Province & Villages - Granada - Alpujarra - Route
Alpujarra information
Route of La Alpujarra
Situated on the south slope of the Sierra Nevada, La Alpujarra,
the last refuge of the Moors in Spain, is a perfect symbiosis
of landscape, architecture and a way of life based on peace
and tranquility.
One the way to Granada is the detour to Lanjarón, famous
for its waters, spa and Arabic castle. The road continues
on to Orgiva, enclaved 454 metres' altitude, overlooking a
lush valley. Its church dates from the 17th century. A sideroad
leads to the so-called Alpujarra Alta, and through chestnut
and pine groves we arrive at the ravine of El Poqueira. However
many times it is visited, the sight of the Pampaneira, Bubión
and Capileira never ceases to surprise, hanging from green
ravines with the white mass of the Sierra Nevada as backdrop.
It is worth taking time out to see these towns, singular in
their architecture which has given rise to a typical and unique
style as Alpujarreño.
In summer, a dirt-track, starting 10 kms from Capileira, tkaes
us to the Balcón de Trevelez, and 25 kms further on,
to the very peak of the Veleta. The landscapes and sensation
felt up amongs the mountain-tops, know no comparision. At
3,393 metres altitude, this track joins the Sierra Nevada
to Granada road, the highest in Europe, and on a clear day
the wonderful views across the Mediterranean can reach as
far as Africa.
Further along the route from Pampaneira is the turning to
Trevelez. On either side are villages built into the hillside,
whitewashed and topped with the chimney-stacks typical of
La Alpujarra. At 1,476 metres, Trevelez the highest town in
Spain and lends its name to its famous cured hams.
There are two options for the return journey to the coast:
via Orgiva and Vélez de Benaudalla on the west side
or via Cadiar, Albondón and Albuñol on the east
side of the coast. This last route impresses by the wonderful
views to be seen along it.
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