25 independent reviews for Las Alpujarras hiking vacation, Spain
Reviews for Las Alpujarras hiking vacation, Spain
Lucian Phipps review 21 May 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
To have Chris Stewart as our guide and companion in the Alpujarras mountains.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Check the weather forecast before you go as there can be rain.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, we were supporting local employment to some extent at Casa Ana and also with the use of local mountain guides. We mostly walked everywhere so not much car emissions.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent. Quite unusual to have a famous author as our walking guide. Casa Ana is a wonderful place. Totally peaceful, friendly and beautifully designed with it's courtyard garden, reading room and bedrooms overlooking the valley and the mountains.Lynne Morris review 22 Apr 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Chris Stewart without a doubt. Closely followed by the countryside and great people2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Make sure you are fit enough and have the right footwear3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Overall yes. Many nationalities ere working at the Villa which was nice; we ate locally a few times and ultimately got yo meet more Spanish locals4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
10/10Susanna Williams review 18 Jun 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Scenery and good group.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be mindful if you get car sick on hairpin bends.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, all people employed to support the vacation lived locally.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Really enjoyed it, and the food was great.jane bremner review 5 May 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The scenery and remoteness2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The weather is very changeable and layering of clothes is very necessary3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Tourism is an important part of the economy of the Alpujarras and a benefit to local people. We learnt a lot about the local environment and gained respect for it.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I enjoyed the vacation immensely but not necessarily in the way I expected.Sue Rice review 1 Nov 2021
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
This is a stunning area and the surrounding countryside is dramatic. All the people we met - from our host Anne, Chris, Emily and all those who looked after us - were delightful, generous and kind. The group of guests were great fun.The impromptu gatherings after dinner including music and dancing a highlight. Delicious food and wine. Our visit to Chris and Anna for lunch. Unfortunately I had a fall on the first full day and pulled ligaments in my ankle and knee. This limited my activity considerably! I was VERY well looked after and was shown a huge amount of kindness and support.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The terrain for walking is challenging and people need to know exactly what the walks involve. Whilst I loved being there, much of the walking would have been too much for me (see above). Having said that, those that walked felt a great sense of achievement and satisfaction. They spoke endlessly about what they had seen etc.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It is difficult to know exactly. All the people who work at the company live in the area. The community is made up of people from various parts of Europe as well as Spanish. All seem to be committed to this area and are fully integrated. I believe that most produce used is local.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was thoroughly enjoyable in spite of the restrictions caused by my accident. I would love to go back to this part of Spain.Jackie Whittaker review 25 Oct 2021
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The hospitality provided by the charming Anne Hunt and her team, the wonderful variety of food, the wild scenery, the interesting and amusing author and raconteur, Chris Stewart who led the walks, the sheer variety of the vacation overall.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The hiking is quite tough and hot on this terrain even in October, walking poles are a must, as are water bottles3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, the local community was involved in many aspects of the vacation.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent, a real change from everyday life to see how people make a home from nothing in such remote villages with very little facilities on offer. The humour and good nature of the group made it a fun week in spite of the long and sometimes arduous walks. I discovered the vacation via Responsible Travel just days before departure and it exceeded my expectations, would thoroughly recommend it.Barry Tiernan review 3 Oct 2021
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The mountains, the food, the people, the accommodation - 9.5 out of 10!!!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Don’t eat as much as they give you - even with all the walking!!!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes - we used local people - for cooking, for eating out in local villages, for taxis - no impact on the local environment.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Really great - we have already recommended to two couple who love the outdoor life - but also like good quality cooking and accommodation!!!Claire Carroll review 3 Oct 2021
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
