Las Alpujarras:
The Alpujarras is a 70km-long collection of valleys along the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada. It is a mixture of dramatic mountains, deep ravines, sloping hillsides, huge gorges, and the most breath-taking views. It is full of many clusters of beautiful white villages, often seemingly clinging together on the side of a steep mountainside, which are a traditional feature of this area. La Alpujarra, as it is popularly known, is famous throughout Spain because of its unique mini-ecology. The melting snow from above constantly waters its terraced farmlands, forming a high-altitude oasis of greenery, which stands in dramatic contrast to the arid foothills below. This area is a paradise for walking and trekking with innumerable footpaths snaking their way through the Sierra Nevada.
Alpujarras villages:
The cultural interest of the region lies in its fifty-odd villages, which were the last stronghold of the Spanish Muslims, or Moors. The small villages are built in traditional Alpujarra style (flat roofs with tall chimneys) and flowerpots decorate every balcony. The trapping of mass-tourism are thankfully absent, but it is easy to find attractive restaurants and bars where the gastronomic delights of the region as well as international dishes may be tested. La Alpujarra has long been a home of artist and writers, attracted to the area by its enchanting beauty, looking for an alternative life-style. The region has also become more famous due to the success of several books written by residents. This began with Gerald Brenan who settled here in the 1920's & wrote 'South from Granada'. More recently, Chris Stewart's books ('Driving over Lemons', 'A Parrot in the Pepper Tree' & ‘The Almond Blossom Appreciation Society’) describe his life in a small farming community near Orgiva.
Walking:
‘Senderismo’ as it is called in Spanish, is a very popular pastime in Andalucía, as the sunny days invite you to get outside and enjoy the spectacular countryside around and there are so many places to explore and enjoy. To get to know all the paths and routes in the Granada province would probably take a lifetime, but it is well worth spending some time exploring as there are walks to suit all ages and fitness. Las Alpujarras is a particularly delightful area to explore on foot and there are many well-signposted walking routes, ranging from a short stroll, to day-long hikes into the Sierra Nevada. You can walk to the top of the highest mountains in the Iberian Peninsula – El Veleta (3,398m ) and Mulhacén (3,482m ) but these climbs are best attempted in July and August, when the air is that bit cooler at high altitude, and the risk of rain and low cloud is lower than during the rest of the year. However at any time of year you should not set out without warm clothing.
