The Alpujarra “Traditional Southern Spain village in las Alpujarras, Granada.”
The frenetic pace of life of the big cities invites you to forget the problems of the daily routine and seek time for yourself. If you feel like this right now, it’s time to look for your next Spanish getaway destination.
The Alpujarra has everything you need and nothing you can do without. Here you can truly unplug, even your phone. You will be busy living experiences, places and the cuisine of the area. Alpujarra must be experienced, without being overwhelmed by haste or social networks.
On the slopes of the southern slope of the Sierra Nevada, where valleys and gorges prevail, we find some scattered villages of the Alpujarra. It is a territory of contrasts, especially for the history it has behind it. It is an area colonized by different peoples: first by the Iberians and Celts, then by the Roman Empire, the Visigoth people and, finally, by the Arabs until liberation by the Catholic Monarchs.
Having been a territory occupied by the Moors even after the fall of the Nasrid kingdom of Granada, the influence of the Arab population still remains in agriculture and terraced crops, in the cubic architecture of the houses or in the cuisine of the area that has reached the present day.
This and much more is what we can experience in the villages that make up this peculiar mountainous area of Granada.
Lanjarón, The Land of Water
From the highest peaks of the peninsula we take the water that bears the name of the place where it flows. Lanjarón is the town of “Eternal Youth”, being one of the longest-lived in the country. Many of these properties are attributed to the water flowing through it. That is why in Lanjarón we can find a wellness center with a legend behind it.
“It is said that three hundred years ago a sick person drank from the waters of a spring in Lanjarón and was healed”.
Since then the springs began to be used for therapeutic purposes, giving life to the wellness center.
The historic center of the town is an explosion of colors, not only for the surrounding nature, but for the houses with blue doors and green windows, perforated facades and exposed wooden beams.
Órgiva is the Largest Hippie Commune in Spain
“Beneficio” is the name of one of the oldest hippy communities in all of Europe and is located right in Órgiva, in the middle of the Alpujarra of Granada.
The first hippies arrived in the Alpujarra at the end of the 70’s, coming from Ibiza, and since then their way of life has maintained and progressed considerably. The combination of cultures is fascinating, any person is welcome; here you can find rituals from all over the globe.
Capileira With Charm
The village lies on one of the highest points of the gorge, where the Poqueira river valley is located. From this point the views of the slope are unique and can be enjoyed from the various viewpoints scattered throughout the village. An overview of Cerro Mulhacen or the peaks of Picacho Veleta are just two examples of what we can observe from above.
In the town, popular architecture and flat terraces stand out to avoid erosion when it rains, which has given rise to an urban layout declared an Asset of Cultural Interest.
Trevélez and Its Delicious Cuisine
There are many reasons to visit this village in the Alpujarra, but the main one is the ham that is produced here. Indicated exclusively for the most demanding palates, Trevélez ham is a true delight.
Furthermore, it is healthier than the others being less salty than the classic ham, since the weather conditions of the area allow a shorter salting time.
It is also the perfect place where citizens can enjoy relaxation therapy and “find calm and flowers on the peaks”.
Pampaneira and Berber Architecture
It belongs to the historical-artistic complex that has kept Berber architecture in its streets. It is known that the Nasrid occupation reached even the most inhospitable areas of Granada, and the Alpujarra is no exception.
Berber architecture is distinguished by square-plan houses, in some cases a central courtyard and surveillance towers in the houses. The streets are narrow and steep to find refuge in the shade on sunny days.
Bubión, Pure Nature
This village in the Alpujarra belongs to the Sierra Nevada National Park. It is an important part of the municipal territory that constitutes it, where the Cascada and the Puente del Tejar stand out.
It also boasts some interesting archaeological sites that are worth visiting, such as those of the Foundation or the Alto del Pueblo, which were dedicated to the processing of the mineral and the extraction of iron.
These villages in the Alpujarra nestled along the slopes of the Sierra Nevada are the ideal place for your next getaway. Relax and discover all the experiences you can live here.