The Poqueira Gorge circuit links Pampaneira, Bubión and Capileira, the three white villages that cling to the sides of the Poqueira ravine on the southern flank of the Sierra Nevada in the Alpujarras, province of Granada, Andalusia, Spain. The loop is about 9.5 km and takes around 3 hours, starting in any of the villages, and follows old mule tracks and irrigation channels (acequias) across the ravine, passing terraced fields, chestnut woods and views of the gorge. It is graded moderate for its steady ups and downs of roughly 400 m on stony tracks. The villages have cafés, bakeries and shops for supplies. Storms in early 2026 damaged some paths in this area and a number remain closed, so walkers check conditions at the Pampaneira tourist office or with the national park before setting out. The bus link is the Alsa service from Granada, roughly 2–2.5 hours with several daily departures, and drivers use the A-4132. Shade is intermittent and summer afternoons are hot. Walkers can shorten the loop by using the road between villages.
| Distance | About 9.5 km loop |
|---|---|
| Duration | About 3 hours |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Trailhead | Alsa coach from Granada bus station (Carretera de Jaén s/n) to Pampaneira, Bubión or Capileira, roughly 2–2.5 hours with a few departures per day; check alsa.com. By car via the A-44 and A-348, then the A-4132 to Pampaneira |
| Best season | March–June and September–November |
| Address | Bubión, 18412 Granada, Spain (the circuit passes all three villages) |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Poqueira Gorge, Alpujarras (about 70 km south-east of Granada)
What to bring
Walking shoes, water, sun hat and light jacket
Location
Bubión, 18412 Granada, Spain (the circuit passes all three villages)
36.9490, -3.3530 View on map
Highlights
- Three typical Alpujarran villages with white flat-roofed houses
- Terraced slopes, acequias and views of the Poqueira ravine
- Cafés and shops at each village so the walk is easy to pace
- Start from any village and shorten by road
Tips for visiting
- Ask at a village tourist office whether sections damaged by the 2026 storms are open
- Take a morning coach so there is time before the last return
- Carry water between the villages
- Try the local cured ham and bread in Pampaneira
- Wear shoes with grip for loose stones
When to visit
Spring and autumn; in summer go in the morning.
Accessibility
The paths are uneven and steep in places and the village lanes are cobbled, so the circuit is not wheelchair suitable.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Poqueira circuit?
About 9.5 km and around 3 hours.
How do I reach it from Granada?
Take an Alsa coach from Granada bus station to Pampaneira, Bubión or Capileira, about 2–2.5 hours; confirm times on alsa.com.
Are any trails closed?
Storms in early 2026 damaged some paths; ask locally before setting out.
Can I do it without a car?
Yes, the coach stops in all three villages.