It was such a lovely week, there were many moments that were enjoyable and very welcome. The accommodation is a very comfortable and well laid out guest house. Sitting on the terrace with a glass of wine looking out at the hills of the Alpujarra was an instant reviver. The walk to and lunch at Chris's house was lovely and the other guests were a great bunch of co-travelers.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be mindful that the level of walking will be tailored to the group, our walks got longer and more enjoyably 'challenging' (using that word but none of the walks were difficult) as the week went on. As someone who wants more than a pleasant amble, I was delighted with the longer walks but on a trip like this, it is important to be flexible and accepting of the group.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Anne at and Chris are both very mindful of environmental impact. We did have lunches at local restaurants and local produce was used a lot in our meals.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Wonderful escape from the lockdown!Kathryn Turner review 30 Oct 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
My goodness, that's a tough one to answer - I honestly loved every second of it.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
I consider myself to be pretty fit - I take short walks every day (3kms) and regular longer walks of up to 3 hours. My knees and calves were screaming at the end of each day of the vacation, but in a good way... Take advantage of the taxi service to the accommodation- it's a pretty long way from airports and the road up into the hills is not for the faint hearted!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We walked almost everywhere and the entire group were very careful to pick up picnic rubbish etc. We were mindful about wearing our masks when walking through a village, no matter how small and sparsely populated. Our group spent happily on our single trip to the local shops.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
This was my first experience of a group walking vacation. I don't know if I was very lucky indeed, but we all (6) got on brilliantly. Anne, was a perfect host and took great care of us all. The food was absolutely delicious, rather too much of it! Chris Stewart is the most wonderful guide - full to bursting with interesting information, stories and history of the stunning Alpujarras area. Thoroughly enjoyed our walk to his farm and, how generous, he and his wife (another Ana) prepared a tasty lunch on their terrace.Anne Farthing review 29 Feb 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The almond blossom walk- Walking in the landscape with Chris Stewart & local guides who had a deep understanding of nature, history & politics of the region. It was a perfect backdrop.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Assess the length & ascents of the walks prior to trip.. The guides adjust to your pace but you need reasonable levels of fitness.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
My comments relate to the winter walking vacation although the temperatures were fantastic for Brits. I want to return in another season.MK Kottke review 13 Oct 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Every day was a new memory in the making, with fabulous company, views, & food - can think of no better way to celebrate our 30th anniversary! We were delighted with the yummy roulade that was made to celebrate our special day - Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared for variable weather - strong, hot sun persisted through end of September3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes - visited local cafes and restaurants, thoughtfully supplied with handcrafted soaps from local artisan4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Exceeded our expectations every "step" of the way!Priti Chotai review 4 Oct 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Chris Stewart - amazing company and guide. Rest of staff and guides involved in trip. Lastly, the other guests/walkers that joined the trip. Wonderful. The trip was extra special because of all of these people.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Go during the shoulder months or potentially winder as I expect peak summer will be super hot. The journey to the apartment will be shorter from Granada than Malaga....so it may be worth considering arriving at Granada.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, we stopped off at local cafes, visited local wineries etc.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Just fabulous. Great walking, great accommodation, the most amazing food (vegetarian food was not an after thought but well catered for and really delicious), and interesting people to share with. Weather was great. What more can you ask for.Martin Cooke review 7 Jul 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
All of it! Excellent adventure2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Bring wind proof gear for the high mountain day??3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Used local bars and restaurants and transport,no single use plastic water bottles used, only local spring water. Local guides used on walks4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent, really enjoyed it. Fantastic accommodation, Incredible scenery, Chris’s enthusiasm for all things totally infectious I came away a happier person and would do it all again tomorrow!Lesley O review 19 Jun 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The quality of the accommodation and superb meals, of the hostess, of the expert guides. Chris Stewart engages fully as the week's host, spicing it with humour and generous commitment. I found myself in the company of people who truly love this region and who are joyful naturalists, keen to share their immense local knowledge.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Springtime in Las Alpujarras brought us perfect hiking weather, wildflowers in abundance. Perhaps we were lucky. If you are not particularly interested in nature and hiking, this is not the vacation for you. If you are, what a treat in store. (Also, perhaps better to abstain if you can't live without info entertainment, media or night life.)3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes to all points. Although most of the 'local' people turned out to be English, they underpin and contribute significantly to the local economy as committed, permanent, Alpujarrians, as well as fervent ecologists.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was excellent in every way. Highly to be recommended to nature lovers, especially if curious to learn the history, economy and ecology of the region.Anne Murphy review 15 May 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Chris Stewart bringing the landscape to life was the most memorable part of the vacation.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
