Discover the Granada Alpujarra from Malaga with us

In the heart of Andalusia, where the mountains meet the sky and the sun shines with a golden glow, lies a dreamy place called the Granada Alpujarra. This magical corner of Spain, with its white villages hanging on the slopes of Sierra Nevada, is a treasure to discover.

As we move forward, we discover that here, time seems to have stood still. This allows visitors to immerse themselves in an atmosphere of tranquillity and natural beauty. From the stunning panoramic views to the rich history and culture, the Granada Alpujarra promises an unforgettable experience for all who visit it.

Join us on this journey as we explore the hidden charms of this Andalusian paradise. Welcome to the Granada Alpujarra, where every path is an invitation to adventure and every moment is a memory to treasure.

History

The Alpujarra, a historical region of Andalusia, extends between the provinces of Granada and Almería. Its history is rich and varied, with influences from various cultures over the centuries.

In ancient times, the Alpujarra was populated by Iberians and Celts, then by Romans and Visigoths. However, it was during Muslim rule when the region experienced real development. The Arabs divided the Alpujarra into 12 demarcations or tahas, and established a unique irrigation agriculture, with sophisticated terrace and irrigation systems.

After the fall of the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada in 1492, the Alpujarra became a refuge for persecuted Moriscos. The rebellion of the Alpujarras in 1568 marked a turning point, after which the Morisco population was expelled and the region repopulated with settlers from other parts of Spain.

An important thing to keep in mind to understand a little more about the history of these villages is that after the surrender of the Kingdom of Granada, many Muslims, known as the Granadian Moriscos, took refuge in the Alpujarras and continued living here for almost eighty more years, maintaining their customs, their religion and their language, something that can still be felt today.

Discover La Alpujarra

La Alpujarra, with its rich history and natural beauty, is a tourist destination that offers a variety of attractions for all tastes. From picturesque villages to historical monuments and impressive landscapes, there is something for every traveller in this unique region of Andalusia.

Pampaneira

Pampaneira is a place that seems to be taken out of a fairy tale. Its narrow streets and white houses preserve the Berber architecture, a legacy of its rich history. This village, whose Latin origin name (“pampinus”, vine leaf) alludes to the lushness of its lands irrigated by the Poqueira river, has received awards such as the First Provincial Prize for Beautification of Villages and the National Tourism Prize for Beautification and Improvement of Spanish Villages.

Located in the heart of the Poqueira Gorge, more than 1000 meters above sea level, Pampaneira will captivate you at first sight with its views of the imposing mountains of Sierra Nevada.

Although all its points of interest can be known in about two hours, you can invest a whole day enjoying relaxing walks through the beautiful natural environment, buying handicrafts or trying their most typical foods like the calorific Alpujarra dish. Another option is to use Pampaneira as a base to get to know other villages of the Alpujarra like its neighbours Bubión and Capileira, which are less than 5 kilometres away, or other curious ones like Soportújar, also known as the village of the Witches.

• Plaza de la Libertad: The nerve centre of the village, surrounded by terraces of local shops and jarapa shops. (map)
• Iglesia de la Santa Cruz: A 16th century temple in Baroque style. (map)
• Mercedes Carrascosa textile workshop: A place where beautiful pieces of textile art are created. (map)
• Take a dip in the Poqueira river waterfall. (map)

Capileira

Capileira is another of the most beautiful villages in the Granada Alpujarra. This village, whose Latin origin name (“capitellum”, peaks), alludes to its location in the heights of Sierra Nevada. Capileira is the highest and most northern of the three villages in the Poqueira river gorge.

This charming village is known for its narrow streets and white houses that perfectly adapt to the rugged terrain and the climate of the area.

Much of its municipal term belongs to the Sierra Nevada national park, reaching up to the peaks of Veleta and Mulhacén, the roof of the Iberian peninsula. This makes Capileira one of the highest municipalities on the peninsula, and an ideal destination for nature and hiking lovers.

