Virginia Woolf was hit with a wave of inspiration as soon as she set foot in Andalucia—where she reaped the inspo for her most famous novel. Following her footsteps, you’ll visit the sun-kissed Alpujarras to discover the hidden parts of Southern Spain. Hiking through the dreamy, unspoiled countryside, you’ll reach the forgotten white village of Yegen. Once an artistic refuge, it will serve as your base for serene siestas and loud fiestas, revelatory walks and engaging talks. But this 7-day all-women adventure offers so much more! Before experiencing the meditative side of Andalucia in the Alpujarras, you’ll soak in some good old Mediterranean buzz in Granada. And after all the hikes through terraced farmlands, walks among ornate arches, and balmy evenings made for telling stories, you’re bound to learn the Spanish joy of life.
Follow the footsteps of Virginia Woolf and other artists in seldom visited parts of Spain
Combine a city break and a serene hiking trip in the Andalucian countryside
Time for siestas and fiestas, great food, and lifelong memories under the blue skies
Your week-long hiking trip in Southern Spain is based on Virginia Woolf’s 1923 visit to Granada and Yegen—a white village in the Alpujarras that became a refuge for important British writers and artists in the 1920s. This all-inclusive walking holiday gives you a chance to experience both the adventurous and the meditative side of Andalucia with a superb local guide and other venturesome women. Get ready for literary pleasures, sun-drenched days spent hiking, afternoon siestas, and evening fiestas—Spain awaits you open-armed!
Arrive in Malaga by 3 pm, where your guide will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel in the center of Granada. Granada was also Virginia Woolf’s first stop during her trip to Spain in 1923. Make yourself comfortable in your room and head for a welcome dinner with your Andalucia tour guide and fellow hikers in the nearby restaurant. During your meal, you’ll get to know your group and discuss the details of your itinerary. Soak in the atmosphere of the bustling streets before a good night’s sleep in your hotel. Your Granada and Alpujarras guided tour has begun!
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Ensuite single room at Monjas del Carmen Hotel
After a delicious breakfast, head to the streets of Granada. Today your group will explore the neighborhoods of Sacromonte and Albaicin with impressive views over the Alhambra, arguably the most impressive monument of Islamic architecture in the world, built during the Islamic medieval rule over this part of Spain. If you want to go inside the palace, make sure to book your ticket well in advance (your guide can help you with that). Spend the rest of the day according to your interests and enjoy a delicious meal with the rest of the group in the evening.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Ensuite single room at Monjas del Carmen Hotel
After a hearty breakfast, it’s time to take the bus to Yegen, a beautiful white hamlet in the region of the Alpujarras. Observe the change from the hustle and bustle to sun-drenched slopes of the Andalusian countryside. Once you arrive in Yegen, settle in your comfortable and traditional accommodation in the village. Get to know your surroundings and discover why the British author Gerald Brenan chose this place to be his artistic refuge—before enjoying your dinner with your group.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Ensuite single room at El Rincón de Yegen
After breakfast, it’s time to get a more in-depth experience of the dreamy village you’ll call home for the next couple of days. Visit Gerald Brenan’s house-museum, where Virginia Woolf (and her husband Leonard) spent 15 days. Afterward, your group will walk along the Gerald Brenan trail, following the footsteps of not only Woolf, but also the painter Dora Carrington and the writer Lytton Strachey (all members of the influential Bloomsbury group). Get inspired as you take in impressive views over arid slopes and the surreal village of Yegen (as seen from the distance). Return to your base and spend another peaceful summer evening in the great company (and surroundings).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Ensuite single room at El Rincón de Yegen
Hiking: 2.5 km (1.5 miles), 2.5 hours of walking
Today you’re walking along the GR-7 , where you’ll cross homeland of Aben Aboo, the last Moorish king of Andalucia. Departing from Yegen, you’ll reach Montenegro, a charming hamlet with only several inhabitants and farm houses and a chapel. Continue walking to El Golco, another white village, where you’ll spend the night.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Ensuite single room
Hiking: 6-7 km (4-4.5 miles)
Today’s walk is along the “path of health,” a collage of streams, woods with ancient trees, and scenic views. Return back to your base, celebrate the end of your Spanish escapade with fellow travelers and your guide and recap what you’ve learned and experienced during this week to remember. Tomorrow marks the end of your guided adventure in Andalucia.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Ensuite single room at El Rincón de Yegen
Hiking: 5 km (3 miles), 2-3 hours
After breakfast, take a group transfer to Malaga or Granada for return flights around 10 am. Say goodbye to your new friends, your guide and to Spain—or continue touring on your own in Malaga or somewhere else (ask your guide for recommendations!)
Meals: Breakfast
What you get on this adventure:
What’s not included:
This Andalucia walking tour is suitable for anyone who can walk for up to 5 hours with numerous breaks. Daily ascents will always be steady and no greater than 1,970 ft (600 m). Keep in mind that the weather in summer can be very hot and you’ll also be packing a daypack filled with water and other things you’ll need throughout the day. Your guide will always be by your side to assist you with anything and change the route if hiking gets too strenuous.
If you’d love to join another beginner-friendly all-women tour in the Priorat wine region in Spain, check out this guided hiking tour in Priorat. If you’re looking for something a bit more challenging, but still beginner-friendly, check out this other all-women hiking tour in the Alpujarras.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Group sizes and prices:
Hiking in Andalucia can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
A $250 deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 3 months (90 days) prior to departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.
To get to Granada, your starting point, most people fly into Malaga Airport, 1.5 hours away. You will meet your guide at 3 pm at Malaga Airport, and from there, they’ll take you to Granada. Make sure to arrive before that time if possible.
57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.
We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, their guides, and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in the Spanish region of Andalucia, please refer to requirements for travel to Spain.
Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!
