Alpujarras

Las Alpujarras

A cluster of whitewashed Berber-style villages, like Trevelez and Capileira, cascading down the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada. The region is known for its rustic charm, mountain views, and traditional cured hams.

Things to do

• Wander Pampaneira, Bubion and Capileira — These three stacked white villages in the Poqueira Gorge are the classic postcard image of the Alpujarras, linked by mule-path trails.
• Hike to Mulhacen summit — Mainland Spain's highest peak rises above the region and can be climbed via a long day trek from Capileira in summer months.
• Explore Trevelez, Spain's highest village — Wander its stone lanes and peer into the ham-curing bodegas that have made this three-tiered village famous.
• Soak at the Lanjaron spa springs — This gateway town has bottled mineral water and traditional balneario baths fed by Sierra Nevada snowmelt.
• Follow the old acequias irrigation channels — Moorish-built water channels crisscross the hillsides and make for scenic, gently graded walking routes between villages.
• Visit the O Sel Ling Buddhist retreat — A small Tibetan Buddhist center above Bubion offers sweeping views over the Poqueira Gorge and a peaceful contrast to the rustic villages.
• See Gerald Brenan's house in Yegen — The English writer's former home in this quiet eastern Alpujarran village recalls his memoir 'South from Granada'.

Food to try

• Jamon de Trevelez — Dry-cured mountain ham aged in the cool, high-altitude air of Trevelez, considered among Spain's finest.
• Plato alpujarreño — A hearty mixed plate of fried potatoes, chorizo, black pudding, ham and a fried egg, the region's signature meal.
• Migas — Fried breadcrumbs cooked with garlic, peppers and often served with grapes and bits of pork, a traditional shepherd's dish.
• Trucha a la Trevelez — Local river trout wrapped and cooked with a slice of the village's famous cured ham.
• Soplillos de Ugijar — Chewy almond meringue sweets from the nearby town of Ugijar, a classic Alpujarran treat with coffee.
• Vino de la costa — Rustic local wines produced in small quantities on the terraced hillsides, worth trying at village bars.

Local customs & good to know

• Note the Berber-style architecture — Flat-roofed houses with launa (grey slate) roofs and tinaos (covered passageways) reflect the region's Moorish and North African heritage.
• Expect a slower midday rhythm — Many shops and some restaurants close for a few hours in early afternoon, especially in smaller villages.
• Pack layers for changeable mountain weather — Even in summer, temperatures can swing sharply between valley towns and higher trails near the Sierra Nevada.
• Use the GR7 trail network respectfully — Long-distance paths connect the villages and are shared with local farmers and mule trains, so give way and close gates behind you.