La Alpujarra
The Sierra Nevada mountain range runs approximately from east to west and parallel to the southern coast. The distance from the mountains to the coast is less than 40 km, but within that distance, the five Mediterranean subclimates of Spain are represented. This helps explain how within an area of less than 1% of Spain's surface area, almost a third (7000+) of the country's plant species can be found. And, of course, also a huge variety of butterflies, insects, and birds. For more information, please consult the following link: British Butterflies.
The Alpujarras is the area defined by the southern slope of the Sierra Nevada and its valleys. The name of the region comes from Arabic, meaning "place of silk" - as silk production was the cornerstone of the area's economy in the Middle Ages.
The Sierra Nevada mountains form a major range located further south in Europe, and are only surpassed in height by the Alps. The range boasts 20 peaks over 3,000 meters, all in the western end of the range, where La Viñuela is located.
The Sierra Nevada mountain range runs approximately from east to west and parallel to the southern coast. The distance from the mountains to the coast is less than 40 km, but within that distance, the five Mediterranean subclimates of Spain are represented. This helps explain how within an area of less than 1% of Spain's surface area, almost a third (7000+) of the country's plant species can be found. And, of course, also a huge variety of butterflies, insects, and birds. For more information, please consult: British Butterflies.
History of Las Alpujarras
The Alpujarras have been inhabited for thousands of years. In the craft shops of the villages, you can find baskets, ropes, and shoes made of "esparto" - items that have been handwoven using local grass for over five thousand years. Phoenicians, Romans, and Muslims from North Africa have left their mark - some of them attracted by the rich minerals of the Sierra Nevada and the abundance of water.
The legacy of the Arab world is particularly evident in the architecture (stepped houses nestled into the mountainsides and adorned with "tinaos"), agriculture (irrigation canals still called by their Arabic name "acequias"), and food (almond soup, lamb with quince, etc.).
For more information about this fascinating place, please visit the following websites: Las Alpujarras and Sierra Nevada National Park.
We hope the following information is useful to you:
Towns in the Area and Services
The largest local village is Pitres, which is 3 km away or, following the long-distance GR7 route, a 20-minute uphill walk along stunning scenery. It has all facilities, including a supermarket, gift shop, pharmacy, medical clinic, bank, laundry service, bookstore, and restaurants, as well as a weekly market held on Fridays. Pitres has recently been equipped with a new observatory and telescope.
At a distance of 500 meters from La Viñuela is Atalbeitar, one of the best-preserved Arab villages in the upper Alpujarra, without shops or bars. Walking through its streets is a privilege.
Two kilometers away are also the picturesque villages of Ferreirola and Mecina, where in the latter you can find several restaurants.
In the Poqueira Valley, 9 kilometers away, you can get all the information and resources you need to explore the high peaks of the Sierra Nevada and wander through the three most visited villages in the Alpujarra: Pampaneira, Bubión y Capileira.
Travel Times to Places of Interest
Granada, including La Alhambra and the Albaicín, approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Mediterranean coast, including beaches in Salobreña and Nerja, approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Orgiva, including the Thursday Market, approximately 30 minutes.
Trevélez, renowned for its internationally recognized Serrano ham, approximately 15 minutes.
Sierra Nevada Ski Resort (103 slopes), approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes.
The following websites will provide you with more information about the area: