This article about the Route through the Almería Alpujarra completes the two previous ones on the itineraries through the Granada Alpujarra. Indeed, this historic region extends to both sides of the Sierra Nevada, with towns that had strong historical ties to each other, especially during the Al-Andalus period, and natural elements in common. In the following lines we review this area of great interest but less well known, which we can explore with you on a private journey.
Where the route extends
The route through the Almería Alpujarra is less extensive than the Granada one: it extends, basically, through the upper valley and middle valley of the Andarax River, which flows between the Sierra Nevada (to the north) and the Sierra de Gádor (to the south). The latter has a more barren landscape, largely due to the extensive deforestation it underwent during the 19th century, at the height of mining activity in the area.
While this route through the Almería Alpujarra can begin from the provincial capital, Almería, its true itinerary runs from Alhama de Almería, considered the ‘gateway to the Almería Alpujarra’, to Laujar de Andarax, known as the ‘capital of the Almería Alpujarra’. Between one locality and the other, the A-348 road serves as the route’s axis.
Villages of the Almería Alpujarra
The Almería Alpujarra comprises more than twenty localities, but those with the tourist appeal capable of forming a route are the following. Incidentally, this route should not be confused with the so-called ‘eastern Alpujarra’, which refers to villages located in the eastern sector of the region and also includes other villages situated on the southern face of the Sierra Nevada, but already in the province of Granada, such as Cádiar.
- Alhama de Almería: its Arabic name, meaning ‘baths’, announces what is still today its great tourist attraction, namely its thermal complex, exploited for centuries. The fortress of Los Castillejos is one of the few remains of that Nasrid enclave, while its main monumental constructions are the church of San Nicolás and the hermitage of Las Ánimas
- Fondón: known for being the place where the peace treaty of the War of the Alpujarras was signed, between Don Juan of Austria and the emissary of Aben Aboo. It stands out for its brick constructions, among them some imposing ones such as the Casa del Rey Chico
- Laujar de Andarax: for many, the final destination of this route, with monuments as imposing as the church of La Encarnación, popularly known as the ‘cathedral of the Almería Alpujarra’, due to its dimensions and interior richness, and other civil buildings such as the Palacio de los Moya or the Casa del Vicario. Furthermore, its sixteen fountains overflow with water and life, for the enjoyment of residents and visitors
Natural sites of interest in the Almería Alpujarra
While the aforementioned localities are the most interesting from a monumental and historical point of view, the truth is that many travelers come to the Almería Alpujarra in search of natural corners filled with beauty. And there are many.
For example, one can mention Paterna del Río and Bayárcal, which are the two highest-altitude villages in the region (around 1,200 meters above sea level) and offer numerous hiking routes in their surroundings. For instance, the Castañar route in the former, or the Poza de los Músicos in the latter.
Another of the natural icons of this region are the Canales de Padules, which are canyons and pools through which water flows forcefully, in a spectacular contrast with the aridity of the northern slope of the Sierra de Gádor, from where it originates. And no less interesting is the Mirador del Púlpito, in the surroundings of Fondón, from where one can enjoy an extraordinary panoramic view of the entire region.