If you enjoy walking and spectacular scenery, then this is a buddy for you.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, we visited local bars and cafes.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Enjoyable and memorable vacation.nikki moss review 14 Apr 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Wonderful walking with Chris and guides Kirsten Andrew and Jose all giving us a fabulous history and insight of the Alpujarras. Following the ancient waterways-Acequias walking in the snow and sun and wandering through the white towns. Great food and hospitality from Anne and her team ..... a lovely day at vineyard with the charming and very knowledgable Tom.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared for ups and downs and stony paths and longish walks but scenery is stunning and no pressure on the walks ...plenty of rests.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Wonderful cooking from young local chefs and knowledge from the local guides. So interesting to get an insight into the problems and issues facing this area and how responsible tourism can help.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A brilliant week with a small group of lovely people and lots of wonderful humour and optimism supplied by Chris and all. Food was superb and the packed lunches and all of our respective dietary requirements were catered for amazingly well.Marion MacLennan review 4 Nov 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Very good and varied walks. Excellent food. Day trip to Granada had extremely knowledgable, friendly guide.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be reasonably fit as some walks/days are quite long.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. Local staff employed.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very good walks, guiding, food and accommodation. Weather conditions and group numbers can affect the rating of course.Bob Mack review 13 Nov 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
It is difficult to select our 'most memorable or exciting part of our vacation'. The Alpujarras are a striking area of Spain, full of history and remnants of the Moorish culture. Certainly the comraderie of our group of 12 was a daily joy. Chris Stewart, our team leader, is a remarkably positive and optimistic fellow, full of great stories and very knowledgeable about the area. The 5 walks were beautiful, varied and all interesting. The accommodation was a treat to return to at the end of the day with Anna's warm hospitality and the gourmet meals! The wine was pretty good too! It was a wonderful vacation.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
We were overly concerned whether we were fit enough or not. The walks are at a comfortable pace with lots of time to view everything and socialize. Some are quite long, with occasional steep parts, but doable with a modicum of fitness. As there are many 'white villages' about, we were always able to stop for coffee and for lunch. Most of us would recommend hiking poles.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
There is very little employment in the Alpujarra region. Certainly our trip helped employ a number of people. Tourism via hiking vacations appears to be a growth industry for them.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We would rate this vacation highly, being one of our most memorable.Helen Tolley review 6 Nov 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The wonderful food, hospitality and people at the tour company. Meeting & walking with Chris Stewart & the superb walking in the Alpujarras! Walking to El Valero for lunch with Chris & Ana. Spending a day in Granada with local architect Rafa & learning about the architectural & religious history of the city, the amazing water-ways bringing water from high up in the Sierra Nevada mountains and the politics over the centuries - a day not to be missed, with a fantastic lunch in a restaurant looking towards the Alhambra palace - wow!!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The organisation at this tour company is so focused on the detail of your vacation, that if you read all the information they send you beforehand you will have/know exactly what to prepare for!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely all the people that were involved with the vacation lived locally and were part of a regenerating community in the Alpujarras region! Everyone here is trying to live in a more sustainable way and in harmony with nature!4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Absolutely spot on - it was wonderful from start to finish & such good value for money. The only extras we paid for was 1 x 20 euro kitty for bar drinks & some snacks around lunch time - it was amazing! And as you can imagine walking with Chris was highly entertaining & informative as we met local people & were able to understand the history of the area and also some of the exciting plans for the future in restoring the ancient terraces to produce more local food for the region and increase habitat & wildlife diversity!Dierdre McCarthy review 23 Apr 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The beauty of the Alpujarras and the wonderful food.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The vacation exceeded our expectations ! Although the website is very good it is difficult to describe the atmosphere and experience of our wonderful week.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Did benefit local people. Local restaurants and food producers. Low environmental impact as main activity was walking.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fantastic vacation. Anne and her team looked after us very well. Charming accommodation, good company and great food. Chris and his team were great walking guides.Helen Conwell review 15 Apr 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The walks were wonderful, the food was great and very varied...we had picnics, ate in tiny mountain bars, had a fabulous meal in a amazing restaurant in Granada overlooking the Alhambra, but the best were the nightly meals in the lovely accommodation from a series of excellent chefs in house. The accommodation was very pretty, comfortable and a wonderful place to relax after a long day's walk. Chris Stewart was the host of the week, leading us on all the walks and he makes the whole experience come alive..with his entertaining and knowledgeable repartee, based on his deep passion for the Alpuharras.