I'll be honest; I spent the whole summer in Andalusia waiting for the temperatures to drop below 40ºc so I could go out in the mountains and not melt. When September arrived, I knew I’d escape as soon as possible, and that I did. I had one destination in mind – no other than the incredible Alpujarra of Granada.

The Alpujarra is a real hidden treasure in the Sierra Nevada National Park in Spain. Its beautiful white villages, with their narrow, steep streets, seem suspended in time. Nestled between mountains and valleys, these are perfect places to enjoy nature and to unwind. Breathtaking viewpoints, idyllic paths flanked by fig, chestnut and holm oak trees, and descents accompanied by the sound of water and birdsong await you here. If you want to combine spectacular natural beauty with unique culture, cuisine and architecture – the Alpujarra is not to be missed.

I’ve divided this adventure into five stages: two are challenging and three are shorter and easier. Starting in Lanjarón and ending in Trevélez, the route leads through famous villages in the area, such as Pampaneira or Capileira. You’ll walk on tarmac roads, wide forest tracks and well-marked paths and trails. The route follows several long-distance trails: the GR 142, the GR 7 and the GR 240. In the third and fourth stages, you’ll also hike on short-distance trails that run through the beautiful mountains of the Poqueira Ravine.

All the stages end in villages with various accommodation options and shops where you can stock up on supplies. You’ll also find many restaurants where you can sample the typical cuisine of the area, such as migas (a traditional bread dish eaten by shepherds) and, of course, cured meats. Don’t leave Trevélez without tasting its famous ham!

Lanjarón and Trevélez are well connected to the capital, Granada, by Alsa buses. You can check the timetables on their website: alsa.com/c/portal/update_language?p_l_id=21651890&redirect=%2F&languageId=en_US. This same line passes through all the villages along the route, making it easy to shorten your adventure or just hike a couple of stages. You can always conveniently return to the starting point by bus.

As for the best time of year to undertake this journey, I recommend spring and autumn. The first two stages and much of the last have almost no shade, so it's best to avoid the summer months when the sun can be scorching. You can also visit the Alpujarra in winter, but take warm clothes and always check the weather forecast before setting off. Ensure you take all necessary equipment with you If snow or ice is expected on the route. Finally, it’s not a good idea to do this route in foggy weather, as you are likely to get lost.

Some of the stages are long, but none are technically difficult. You can do this route even if you don't have much experience of multi-day adventures. You just need to have good stamina and a willingness to get out and explore. Bring comfortable shoes, trekking poles and warm clothes for the cold nights in the Alpujarra. Also, remember that you won't be passing any places to refill water along the routes, nor any bars or restaurants to buy something to eat, so take plenty of food and water with you.

If you’re interested in exploring this paradise in Granada further, take a look at these two other Collections:

- Climbing three peaks near Trevélez (including the Mulhacén): komoot.com/collection/2429350
- Two incredible routes starting from Capileira: komoot.com/collection/2430138

All that’s left is to wish you an incredible adventure in the Alpujarra of Granada! I’m sure that, like me, you’ll return whenever you can.