About the Area
Walking and Exploring
One of the best ways to experience the varied
and dramatic scenery of the Alpujarras is to walk. The walks,
of varying length and steepness, are usually well signposted.
As recently as 50 years ago the Alpujarras was reliant on
the Camino Real, (Royal Way), a mule track, for providing
access to the higher villages, and some of the walks make
use of this track today. The mountains of the Sierra Nevada,
south of Granada, provide a stunning backdrop for many of
the walks around Capileira and Trevelez. The high peak Mulhacen,
3481 metres, is the source of the Rio Poqueira, which winds
its course down the Poqueira Gorge, overlooked by the picturesque
villages of Capileira, Bubion and Pampaneira. Numerous paths
within the valley lead to the river, and in early summer the
meadows are carpeted with wild flowers.
For the less energetic, a few hours can easily be whiled away
in the villages tracing the Gorge. The village of Pampaneira
has a local crafts museum, and shops where one can buy wares
with typically Alpujarran designs, which reflect Pampaneira’s
weaving heritage. There are many bars and cafes in the attractive
square, and a ‘bodega’ selling mouthwatering local
delicacies. Bubion is easily identifiable from a distance
by the imposing setting of the late Baroque church. Many of
the bars and cafes have gardens tucked away, from where it
is possible to glimpse the Mediterranean glistening in the
distance. The cherry tree gardens make Bubion particularly
pretty in early summer. From Capileira, the highest in this
trio of villages, it is possible to take an easy stroll to
an old threshing circle on the outskirts of the village. From
here, one can admire the splendour of some of the frequently
snow-capped mountains of the Sierra Nevada. Capileira again
offers many interesting shops and cafes, including the Moorish
oven, still used in the bakery.
The village of Trevelez, at a height of 1500 metres, shares
its name with the river which has carved through the ravine
below. Trevelez is the starting point for both short walks
and longer treks. An alternative way to explore these mountains
is on horseback. Antonio owns a stable of horses to suit riders
of all levels of experience, and chooses his routes accordingly.
On a clear day, one can see across from here to the Atlas
Mountains in Morocco.
The main village, set on a hillside, is divided into three ‘barrios’, districts. The lower barrio has the
majority of bars and shops, being the most accessible from
the main road.
The main industry of all three of the districts of Trevelez
is the production of ham. Restaurants and bars throughout
the Alpujarras have a selection of Trevelez hams hanging from
their rafters, and it is often served as complimentary tapas
to accompany a drink.
Trout freshly caught from either the Rio Poqueira or the Rio
Trevelez is a local speciality.
NB: We advise you not to consider more than a gentle stroll
during July and August.
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