The Alpujarra of Granada, a treasure in Sierra Nevada

The region of Alpujarra spreads over the provinces of Almería and Granada. When it comes to the latter, the Alpujarra of Granada is nestled among the mountains of the Sierra Nevada National Park. The mountain landscape, mild climate and fertile soil inhabited by fruit trees offer a dreamlike scenery. Visiting its towns and villages is always a great experience, since they are picturesque, historically interesting and they provide amazing mountain views that cannot be admired from any other point of the province.

Thanks to the natural and historical wealth of the region, the Alpujarra is one of the most protected areas in Europe. Its long Moorish history impregnates its towns and landscapes. All travellers should be able to notice it in its names and local cuisine, as well as admiring the beautiful craftmanship of the colourful rugs and jarapas that decorate the place along with an architecture that adapts to the slopes.

The most beautiful places in the Alpujarra of Granada

The following lines explore some of the most beautiful places worth discovering in the Alpujarra of Granada.

Pampaneira

This is one of the most beautiful villages in the Alpujarra of Granada. Pampaneira features narrow, steep streets, cobbled and with water canals. The whitewashed houses stand crowned with chimneys. Besides, those who love hiking might be interested in the route of Barranco de Poqueira, which starts right in Pampaneira. It is also the perfect place for canyoning.

Alpujarra de la Sierra

This corner of the Alpujarra belongs to the Sierra Nevada National Park, thus the amazing natural views are one of its greatest features. It is worth mentioning that Alpujarra de la Sierra is formed by the villages of Yegen, El Golco and Mecina Bombarón, the latter being the most populous one. Mecina Bombarón dates back to the 10^th century and it has eight neighbourhoods, each of them with their own mosque. There are different trails that let us experience both the natural landscape and the culture of the place. Lastly, one cannot leave without tasting the typical dish known as migas de Alarcón.

Soportújar

The Alpujarra of Granada is home to some towns the visitor will never forget, and one of them is certainly Soportújar, the so-called “town of the witches”. It lies only an hour away from the city of Granada by car, under the shelter of Sierra Nevada, and it holds many interesting places related to witches and other magical creatures. All in all, Soportújar is a great place to enjoy both for kids and adults.

Lanjarón

You might have heard the name of this town due to the water they produce there. Indeed, Lanjarón has one of the best-rated springs of the peninsula. Apart from its spa, Lanjarón offers a water museum and a honey museum, as well as the charming neighbourhood of Hondillo and the square of Santa Ana. Another interesting thing to do in Lanjarón is enjoying its route of the 23 water fountains. Each of them has a plate with a poem, most of them by renowned Andalusian writer Federico García Lorca, who was deeply inspired by the water sources of Sierra Nevada.

Bubión

The town of Bubión is another enchanting corner of the Alpujarra of Granada. Just like it happens in most of the towns and villages of the area, it is worth getting lost in its streets. However, our walk should include the square Dr. Pérez Ramón, the church of La Virgen del Rosario, its washhouses and many fountains, which include Fuente Hondera.

Likewise, two remarkable places to visit there are the museum Casa Alpujarreña and the Taller del Telar. The former offers us a look at Bubión’s traditions, whereas the latter keeps looms for making jarapas that are more than 150 years old.

Órgiva

This is the capital of the Alpujarra of Granada. Some of its most remarkable places include the bridge called Puente de los Siete Ojos, the church of La Expectación and the Casa Palacio de los Condes de Sástago.

Apart from that, it is worth visiting the square of La Alpujarra, whose tiles pay tribute to all the towns and villages of the comarca. Lastly, the visitor should not leave Órgiva before visiting the neighbourhood of Alto, the chapel of San Sebastián, the museum Ruiz de Almodóvar or the mill of Benizalte.

Trévelez

Another interesting place to discover in the Alpujarra of Granada is Trévelez. In fact, it is the highest village in Spain, and it lies at a height of 1476 metres, to the south-west of the peak of Mulhacén.

If we start to walk around, we will be able to discover the sheltered street of Cuesta, as well as the fountains of La Placetilla and Fuente de Arriba. Regarding religious buildings, in Trévelez stand out the church of San Benito, the chapel of San Antonio and the chapel of Virgen de las Nieves.

Capileira

There are many reasons why Capileira is regarded as one of the most precious jewels of the Alpujarra of Granada. In the heart of Sierra Nevada, resting next to Bubión and Pampaneira, this village hosts the house-museum of Spanish writer Pedro Antonio de Alarcón, the church of Virgen de la Cabeza and picturesque streets such as Carmen, Campana and Cerezo.

Right next to Capileira spreads the hiking route of La Cebadilla, an abandoned village that lies at the source of the river of Poqueira. Another interesting route that the more experienced hikers will enjoy is the ascent to Mulhacén, which is the highest peak of the Iberian Peninsula.

In short, the Alpujarra of Granada is a comarca that boasts picturesque towns and villages surrounded by nature, an amazing place to explore for those interested in this type of tourism.