Las Alpujarras
The paradise of Spain
Las Alpujarras or La Alpujarra is a mountainous region in Andalusia. The area is located on the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada between the cities of Granada and Almería. The western part lies in the province of Granada and the eastern part in the province of Almería.
The region mainly consists of valleys that stretch from the peaks of the Sierra Nevada in the north to the Sierras Almijara, Contraviesa, and Gádor, which separate the area from the Mediterranean Sea, in the south. The landscape is characterized by fertile valleys and impressive mountains in a peaceful and authentic setting. Due to the constant meltwater, there is also a green landscape at high altitudes. This unique area, rich in flora and fauna, is interesting for hikers as well as bird lovers. The high Alpujarras (Alpujarras Altas) mainly consist of mountain ridges and valleys that run perpendicular to the main axis of the Sierra Nevada. In this area, the highest peaks, Pico Veleta and Mulhacen, are usually clearly visible. Here you will also find the highest village in Spain, Trevélez.
The important river in this area is the Rio Guadalfeo, which flows between the high and low Alpujarras. In the valley are the cortijos (farmhouses). The southern Alpujarras merge into the coastal mountains, the Sierra de Contraviesa. Here you will find small hamlets and many vineyards and almond orchards.
A part of the Alpujarras lies within the Sierra Nevada Nature Park (covering a total of about 170,000 hectares). The Nature Park is bordered on the south side by the road Lanjaron-Pitres-Berchules-Laujar de Andarrax. Approximately 90,000 hectares were declared a National Park in 1999, giving the highest peaks and their surrounding area extra special protection. This is important for the preservation of the ecosystem and the endangered endemic plant species. The area where the Veleta and Mulhacen peaks are located is not accessible to cars, but is open to hikers and cyclists. In addition to nature conservation, the Nature Park has other objectives: the economic growth of villages in the area and the preservation of the existing cultural riches.
Skiing 1 hour from the beach
The Sierra Nevada is the southernmost ski area in Europe and is located at the same latitude as Cyprus. It offers the longest ski season in Europe, which usually starts at the end of November and only ends in late April or early May. If you are looking for a ski holiday with guaranteed snow – and sunshine (more than 80% sunny days during the ski season), then the Sierra Nevada should definitely be high on your wish list! (For non-skiers: visit the white villages in the Alpujarras!)
Alhambra
The Red Palace
The Alhambra is a medieval fortress and palace in Granada and one of the highlights of Spain. The palace complex of the Alhambra dates back to the period of the Moorish rulers (Nasrid sultans) and means qasr alhamrā in Arabic, or the Red Palace. The red color comes from the red clay mixed with the stones, which gives the complex a beautiful dark red hue in the evening light.
The fortress (Alcazaba) is strategically located on a hill and can be seen from much of the center of Granada. Within the walls of the fortress, you will find magnificent Arab Nasrid palaces, the beautiful gardens of the Generalife summer palace, impressive Christian churches, and medieval towers.
Restaurants
It’s hard to walk through Almuñécar without wondering which restaurant is good or even great. The decor doesn’t tell you anything, at least. More than 20 expats and dozens of locals were asked about their favorite Almuñécar restaurants. Below, you’ll find a wonderful list of their favorite restaurants. In addition to delicious meals, you can of course also stop at many of these restaurants just for drinks and tapas.
Chiringuito
The Chiringuito (beach bar or beach pavilion) is important in Spanish culture. Spaniards love the beach. Around midday, Spaniards prefer to have a drink with colleagues or friends at a chiringuito. The chiringuitos in Almunecar are particularly good. Here you can enjoy fantastic fresh fish with a beer or a delicious local wine, but also various meat options and, of course, vegetarian dishes—all super fresh. Grilled sardines or all kinds of prawns are extremely popular. Click on view and a map will open showing the nearest chiringuitos (of course, there are many more).
Markets
A popular market is the Friday market. The official name is “Almuñécar Mercadillo Los Viernes.” The entrance is right in the heart of the city at the Arc de Triomphe Puerta de Almuñécar (Blas Infantes Arches).
Be sure to also walk through the Mercado Municipal, the municipal market hall of Almuñécar. This traditional market on Avenida de la Cala is open from Monday to Saturday, 8:30 am – 3:00 pm. Here you can do your daily shopping. Inside you’ll find various butchers, delicatessens, produce, bakeries, honey, fresh eggs, tea, an organic shop, coffee beans, and a wealth of fish stalls. You can find almost everything you need at the municipal mercado, often at very favorable prices. Opening hours may vary (after all, it is Spain)...