• Capileira Viewpoint: This viewpoint offers incredible views of the entire Poqueira gorge and the villages of Bubión and Pampaneira. It is the perfect place to take panoramic photographs and enjoy the natural beauty of the region. (map)
• Pedro Antonio de Alarcón House-Museum: This museum is a place to learn about the history of the Alpujarra and the life of the famous writer Pedro Antonio de Alarcón. The museum is located in a traditional Alpujarra house and offers a fascinating insight into life in the region during past centuries. (map)
• Santa María la Mayor Church: This well-kept temple houses an image of the Virgin, donated by the Catholic Monarchs in the 15th century. The church is an important place of worship and an impressive example of the region’s religious architecture. (map)

Bubión

Bubión, known for its Berber-style buildings, has been classified as a Historic Artistic Site and a Site of Cultural Interest. This charming white village is located between Pampaneira and Capilerira in the Poqueira Gorge, 1,300 meters above sea level. Although it has slightly less than 400 inhabitants, Bubión is a place full of life and rich history.

From the time of Arab occupation, houses began to be built with launa, giving rise to the terraos. It is said that they are horizontally shaped to prevent the accumulation of snow at the exits of the house; in this way. Other versions suggest that the terraos were born due to the impossibility of obtaining tiles due to the poor quality of the clay in that area; the only houses with tiles were those of the more affluent families, who could afford to acquire them and transport them to the indicated place.

Bubion is perfect for nature and hiking lovers. Much of its area belongs to the Sierra Nevada National Park. On clear days, you can see both the Mediterranean Sea and Sierra Nevada at once.

• Visit the Casa Alpujarreña Museum: A traditional 16th-century house that is preserved practically without modifications. This ethnographic museum offers visitors the opportunity to delve into Alpujarra traditions. (map)
• Walk through its white streets: Enjoy the typical Alpujarra architecture in its narrow and winding streets. The streets of Bubión are full of flowers and offer impressive views of Sierra Nevada. (map)

Soportujar

Soportújar is famous for its rich history and its association with witches. Its relationship with witches dates back to the time of the expulsion of the Moriscos. They had to repopulate this village with inhabitants from the north of Spain, especially Galicians who believed in witches and pagan stories.

Located under the imposing whitened peaks of Sierra Nevada, this small village captivates with its white-fronted houses perched on the mountainside, almost 1000 meters above sea level. Also for its network of alleyways recall its Moorish past.

In recent years, Soportújar has embraced its reputation as a “witch village”. A good time to visit is in August when the Feria del Embrujo (Witchcraft Fair) is celebrated and the village shines in its maximum splendour.

• Witch’s Eye Cave and the Enchanted Bridge: A magical place with a recreation of a witch making magical potions and spells. Right next to this cave there is a ravine and a bridge which they say, is enchanted. (map)
• Head of the Witch Baba Yaga: A huge sculpture that represents the head of the Witch Baba Yaga. It was a supernatural old woman who lived in Russia and settled in this area of the Alpujarra, looking for a better time. This witch with piercing blue eyes and toothless smile, fed on children who misbehaved and watched, riding on a flying pot, that no blessed person entered her property. (map)
• Hansel and Gretel’s House: The charming little house, taken from the pages of the Hansel and Gretel story. It is located in a more secluded area of the village of Soportujar, which is accessed by climbing some stone stairs. At the bottom, there is a small shop. The entrance to visit it is free. (map)

Lanjarón

Lanjarón, known for its spa and mineral waters, is a municipality located in the Granada Alpujarra. This charming village, whose name seems to come from the pre-Roman word “lanchar”, which means a place abundant in waters, is famous for being the longest-lived village in the world, thanks to its healthy and medicinal water sources.

Located on the southern slopes of Sierra Nevada, about 45 km south of Granada and 40 km from the Costa Tropical, Lanjarón is an ideal place for nature and hiking lovers, as a large part of its municipal term belongs to the Sierra Nevada national park.

The Lanjarón Spa is one of the most emblematic places in the village. This spa, with its thermal baths, circular hydromassage showers, Finnish sauna and stone footbath, is the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate. In addition, Lanjarón is famous for its honey production, and the Honey Museum is an ideal place to learn about this process.

• Lanjarón Spa: A place to enjoy thermal baths, circular hydromassage showers, Finnish sauna and stone footbath. This spa is famous for its mineral waters, which are said to have healing properties. (map)
• Honey Museum: A place to learn about honey production. In this museum, you can learn about the process of honey production and the importance of bees in our ecosystem. (map)

Trevelez

Trévelez, one of the highest villages in Spain, is known for its unparalleled Serrano hams. This charming village is located on the southern slope of the Sierra Nevada National Park, about 90 kilometres from the capital of Granada. Trévelez is famous for its fresh and clean air with which its renowned hams are cured.

