Seeing snow-covered summits in the summer works wonders for the morale, particularly when viewed from a whitewashed village that is high enough to bask in cool air.
Capileira stands at 1,436 metres above sea level in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada in Granada province, less than 200km from the coast of North Africa.
And walking is still possible in July, August and September by taking advantage of the early morning.
By going out at 6.30am, five precious hours are available for activity; you usually have to be back in the shade by around 11.30am.
In high summer, realistically you won’t be able to reach the tops of the 3,000-metre peaks which can be viewed from around Capileira; Mulhacen (3,482m), the highest mountain in mainland Spain; the fortress Alcazaba (3,371m); and Veleta (3,394m), amongst others.
This is because the staging post, the Poquiera mountain refuge has been closed for refurbishment for three years, although at the time of writing the reopening is said be imminent.
But you will be able to get above 2,000m to enjoy fantastic views of the summits. And it’s always good to be able to stretch your legs when the rest of the country is suffering in the heat.
Walking is a good reason to go to Capileira; during the rest of the day the lack of humidity means that life can be lived without air conditioning in pleasant surroundings.
The elegant, winding streets of the village are good for strolls – the tall church is the stand-out monument, built on top of an old mosque in the 16th century after the Reconquest.
Shaded bars and restaurants offer refreshment and sustenance; and a small supermarket hidden away on a side street provides essential items.
As a summer retreat, it’s a good option to get away for a few days.
A 1:40,000 scale map showing the footpaths in the whole of the Sierra Nevada is available from the Editorial Penibetica and can be purchased via their website at www.penibetica.com
There are many different accommodation options in Capileira; hotels, hostels and rural houses/apartments. The booking.com website is a good place to start looking.
Read about walking routes in Capileira in following reports
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