Alpujarra

In a previous blog, I mentioned I had taken a tour to the mountains close to Granada. Fabulous day. How to put into words such a wonderful experience? Picture if you will, a typical mountain road, full of twists and turns, steep sections, and range after range of new sights to see. Along the way, there was a lot of farmland and pretty little "pueblos blancos" (white villages). This area evokes a time long ago and maintains its character and charm in little ways. Each village has it's hidden secrets and with the spectacular mountains of the Sierra Nevada range as a backdrop, it is jaw-droppingly beautiful.

This particular area, known as Alpujarra, is quite special and apart from the lovely little villages to explore, it has walking trails for serious hiking, great food, crafts and very friendly people. In winter, it is a major ski area and very busy. It is also home to many Secaderos (place where whole legs or shoulders of ham are dried in the cold mountain air), using techniques that have been the same for hundreds of years. The ham here is extremely good. In this area there are also lots of citrus groves which is a little surprising as it is quite hot in the lower altitudes and apparently isn't a usual climate for growing citrus, principally lemons and oranges. Hence a somewhat different technique was required. In this part of Andalucía, they plant olive trees and citrus trees side by side. Olive trees are very durable and cope with the high sun rate and heat, at the same time, protect and shade the citrus trees. This technique is apparently very successful. Cherries are also grown in this area and I can vouch for the taste and quality of the local produce, having tried them all many times!

The other claim to fame here is the local mineral water that you can buy bottled all over Spain. There are several different mineral springs and a very large health spa type place where people come to "take the waters" for their health. Apparently it is a very popular holiday destination for "Los Mayores" (people over 50-60 years). The town of Lanjaron has many fountains, all with pure mineral water which is very cold, coming directly from the mountains nearby. Very refreshing on a warm day.

This area also has a wealth of artisans and crafts as well. It was very tempting to buy something, but my luggage just can't fit anymore in!



Mountain town on the way up the mountains.



Water fountain in Lanjaron, Alpujarra

Typical street with flowers in Lanjaron, Alpujarra

Religious picture on outside of house.
Most of these are from just after the Re-conquest
when the Arabs or others who converted to Christianity
so they could stay in Spain had to prove their devotion.

Secadoro, Trevelez, Alpujarra

Sampling the local produce, Trevelez, Alpujarra
(with wine, of course!)

Fuente Agria, Portugos, Alpujarra.
The rocks are stained red due to the high iron
content in the water.

View of Pampaneira and the surrounding mountains.
In the distance is the 2nd highest peak, The Velera.

Typical street in Pampaneira. No driving here!
The central channel is to control water from storms etc

Local crafts on display, Pampaneira

Weaving workshop, Pampaneira.

Typical white house, Pampaneira