Sprawling across parts of Granada and Almeria, Las Alpujarras is a spectacular region of valleys and gorges on the southern flank of Andalusia’s Sierra Nevada. It’s dotted with Moorish-inspired, whitewashed villages and surrounded by terraced farmlands that seemingly cling to the hillsides. Linking the villages of Las Alpujarras is a network of hiking trails, including one of Europe’s longest paths.
Things to do in Las Alpujarras
With its rugged mountain landscapes, charming villages and links to literary greats, Las Alpujarras is a destination to lose yourself in.
Explore Sierra Nevada National Park. Home to some of the highest peaks in continental Spain, Sierra Nevada National Park reflects the coexistence of humans and wildlife over the last 2,000 years. It’s home to a thriving population of Spanish ibex, as well as badgers, wild cats and native bird species. In the winter months, you can head to the Sierra Nevada Ski Station, the most southerly ski resort in Europe.
Visit the Museo Gerald Brendan. In the small village of Yegen is the Fonda de Manuel Juliana, a residence where the English writer, Gerald Brenan, once lived. It’s now a fascinating museum that details life in the mountains of Andalusia between the 1950s and 1990s. Books from the author’s personal collection are on display, alongside images by the Danish photographer Vagn Hansen. The museum regularly hosts literary, art and music shows featuring English and Spanish artists.
Hike the E4. Passing through Las Alpujarras is one of Europe’s long-distance paths, which begins at the southernmost end of the Iberian Peninsula in Tarifa and ends in Cyprus. Extending for more than 10,000 kilometres, it divides into two branches in Andalusia, with one traversing the Guadalquivir Valley and the other the high mountains of the Sierra Nevada.
Getting around Las Alpujarras
Las Alpujarras is served by Granada International Airport, which offers flights to destinations across Spain. Almeria Airport has seasonal connections to cities throughout Europe. Trains connect to both Granada and Almeria, while ferries travel from Almeria to Morocco and Algeria. Renting a car is the most convenient way of exploring Las Alpujarras.