Trevélez combines walks around the town and festival traditions with trails that reach elevations of over 2,600 metres. The craft of making ham is also part of the town’s character. When looking for accommodation, it is worth deciding first what you want to focus on: should your stay centre mainly on the neighbourhoods, their architecture and traditions, or more on the river and high-altitude trails? This will help you choose accommodation to suit the kind of days you want to spend in Trevélez.

Town walks, festivals and architecture

The Los tres barrios circular route follows Calle Real past traditional Tinaos and Corralones, ending at Era del Fuerte. From this viewpoint, you can look out over the valley and Trevélez. Another historic landmark in the town is an 18th-century church with valuable works of art.

Festival traditions also give your stay a distinctive focus. The Romería al Mulhacén de la Virgen de las Nieves has been celebrated in Trevélez every year since 1912. The pilgrimage involves an ascent on foot, with the statue of the Virgin carried on the backs of pack animals. Conservation regulations may affect access, so check the conditions before visiting. The San Antonio patron saint festivities include a performance of Moros y Cristianos, rooted in a deep-seated folk tradition. If you want to experience a particular celebration, check the event dates before your trip.

For families, the Ruta de los Tres Cerditos offers another way to discover Trevélez through its three neighbourhoods. The trail leads to houses made of straw, wood and brick, scattered across the three neighbourhoods. Animals, fountains, wash areas and Tinaos are also part of the route, which is considered suitable for families. The installations may change on site.

Trails between the river and the highlands

The municipal Chorrillo route is 5 km long, climbs 1,121 m and reaches an altitude of 2,688 m. It also leads to the Mirador de Trevélez at 2,650 m. In the Chorrillo area, there are trenches, bunkers and ammunition remnants from the Spanish Civil War. This route combines specific elevation figures with a trace of history; check route information and conditions before setting out.

The 8,980 m-long Ruta del río Trevélez runs from Plaza baja de Trevélez to Barrio medio. It is considered not particularly difficult and poses little risk. Snow, bad weather and livestock roaming freely can affect conditions. Separately, beside the bridge on the Órgiva-Laujar regional road, the Río Trevélez has a recreational area with natural river pools. Water conditions there can vary depending on the season.

Fuente Agrilla has a freshwater spring and an iron-rich spring; check water availability on site. The Horcajo route passes an ancient weir that was used to measure water flow. As well as their landscapes, places like these give the trails a connection to how water has been used.

Other mountain trails have clearly marked starting points and landmarks. The Siete Lagunas route starts at Callejón de la Era de Juan Pérez, slightly above Trevélez Town Hall; access to the mountains may vary seasonally. The Sulayr (GR-240) branches off to the left 80 m beyond the bridge over the Río Trevélez. On the municipal route to Laguna de Vacares, Refugio Horcajo is listed as a waypoint at an altitude of 2,215 m. Check the refugio’s conditions before using it.

Jamón de Trevélez and craftsmanship

Jamón de Trevélez is dried and cured naturally using traditional methods. Generations of ham makers have passed down their knowledge of selecting, salting and curing the ham. If you are interested in how it is made, you can plan a guided tour at the Secadero-Museo de jamones Vallejo. It introduces the history and production process of the Alpujarra’s oldest drying facility and also covers the protected geographical indication Jamón de Trevélez. Check visiting arrangements before you arrive.

Trevélez therefore offers different starting points for planning a trip: a walk among traditional architectural features, festival traditions, an insight into ham making, or trails connected with the river and highlands.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Gor, Venta Micena, Láchar, Gualchos, Villamena, Otívar, Puerto Lope, Lecrín.

For the main travel overview: Granada.