A stunning corner of Andalucia, the region known as the Alpujarra nestles between the rugged peaks of Spain´s highest mountain range - the Sierra Nevada - and the Mediterranean Sea.
The last outpost of the Moors in Spain, this isolated area has retained much of its unique culture through the centuries. Still regarded as a hidden corner of Spain, today the Alpujarra is the perfect place to get away from it all; offering a fabulous combination of spectacular scenery, traditional character, tranquility and blue skies.
The system of valleys and ravines is dotted with beautiful whitewashed villages. Charming narrow streets, twisting and steep as they pass terraces cascading with flowers, the box-shaped houses clinging precariously to the slopes - an architecture which is Berber in origin - only seen elsewhere in the Atlas Mountains of North Africa.
It was during the Muslim occupation of the area that the Alpujarra benefited from advanced systems of irrigation and cultivation. The terraces and watercourses still form the basis of the region´s agriculture today. The fertile soils produce a vast array of Mediterranean crops including grapes, peppers, olives, figs, almonds and chestnuts.
The typical cuisine of the Alpujarra incorporates the rich variety of local produce. Often hearty in style, the typical dish of the area "Plato Alpujarreño" consists of eggs, fried peppers, black pudding, sausage, cured ham and fried potatoes. Or try trout with Serrano ham, fennel stew, kid in garlic or spicy rabbit. All washed down with exquisite, fruity wines from the region.
The region boasts some of the best hiking in Spain. Or you may prefer to explore the surroundings on horseback or by mountain bike. For the more intrepid the area has plenty of adventure sports on offer including climbing, skiing, rafting, canyoning and paragliding.
The Alpujarra has a long tradition of textile production which continues today with its "jarapas" - colourful rugs. This is also the place to find wood and ironwork, leather goods as well as wickerwork and ceramics.
You can experience some of the countless fiestas and events that are celebrated throughout the year. The fiesta of San Juan in Lanjarón, the fiesta of the Moors and Christians in Válor or the Festival of Traditional Music to name but a few.
