Route of Las Alpujarras
Situated in the south of the giant montain peaks
of the Mulhacén and the Veleta, the Alpujarras were considered
invincible for hundreds of years. Romans, Arabs, Spanish and even
the French tried to conquer them, but only the Muslims succeeded
in settling in the Alpujarras for a long while. Until the 16th
century they were the only owners of this Alpine region. Later
on, this beautiful piece of country fell into oblivion, until
the travellers of the romantic era discovered it again. Some traditions
and customs have survived until the present day.
Southeast of Granada the route passes the last Arabic enclaves,
between the Sierra Nevada and the Sierras of Lújar and
of Contraviesa. Mountainous landscapes, picturesque white villages
and deep valleys and gorges dominate great parts of the itinerary
between the health resort Lanjarón and the mountain pass
Puerto de la Ragua on 2000 meters/6500 feet. This route can be
continued visiting Guadix, with its characteristic cave houses
before returning to Granada. Also possible: follow the road towards
Almeria, passing Ohanes.
Itinerary
From Granada, passing the health resort Lanjarón, then
to the white mountain villages of the Alpujarras. The route passes
the Puerta de la Ragua, then to Lacalahorra and to Guadix and
back to Granada.
Option: from Puerta de la Ragua to Laujar de Andarax and then
to Almería (city).
Distance
approx. 280 kilometer/ 175 miles
Granada (Miles 0; 237,700 Inhabitants)
Capital of the last Moorish kingdom and final stronghold: Al-Andalus.
Fantastic view of the Alhambra with the snow covered Sierra Nevada
mountains in the background.
Lanjarón (Miles 28; 3,750
Inhabitants)
Health resort, famous for its mineral water. Church Encarnación;
good views over the landscape from the castle (16th century).
Pampaneira (Miles 42; 340 Inhabitants)
One of the most typical villages of the high Alpujarra (altitude:
1,058 meters). Narrow streets and the Gothic church Santa Cruz,
with a wooden roof in Mudéjar style.
Bubión (Miles 45; 350 Inhabitants)
village (1,296 meters high) that has a long tradition in handicraft.
Good panoramic views over the ravine.
Capileira (Miles 48; 570 Inhabitants)
the highest (1,436 meters) of all three villages that shape Poqueira's
ravine. Mudéjar parish; Plaza del Calvario and the Museum
of Popular Art and Customs.
In summer the Veleta summit can be reached on foot (10 Miles;
1-2 days).
Trevélez (Miles 65; 800
Inhabitants)
the highest located village of all Spain (1,476 meters). The dry
and cold climate is perfect for the production of the cured ham
("Jamon Serrano").
Juviles (Miles 76; 160 Inhabitants)
Church of Santa Maria de Gracia, one of the most beautiful of
the granadian Alpujarra.
Mecina Bombarón (Miles 83)
situated in a dry Mediterranean landscape. Roman bridge over the
river Mecina.
Yegen (Miles 86)
Here lived the English writer Gerald Brenan during the 1920s.
Good panoramic views of the mountains.
Válor (Miles 90; 790 Inhabitants)
Church San José in Mudéjar style.
Puerto de la Ragua (Miles 106)
Mountain pass at 2,042 meters / 6700 feet. Excellent views of
both sides of the Sierra Nevada.
Hiking path to the Chullo peak (2,612 meters / 8570 feet).
La Calahorra (Miles 115; 810 Inhabitants)
Arabic foundation, located amidst large groves of almond trees.
Castle palace with Renaissance courts and a stairway of great
artistic value. Church Asunción.
Jerez del Marquesado (Miles 124;
1,070 Inhabitants)
Charming village with well preserved buildings.
Guadix (Miles 134; 20,150 Inhabitants)
Famous village with cave houses. Many churches, convents and noble
houses in the center close to the cathedral. Remains of a fortress
from the Arabic era.
Granada (Miles 169)
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Variant: continue from Puerto de la Ragua to the southeast towards
Almeria.
Bayarcal (Miles 116; 310 Inhabitants)
located at 1,275 meters / 4,180 Feet and surrounded by an oak
forest. Church San Francisco Javier in Mudéjar style.
Laujar de Andarax (Miles 127; 1,820
Inhabitants)
close to the source of the Andarax river and north of the Sierra
de Gádor
The quarters de la Alcazaba and el Calvario, are in Arabic style,
with fountains and noble houses. Mudéjar church Encarnación
and town hall in Baroque style.
Ohanes (Miles 141; 760 Inhabitants)
Typical white village with a parochial stone church. Panoramic
views and a breathtaking drop down to:
Alhama de Almería (Miles
157; 3,250 Inhabitants)
Health resort surrounded by three different landscapes: the Andarax
valley. The Sierra de Gádor and the Tabernas desert.
Los Millares (Miles 162)
Europe’s most important archaeological finds in an ancient
settlement from the copper age (approx 2,700-1,800 BC). Remains
of a necropolis.
Almería (Miles 174;
176,700 Inhabitants)
the calm capital of the province with its outstanding fortified
Cathedral and the Alcazaba (fortress).
Andalucia routes