ENJOY A WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES, OR JUST RELAX.
Walking Holidays in Las Alpujarras
The Alpujarras are amongst the best walking areas Spain can offer. Whether it be high altitude treks, a guided walk to include reaching the peak of Mulhacén (3479 metres - the highest peak in mainland Spain) and the high mountain lakes, or a circular walk from our apartment, walking across mountain streams, passing traditional farms and ending up for a leisurely lunch in the village. The GR-7 (a long distance footpath running from Athens to Algeciras) crosses through the area.
Walking can be enjoyed all year. The area offers a lot of marked routes and tracks starting with 1-2 hours for a walk, to visit three of the beautiful white villages of the Poqueira Gorge: Pampaneira, Bubión and Capileira. Most routes are well sign posted and there are a number of useful walking guidebooks available for guests to use in the apartment.
Horse Riding in the National Park
Horseriding in the Las Alpujarras with Dallas Love is a great way to see the stunning scenery. Anything from a two hour gentle trek to a full day or several days excursion with lunch, can be arranged. The treks are suitable for competent to experienced riders but shorter rides can be arranged for the less experienced.
The rides follow ancient bridle paths and drovers routes, dating back to the Moorish occupation and before. Many of these paths have been in use for a thousand years or more, as have the terraces and irrigation channels that can be seen along the way.
Mountain biking and cycling
A fabulous activity for those looking for an adventure in the high mountains. Cycling around the Sierra Nevada Natural Park can be enjoyed all year round. The Alpujarras range from almost sea level up to the high mountains Mulhacén and Pico de Veleta and there are road, off road and high mountain touring routes available.
There is an excellent bike hire and repair shop (Alpujarra Bikes) here in Bubión who can advise on routes and arrange guides, if required.
Art in the Alpujarras
Many artists, inspired by the landscape, have made this area their home. Their work can often be seen in local exhibitions and visits to their workshops/studios arranged. For anyone interested, it is sometimes possible to arrange tuition.
Skiing in the Sierra Nevada
The Sierra Nevada mountain ski area is about one and a half hours drive from Bubion and usually has good snow conditions from November to April. The season might vary due to extreme climate conditions in a particular year, but you can count on good snow conditions for at least 5 months per year. The ski resort with lifts, telemark, cabins and about 60 km of prepared ski courses, opens usually mid November and closes, depending on snow conditions, April or May. Ski instruction with professional tutor for all levels of skiing skills is easily arranged. Ski gear can be hired in any of the ski shops in the resort.
Alahambra
The world famous Alhambra is a sight not to be missed and was a finalist to become one of The New 7 Wonders of the World in 2007. It is one of the most visited places in Spain and, being so popular, we highly recommend you book tickets in advance.
Granada
Other places to visit in Granada are the Cathedral and the Albaicín – Granada's Moorish Quarter with fantastic shops and ancient streets. The Science Park and the Aqua Park are highly recommended for children.
Turismo de Granada produce a great little booklet called 'weekend' which is available at the airports. It shows you the many interesting places to visit throughout the
province of Granada.
Costa Tropical
The Costa Tropical is an hour's drive from Bubión and is a perfect day out. The closest beaches are those of Motril, Almuñecar and Salobreña. In 70 minutes you can be sitting on the beach of Salobreña ordering sardines that have been cooked on the beach. Along the coast are the resorts of Almuñécar and La Herradura. La Herradura (named The Horseshoe because of its
shape) probably has the best beaches and good restaurants. Just next to La Herradura is the nudist beach Playa de Cantarriján.
Other places worth a visit
Lanjarón, a spa since Roman times, with its soothing waters. La Taha villages including Pitres, Mecina, Fondales and Ferreriola. Trevélez – famed for its ham and being, the highest village in mainland Spain. Yegen – the home of Gerald Brenan who wrote the brilliant description of life in Las Alpujarras in the 1920's – South from Granada. Some aspects of life in the Alpujarras have not changed since that time.