The Alpujarra is the sunny south of the Sierra Nevada and the high valley of the Rio Guadalfeowhose side valleys in the north reach into the flanks of the Sierra Nevada. The entire Alpujarra region is extensive and stretches from the south of Granada to just before Almería. The Rio Guadalfeo flows wildly romantic and lonely in the valley and the foothills of the Sierra Nevada are home to the white villages the Alpujarra. If you venture into this mountainous region by car or campervan, it is best to bring plenty of time with you, as there are steep and winding roads to negotiate. But the beauty of the Alpujarra makes up for the arduous driving.

Órgiva

We had originally planned to stay here for a day or two, but the solitude was just too tempting, so we ended up staying for almost a whole week. We visited the weekly market in Órgivawhich attracts numerous people to the small town every Thursday. An alternative scene has developed around this town in recent decades. People from many different cultures and nations live together in the region around Órgiva. In fact, a large hippie community formed there years ago. If you want to eat good vegetarian or vegan food, the Restaurante Tetería Baraka in good hands. We had a very, very tasty meal here.

Pampaneira, Bubión and Capileira

You should definitely make a detour to the most famous white villages, namely Pampaneira, Bubión and Capileira. All three places are only a few kilometres apart. So we took a day trip to visit these beautiful places. In Capileira, for example, the small alleyways with watercourses in the centre and the eye-catching chimneys that look like little gnomes with hats are striking. Many small shops invite you to stroll and shop. There are the souvenirs you see everywhere, but also fabrics, carpets, ceramics and baskets. The hand-woven and colourful carpets, as well as the baskets made from esparto grass and willow, are produced here in the region. In Pampaneira we visited the small shop Tienda-Bodega El Barranco. There is a large selection of locally produced jam, ham and sausage from the region, and delicious wine, which can be tasted here on request. And if you fall in love with a wine, like we did with the homemade Wormwoodcan have the wine filled directly from canisters.

We enjoyed the remaining days in the Alpujarra surrounded by nature on the bed of the Rio Guadalfeo. The days were pleasantly warm at up to 20 degrees, but the nights were cold, windy and the temperature dropped to freezing point. The shepherd and his large herd of goats stopped by from time to time. It's impressive to see the paths the shepherds or herdsmen take through the rough terrain.

Places visited in the Alpujarra