THE ALPUJARRA


THE ALPUJARRAS... A RURAL PARADISE IN GRANADA, SPAIN

 
The Alpujarra is unique, a place of outstanding natural beauty with a delightful climate which has survived the ecological destruction of the 20th century. It is dominated by the wild and magnificent Sierra Nevada mountains. The hillside is covered by deep ravines and fertile valleys, rich in fauna, flora and mountain pastures.

There are panoramic views in all directions from the mountains of Veleta and Mulhacen to the Mediterranean sea, beyond the coastal mountains.
At sunrise the Atlas mountains of Africa can be seen quite clearly.
 
The landscape and diverse topography have given the Alpujarra a rich and abundant vegetation, the region has the most unique and varied botanical species in Europe. Flocks of mountain goats and boar live in the high mountains, eagles and hawks fly overhead, a dream for ornithologists.

The area has been declared a nature park, a national park and UNESCO granted it a biosphere reserve. Some 10 kilometers from the coast the climate is typical of Andalusia, however much more refreshing in Summer, the mountain air is the cleanest in Europe.

The Alpujarra was the name given to the region by the Moors, here they were driven from Granada and they found a refuge here for more than 100 years. Their influence can be found everywhere, above all in the architecture of the mountain villages, saturated with the charm of the Berbers. The whitewashed stone houses with their flat roofs and characteristic chimneys crowd together in the narrow irregular streets and ally ways, many of them adorned with flowers from the spring to the autumn.


In the villages life passes slowly and peacefully, herds of sheep and goats meander through the streets, the older people rest in the shade contemplating their own world.
Fortunately the banality of mass tourism has not arrived to ruin this spot. You can find local restaurants and bars to taste the gastronomy of the region. For a long time now the Alpujarra has been the favorite place for artists and writers, attracted by its peculiar beauty. In the shops you can find local products from artisan potters, weavers and carpenters.

This is the Spain with all its flavour, a countryside ideal for walking, horse riding, trips on mountain bikes, enjoying the variety of activities that nature provides or simply relaxing away from the tensions of everyday life. For those who want to discover something more, the Alhambra in Granada is only one hour away. To the south, the Costa del Sol is also one hour away. In winter there is skiing in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Ski in the morning, sunbathe on the coast in the afternoon and finish by relaxing, contemplating the sunset over the mountains of the Alpujarra. There are few places in the world that can offer all this.