las alpujarras

We took a day trip from Granada to hike in the National Park. It was cloudy and cold and very dry. It's very different from the Parks in the US. Many villages are sprinkled throughout. The villages were interesting and we got some lovely Afghani Chai in Orgiva. But we hadn't expected to be so cold. That was the main downside.

Las Alpujarras is to us one of the best locations in Spain. Far enough away from the costas (with Fish and Chips bars and crowds of drunken foreigners) and full of very authentic Andalucian culture. The scenery is suberb surrounded by mountains such as the Sierra Nevada and Contraviesa. If you are into wine try out the many bodegas or simply go to a local bar and enjoy 'una copa' with (often) free tapas. In winter, one has of course superb alpine skiing up in the Sierra Nevada (approached from the Granada side) or good cross country skiing in places like Puerta La Ragua (on the A 337). Summer offers horse riding, biking and masses of historical walking paths. I enjoy star gazing and this area is one of the best in Europe with very little light polution and great views of the southern sky.

With everlasting snow, a fascinating winding road up and down with everchanging scenery, plants and some animals, friendly cows and a neverending hiking options, with some snow even in summer, it's a feast for all senses. Worth a special long trip or a few hours while in Spain, esp.. in Andalucia. Clear air, kids traning at 2000 meters (you can try running on the track - carefully, no oxygen..) make you understand how come Spain is a footballing giant. May inspire one to keep more in shape, especially with hiking at rare air. Pure joy and great memories.

My partner and I are in our early to mid sixties and reckon our times of adventurous walking are limited. It was therefore with some excitement that we headed for Capileria, one of the "White Villages" and the highest road point of The Alpujarras (although the road itself does go on at little higher). There are numerous walks from this beautiful, well serviced yet unspoilt village. You can move nowhere without going up steep inclines, sometimes for hours on end and paths are very, very varied in quality. Maps are minimal and the main one of a scale that is 1:40,000. For someone used to the wonderful Ordnance Survey maps and map and compass navigation, the area represents a challenge. Directional markers exist...but not always so care needs to be taken as even when they are there, they are sometimes partially hidden! One trick we learned is that if you come across a red and white cross on a tree or rock then you have probably over shot the footpath! Even international broad tracks like the GR 7 will suddenly vanish almost entirely with no signposting. For example if you do the walk from Pitres to Capileira there is nothing to indicate that the GR 7 path goes up, from the town square, to the left of the beautiful Church. Other routes, from Capileira, include the trip to the abandoned village by the old power station. Steep climbs both into and out of the gorge but worth it. The information office in Capileria provides useful information on the current state of paths in the area and when we were there the very helpful assistant there (herself a walker and runner (!!) in the area) gave very useful information and suggestions. A reasonable level of fitness is a requirement and always take plenty of water with you!!

We stayed for two days in this region and loved it. The journey from Granada took just under two hours. The first section on the motorway is quick and the last part affords beautiful views on safe, winding mountain roads. There are three main villages which you can easily visit, by car or by foot, in two days. The streets are cobbled and steep so flat shoes or trainers are advisable. There are lots of restaurants and little souvenir shops selling locally made goods. The carpets looked nice- just sorry we couldn't take on back! In Bubion there is a very good museum which only costs a couple of euros and shows just how the villagers used to live. There are lots of artefact including an old sewing machine. Pottery and farm implements. Definitely worth the visit. If you have more time you can travel further into the Sierra Nevada.we went to Trevelez where they cure the am

This is a very quaint and cozy little town that has very beautiful views of the Sierra Nevada. There are lots of shops, restaurants, and small bars to enjoy while you are taking in the beautiful views.

We spent two days visiting Las Alpujarras. We stayed in Pampaneira and walked the trail to Capileira and Bubion. It was a great walk with fabulous views. The paths were a little treacherous at times and very steep but after 5 hours we got back and thought it was well worth the effort. Great views and interesting people on the way. We will definitely be back.

