This is one of the most attractive legs of the GR-7 long-distance walking trail, and it is a great place to start exploring the beautiful countryside of the Alpujarras. The walk starts in Trevélez, then takes you to a picturesque waterfall, through a forest of holm oaks and past various crumbling farmhouses, before descending to the pretty village of Busquístar. In spring the gorse and broom come into bloom, producing a sea of bright yellow flowers.
Level This is a moderate walk, with some steep uphill sections near the start, before it levels off and then descends to Busquístar. It uses good paths and dirt roads, so it is generally fairly easy underfoot, but in some places you need to cross streams. The GR-7 trail is marked, but it has to be said that this is a little patchy, particularly for finding the route out of villages. Take the pdf walk description with you to refer to if in doubt.
When to go All year round, but bear in mind that there could easily be snow at these altitudes in the winter, in which case hiking is not advisable without the proper equipment and experience. We recommend setting out early in summer to get the climb out of the way before the heat builds up.
Water There are no good sources of drinking water along the route, although you could take water from one of the streams if absolutely necessary. Stock up at the drinking fountains in Trevélez and Busquístar.
Location: Alpujarras, Trevélez This hike links the villages of Trevélez and Busquístar in the Alpujarras.
Transport
By Car: From Granada, take the E-902/A-44 towards Motril. Take exit 164 and take the A-348 towards Lanjarón. Carry on past Lanjarón and after about a further 8km turn left onto the A-4132, marked towards Trevélez (the turning is just after you enter Órgiva). Follow this road until you get to Trevélez. On entering Trevélez, take signs towards Barrio Alto and Barrio Medio. There are several car parks on the edge of Barrio Alto where you can leave your car.
By Bus: Trevélez and Busquístar are served by Alsa services from Granada bus station (3 per day), which also stop at other towns in the Alpujarras, including Órgiva, Lanjarón, and Capileira. Get off at the bus stop in the Barrio Alto (upper village) of Trevélez to start the walk. You can use the same buses to return to your starting point at the end of the walk. Click here for more details.
Multi-day hikes
This hike forms part of the GR-7 long distance walking route, which runs from Gibraltar to Andorra, and beyond to Greece. The GR-7 generally goes from village to village, so it is relatively easy to organise a hiking trip of several days. Also see our description of the neighbouring section Busquístar – Capileira/Bubión.
Another option for a 2 or 3 day trek is to combine hiking the GR-7 with the section of the Sulayr (a circular marked hiking trail around the Sierra Nevada) between Capileira and Trevélez. Click here for a description of this hike.
