In a recent post, we outlined an initial route through the Alpujarra of Granada, the most common for excursions from the capital: the one that, passing through Lanjarón, leads to the villages of the Poqueira Ravine. However, if you have more time, it is well worth continuing through these beautiful valleys and hillsides to reach other towns of equal interest. In that case, it is advisable to arrange accommodation in one of the villages along the route, as the distance and time will extend beyond a single day.
By road to the border with Almería
Doubling back along the road from Capileira and Bubión, this second part of the Alpujarra of Granada continues through Pitres, Pórtugos, and Busquístar, a transit area between the Poqueira and Trevélez ravines (hence the name of the second village), which overlook the cliffs and invite hiking through their surroundings.
In Trevélez, this route through the Alpujarra of Granada reaches its highest point, 1,476 meters, at the foot of the Mulhacén peak, making this town one of the highest in the entire Iberian Peninsula. Its fame, however, comes from its hams, which benefit from the cold mountain air for their curing process.
Passing through Juviles (noted for its Moors and Christians festival), Bérchules (in whose caves the last Moriscos who resisted the troops of John of Austria in 1571 took refuge), Mecina Bombarón (with Neolithic remains), Válor (with its stark white houses overlooking the Sierra Nevada), and Ugíjar (stately in appearance, with palatial houses and the grand church of Nuestra Señora del Martirio), you reach Laroles, on the border with the province of Almería and the natural passage between both Alpujarras.
Much of this journey passes through the Alpujarra Alta (Upper Alpujarra), so named because of the high altitude of the aforementioned villages. Therefore, beyond their charming urban centers and nearby hermitages, many are encouraged to come here to enjoy nature: there are numerous trails and routes leading to viewpoints, from which to contemplate the Sierra Nevada and the imposing Mulhacén peak, the highest in the Iberian Peninsula.
Return via the Alpujarra Baja
To return to the start of the route (Órgiva-Lanjarón), you can travel back through the so-called Alpujarra Baja (Lower Alpujarra), which is another common name to distinguish these villages from those located at higher altitudes (those discussed so far). To do this, you cross the slopes of the Sierra de la Contraviesa and Carchuna.
The villages encountered by the traveler on this route are:
- Turón: significant in antiquity for its lead mines, today its fountains and public laundries give it a traditional and distinctive character.
- Murtas: featuring typically Alpujarran corners and buildings, such as the Church of San Miguel.
- Cádiar: the Wine Fountain is famous among locals and visitors alike, especially during fair days, as local wine flows from its spouts instead of water.
- Lobras: once a site for mercury mining, its current houses were built in the 18th century, while retaining the classic characteristics of the region.
- Cástaras: the Church of San Miguel is the most monumental building in a village with a typical Berber appearance.
- Almegíjar: rich in traditional Alpujarran elements, such as “tinaos” (covered passageways) and chimneys.
- Torvizcón: a village with rich agriculture (vines, almond trees, fig trees); as you pass through the town center, the “casas chiquitas” (tiny houses) will catch your eye, a result of the current town beautification policy.
And of course, to all this are added the traditions and festivals, such as the Alpujarra Traditional Music Festival, organized each year in a different village, featuring folk dances and rhythms (trovos, muleros, parrandas, remerinos…), as well as a fair for local products.
