Day hiking tour, Vereda de Estrella near Granada, Spain

Hiking the Vereda de Estrella

There is no doubt that the most dramatic and spectacular views of the Sierra Nevada are from the north. The north faces of Mulhacen and Alcazaba fall precipitously into deep and savage valleys; a total contrast to the more genteel nature of the southern slopes. The Genil valley gives access to this side of the range, using the Vereda de Estrella trail for day walks.

The historical "Vereda de Estrella" path winds its way up a narrow valley before turning southwards. At this point a classic view of the north faces of Sierra Nevada giants of Alcazaba (3350m) and Mulhacen (3482m) come into view.

We have two hiking tours, the "Cortijos de Hornillo" (Moderate) and the full circuit of the "Vereda de Estrella" (Challenging). You will find more information about each of these below. The best months are May, June, September, October and November.

Both routes start from the same point, a narrow road trailhead reached from the town of Guejar Sierra and adjacent to base of the Barranco de San Juan (1180m). The drive from Granada is 30 minutes.

Pick up/drop off in Granada (Alhambra area) or Lanjaron, Alpujarras.

Classic Hikes near Granada

Two classic circular walking tours of "Moderate" and "Challenging" difficulty through the famous Vereda de Estrella (Way to the Stars). Within easy reach of Granada city these tours make for a great day hike.

The walking is on generally good paths, with extensive views opening up of the surrounding mountains as the hike progress. There are some short steep ascents and descents though, and some rough sections. Don't forget your camera!

Choice of Walking Grades

Gallery - Vereda de Estrella

View Full Screen Imagesopens in a new window

Circular visiting Cortijos de Hornillo

The main effort on this hiking tour is straight after the start as we head uphill on graded tracks until we meet the Cortijo de Hoyo at nearly 1800m. From here on the hike is much easier as we contour the hillside high above the surrounding valleys.

Gradually as we turn to the south the views open up and the magnificent high mountains of the Sierra Nevada come into view.

A little further and we reach the old Cortijos de Hornillo where we break for lunch. This is a spectacular place! There is time for a little exploration further south before we return on a steep zig zag path down to the main Vereda de Estrella path in the valley bottom. An hour level walking from here and we are back at the trailhead and ready to enjoy a cold beer!

The "Classic" Vereda de Estrella path

After crossing the bridge we start the Vereda de Estrella. The going is easy alongside the southern side of the valley, passing wooded sections of chestnut trees which are abundant in this area (including one of 100 years old called "The Grandfather"!). After 1.5 hours we drop down leftwards to cross the Rio Genil by the "Puente de los Burros".

Now we have a steep climb on graded tracks to the Refugio Cucharacha 1750m, where we lunch and admire the stunning views across to the north faces of the Sierra Nevada. Continuing the walk on a fairly level track passing the old Refugio Aceral before dropping down the Barranco de Lucia and crossing the Rio Real.

The way back is made down the Vereda de la Estrella, taking occasional peeks at some of the mines that give name to the path. There are many beautiful waterfalls near here that accompany us on our return.

When?

Prices

Group size (per booking) (prices are per person per day)

• 1 person - cost €110
• 2 persons - cost €75
• 3 persons - cost €65
• 4 persons - cost €55

Definition of "Group" - if you are booking a trip for 2 persons the 2 person rate applies, 3 persons - 3 person rate etc (not dependent on eventual total group size!).

Price includes:

• Guiding (Alpujarras, Granada area, Lecrin Valley, Costa del Sol, Granada
• We have a limited number of walking poles for the use of guests if required

N.B Meeting place to be agreed upon, normally Lanjaron or the start of the walk

Larger groups - discounts apply. Enquire via email or contact form

Transport (effective for all bookings after 1st July 2022)

The guiding price above does not include transport. Due to rising energy and fuel prices we do not want to be constantly changing guiding prices to reflect transport costs. We want to be honest and open about our price structure.

Clients have two options:

NO COST OPTION - Pick up/drop off our guide in Lanjaron or a venue to be agreed. Use your own transport to and from the start/end of activity.

COST OF FUEL OPTION - Our guide will drive you to/from start/end of activity in one our own vehicles. Applicable costs are:

• Capileira, White Villages, Taha del Pitres €15
• Hoya del Portillo €20
• Sierra Nevada ski area €25
• Granada area, Cumbres Verdes €15
• Peñon de la Mata €20
• Lecrin Valley €10
• Jerez de Marquesado, Eastern Sierra Nevada €35

N.B For destinations not listed above we can easily work out a fuel cost