The area is reallt cozy and beautiful. Driving there is slow so make sure you have a lot of time. We only had time to go to Pampaneira, which was nice. Just don't eat at the closest-to-road restaurant advertising "terraza con vistas"! There are lots of small shops and restaurants and bars. Some of the stuff is hand-,made, some is Made in China... No surprises there, but don't get fooled.

I dont think I will ever tire of this area - the pretty Alpujarran white villages sheltering on the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Many interesting walks and rides (I found it useful to buy a book detailing these), such a stunning and welcoming place. One of my favourites.....

We traveled to the Las Alpujarras region twice in 5 days from the Almunecar area, each time driving up through Pampineira and Bubion to Capileira for the lovely walking trails with a view of Mulhacen. The views are breathtaking! I was glad I was not driving on those narrow twisty roads - I could just ooh and ahh at every new vista. After out walks on the trails down to the Poqueira waterfalls and beyond we enjoyed wandering around the tiny streets of Capileira and also stopped in Pampineira on our way back down the mountains for another wander. I found a handcrafted scarf at one of the lovely little shops before we headed back. A local farmer was selling huge bags of oranges on the roadside and for 5 euros we couldn't resist. I hope to return to Las Alpujarras soon and enjoy it's beauty, food and hospitality again.

Yes the area is one of the most picturesque areas in Europe and the roads are very bendy but that is to be expected in a mountainous area. It's advisable to drive very gently. If you were charged 30 for one dish then that does sound too much. If it was 30 for 1 of each then that would be reasonable. Nearly bars and restaurants in the Alpujarra have menus with clearly declared prices so it should be easy to know in advance what your bill will be. It is worth noting that there are various types of ham and ordering the most expensive Jamon iberico, whether by design or unintentionally, would cost 2 or three times more than the lowest priced, standard Jamon serrano.We really need more information to judge as to whether you were charged unfairly.

We spent a week hiking in the Alpujarras. Each trail offered incredible views and a satisfying feeling of accomplishment. Up and down with switchbacks, rivers, fig, orange, almond and olive trees in abundance. One incredible view led to the next one, equally as stunning. The white villages perched on mountainsides offered good food and drink by helpful people and local culture. We found lovely places to stay in the villages, run by great hosts. All you need is a sturdy pair of hiking boots, good socks and a bottle of water to hit the trails, then rest your weary body in a lovely inn after a good dinner and a glass of wine.

We went originally in search of Gerald Brennan's house in Yegen so based ourselves nearby in Válor . By a few days we missed the village festival, recreation of the battle between the Spanish and Moors so already planning next year's visit. There is so much to see and do but this region is best explored as a series long rambles or , by car with very frequent stops. Towns such as Trevelez - worth it for some amazing local handicrafts - the rugs are tremendous value and also excellent ham. Lanjaron as a health spa with a very pretty centre worth wandering through. We failed to get to so many others as we enjoyed our stay in Válor and from there rambled around the countryside. Also found an excellent bar "Azahara" with excellent tapas and some main dishes. Also good was the restaurante "El Puente" but this is only open for lunch ( early/late afternoon)

We stayed near Trevelez for 3 days and toured the area by car as well as some walking. The White Village drives (Capileira, Bubion & Pampineira are the well known ones) are a great way to see the Sierra Nevada region. There are lots of less well known but equally stunning villages with hardly any tourists in sight. The people here are very friendly, the food amazing and, surprisingly, the tourists tend to stay in the few 'hot spots' and not venture into the heart of this area. A car is essential to fully appreciate what is on offer hereHighly recommended - great antidote to the frenetic pace of the towns and beaches on the south coast!

For those who think (myself included, prior my visit) that the Sierra Nevada is only skiing and snow, this mountain is a great surprise!Various routes, all well marked and with fantastic views! There are several levels of courses, from the simplest to the hard requirements of high mountain!Trevelez or Capileira work are a good camp base, above the 2500 m refuge Poqueira is a good option to stay.Highly recommended! For initiation, training and summits!