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take warm clothes...we had an unseasonable April cold spell and needed hats, gloves, fleeces, waterproofs (and thermals would have been good too!) Of course you also need to pack for hot weather! It's not a stroll in the park...you do climb some very steep slopes so you do need some level of fitness...and definitely take walking poles.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Not too sure on this one...we ate in several small local places, we walked many miles on trodden footpaths. We were picked up on three days by a minibus ....a very welcome minibus. I believe the food in accommodation was grown and sourced locally and it was delicious (especially the bread, baked each day in the local bakery) and obviously local people were employed in running the casa and guiding us on the walks. We had an extra guide per walk for safety reasons, but also they knew masses about local wildlife and flora in the region, which was very interesting.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was a fabulous week. It was extremely well thought out with good rest periods between the exacting but rewarding walks. Certainly ended the week feeling physically healthier than when we came...and enriched by learning about the culture and history of the area... ...as well as meeting new people in the group and having fun. Top marks.Mara Hellman review 31 Oct 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Good times at meals. It was wonderful sharing a week with strangers that became friends thanks to Anne's nurturing of warmth. Very sweet looking place overlooking the mountains. Chris Stewart was a wonderful guide.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Book early. Bring good sturdy hiking boots and poles. Expect a good hike each day--quite doable if you're used to hiking--about 10 miles a day, including uphill.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The week helped the local people in that we ate locally. Of course, Anne employed local people.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Wonderful. I learned a lot about a part of the world I did not know about in a very natural way. Anne's warmth made the week along with the great hiking.Read the operator's response here:
Hello Mara,
Thank you for your lovely comments. We're so glad you enjoyed your week's stay, and the walking. Anne and team
Glenda Kay review 29 Jun 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
An almost impossible question to answer: a different route each day walking in the stunningly beautiful Alpujarras, taxing but invigorating; loved the remoteness filled with birds, wild flowers and so much water. Meeting shepherds and their grazing flocks. Cute white hilltop villages with welcome fountains and other beverages! Granada's old city history tour, superb. Returning each day to the amazing casa where great food and wines were assured. Anne and her team together with walk leader Chris Stewart and co-walkers did everything possible to make this a memorable vacation - my best yet!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
A reasonable level of walking fitness is needed, otherwise those climbs could appear steeper than they actually are! I benefited from taking my walking pole.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely! At the casa, my home for the week, local people work producing wonderful food and maintaining a high standard in the rooms. Our group willingly supported the village bodegas, and ate local foods.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Highly recommended to anyone who loves walking in the open countryside, sprinkled with white hilltop villages, and snow capped mountains a little way off. A fantastic vacation which went way too fast!Steven Hopkins review 25 Sep 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The whole package not just the walks will stay with me for a long time. The food was some of the best I have encountered in Spain.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Book early3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Whilst most of the key elements were under the control of Anne & Chris, we did enjoy our visits to the various Spanish owned establishments on our journeys. Chris is very protective of his Aljupurran environment and is a constant source of knowledge both historic, botanical and environmental.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It exceeded my expectations due to the venue, weather and levels of real engagement by the organisers. I will return again one day to this rural idyll.Read the operator's response here:
Dear Steve and Sue,
Many thanks for your lovely comments about the vacation. I'm so glad you had a good week, and hope to see you back in the Alpujarras one day.
Kind regards
Anne
Sally James review 4 Jul 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
I have just completed a weeks walking vacation with Chris Stewart in the Alpajurra, a group of 13 of us stayed at the casa... Have to say it was a really great week. The casa is situated in the most beautiful spot there are spectuclar views from the Terrace. The food was consistently good, we ate together every night and had really varied , delicious menus ... My bedroom was comfortable and simple .... The walking vacation itself was amazing, really quite challenging, but in the most stunning landscape and we learnt a lot about the local history and also Granada when we had a say trip there ... We also had a lot of fun and laughter and a good evening playing guitar and singing! I would recommend anyone to have a vacation at the casa. The peace and beauty is hard to match ..... Great place to get away from every day madness !2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Make sure you're quite fit3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Holiday Reviews
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