The village is divided into three neighbourhoods (high, middle and low), with a level difference of up to 190 metres. The highest house in the High Neighbourhood reaches an altitude of 1610 metres above sea level. The only bridge over the river is in the Low Neighbourhood. The Low Neighbourhood is an important tourist centre, while the Middle and High Neighbourhoods are more typically Alpujarran.

In Trevelez, you can enjoy beautiful and unbeatable views of the landscape, as well as the characteristic architecture typical of the Alpujarra, where the memory of its Moorish past endures. In addition, Trevelez is an ideal place for nature and hiking lovers. A large part of its municipal term belongs to the Sierra Nevada National Park, reaching up to the peak of Mulhacen, the roof of the Iberian Peninsula.

• Walk around the surroundings of Trévelez: Enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Trévelez is surrounded by an impressive natural environment, with hiking routes that offer panoramic views of Sierra Nevada. (map)
• Visit a ham drying house: Learn about the artisan process of curing hams. Trévelez is famous for its Serrano hams, and a visit to a ham drying house will allow you to learn first-hand about the curing process and taste this delicious product. (map)

Each of these places offers a unique and memorable experience, making the Alpujarra a truly special tourist destination.

Gastronomy of the Granada Alpujarra

The gastronomy of the Granada Alpujarra is rich and varied, with dishes and products that reflect the history and culture of the region. Some of the most outstanding dishes:

• Trevelez Ham: This ham is one of the most famous in Spain. It is naturally cured in the high mountains of the Sierra Nevada, which gives it a unique and delicious flavour.
• Alpujarreñas Migas: It is made with semolina wheat and bacon, chorizo or loin.
• Lomo de Orza: It is preserved cooked slowly in its lard or olive oil and is usually marinated with spices.
• Alpujarreño Dish: This dish is made with soft potatoes, black pudding, chorizo and ham. It is a hearty and nutritious dish, ideal for replenishing strength after a day of hiking in Sierra Nevada.
• Soplillos: This dessert is made with almonds, sugar, and eggs, and has a light and crispy texture.
• Fennel Stew: A typical dish from Lanjaron. It is a stew of wild fennel with potatoes and pork ribs, very aromatic and tasty.
• Rabbit Stew: A traditional dish from Busquístar. The rabbit is cooked slowly with white wine, garlic and bay leaf, until the meat is tender and full of flavour.
• Chestnut Stew: A typical dish from Capileira. The chestnuts are cooked with chorizo, bacon and black pudding.
• Gypsy Pot of Potatoes or Stew with Pumpkin: A traditional dish from Trevelez. It is a stew of potatoes with pumpkin, red pepper and tomato, seasoned with paprika and cumin.
• Coloured Porridge: A typical dish from Pampaneira. The porridge is made with cornmeal and is dyed red with paprika. It is served with pieces of fried bread and garlic.
• Garlic ‘quemao’ Porridge: A typical dish from Mecina-Bombaron. The porridge is made with wheat flour and is seasoned with ‘quemao’ garlic, which gives it a smoky and delicious flavour.

How to get to the Alpujarra from Malaga

The Granada Alpujarra is approximately 131.5 kilometres from Malaga and the car journey usually takes around 1 hour and 17 minutes. The quickest route is via the E-15 and the Granada Alpujarras Route.

If you prefer not to drive, you can take a train to Granada. From there take a local bus to one of the villages in La Alpujarra. However, these means of transport may not be the most comfortable and fast option.

Transfer to the Alpujarra

Opting for a transfer from Malaga to get to the Alpujarra can be an excellent option for several reasons:

• Comfort: Private transfers pick you up and drop you off at your desired location. This means you don’t have to worry about finding public transport or walking long distances with your luggage.
• Flexibility: Unlike public transport, private transfers can be booked at any time of the day or night. You can plan your trip according to your own schedule.
• Speed: Private transfers are usually the fastest option to reach your destination. They do not have to make frequent stops like buses or trains.
• Privacy: Travelling in a private transfer allows you to have your own personal space. This can be especially valuable during a long journey.