Although Granada is one of the most famous cities in Spain and certainly in Andalucia, the stunningly beautiful inland areas of the Granada region are relatively unknown.  The vicinity of the Las Alpujarras is one of these places.  Located on the lower slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountains the Las Alpujarras can boast some of the most spectacular scenery in the Andalucian and Granada region.  That together with the availability of a vast array of adventure activities, things to do, arts and crafts and a good variety of tapas bars, restaurants and accommodation all offering a superb selection of food and wine produced locally in the Granada region make this an excellent location to visit.

The Moorish town of Lanjarron, which is known as the gateway to the Las Alpujarras is famous for its mineral water which is sold throughout the Granada region and indeed the whole of Spain, and is said to have curative properties and considered to be some of the best spa water in Spain if not the world. The town of Lanjarron itself is capped by a ruined Moorish castle overlooking the narrow winding streets and whitewashed houses below. Lanjarron is an ancient and very pretty Andalucian pueblo surrounded by hills and mountains which are perfect for mountain biking, horse riding and hiking.

Along the steep slopes of the Las Alpujarras lies the Poquiera gorge topped by three stunning villages.  The first of which, built at just over 1,000m is Pampaneira.  This small village, and perhaps the most exploited of the three, centres around the main square which is dominated by a 16th century Mudejar church, with several tapas bars, restaurants and craft shops located close by.  In many of the shops local maps are sold showing local trails for hiking and mountain biking excursions.

The highest of the three villages  at 1,463m is Capileira, where the views across the gorge are breathtaking.  Here you will find walking trails are more than abundant with perhaps the most popular being the ascent of the peninsula’s highest peak, Mulhacen at 3,487m.

Halfway between Capileira and Pampaneira is the the quiet village of Bubion.  Also benefiting from the fabulous Poquiera gorge views, Bubion is an excellent base for walking holidays and is on the GR7 long-distance footpath. Offering a further selection of tapas bars and handicraft shops, there is also a wide variety of accommodation to be found in and around the village, together with a museum and tourist shop which stocks maps and walking guides of the area.

The lowest town at 450m and the most western in the Las Alpujarras region is Orgiva, which due to its milder climate is surrounded by lemon, orange and olive groves.  A much larger cosmopolitan town, with over 5,000 residents Orgiva is known throughout the Granada region for its bohemian atmosphere.  Tapas bars, restaurants and shops are plentiful in Orgiva, many bars offering live entertainment in the evenings.  There are also hotels, a campsite and wide variety of holiday rental accommodation to be found.

Local Adventure Activities

Cycling / Mountain Biking : There are a number of companies in the Las Alpujarras region offering bike hire and organized tours to suit all levels of fitness and competence.

Golf: There are 4 golf courses located within a 30 minute drive of the Las Alpujarras. 

1.  Los Moriscos golf course, which is an 18 hole links type course with a driving range, club house and superb restaurant. Los Moriscos golf course can be found in between the coastal towns of Salobrena and Motril on the Costa Tropical. 
   
2. Santa Clara is an 18 hole TPC, with a golf academy, driving range, spa, gym and restaurant. Santa Clara golf course is located at Otura which is only 10 minutes south of Granada and 10 minutes north from the Las Alpujarras. 
   
3. Medina Elvira golf club can be found to the north of Granada. This is an 18 hole championship golf course with superb recreational facilities attached. Medina Elvira is approximately half an hour drive north from the Las Alpujarras.
4. Granada Club de Golf.  A par 71, 18 hole golf course located at Las Gabias which is approximately 8 kilometers to the east of Granada City.  Granada Club de Golf has excellent recreational facilities attached and is approximately 20 minutes from the Las Alpujarras.
   

Hiking / Walking:    Las Alpujarras are covered with paths and trails, both maps for independent hiking and organized tours are available locally.

Horse Riding : There are a number of places offering horse riding facilities locally for both the experienced and inexperienced riders. 1 day and 3 day treks are available at certain outlets.

Water Parks: Water parks are located at Almunecar and Almeria on the coast and at the village of Cenes de la Vega on the outskirts of Granada.

Water Sports:  The beaches along the Costa Tropical coastline to the south of the Lecrin Valley are approximately 30 minutes drive away.  Many of the coastal towns including Salobrena, Almunecar and Playa Granada offer a wide variety of water sports throughout the summer months, whilst sailing activities can be found at Marina del este, La Heradura and Motril. 

Travel  

The Las Alpujarras region is serviced by Granada, Malaga and Almeria airports. All airports can be easily accessed via an excellent motorway network.