the book: 'Holiday Walks in the Alpujarras' by Jeremy Rabjohns containing 26 local walks plus a walking map so if walking is something you are keen on you will not be at a loss to know were to start.

Click on play symbol in box to view the scenery of walk number 6, Upper Poquiera Gorge to Cortijo Las Tomas, taken during an excursion on December 26th 2008

Click the play symbol in the box to have a look at walk number 7, The Dog's Bottom. This video was recorded in May, a great time to visit the Alpujarras.