Information about the Alpujarras Nature Park and holiday homes and holiday apartments in the area
Holidays in self-catering holiday rentals in the Alpujarras - Granada Province - Andalucia
The Alpujarras
The Sierra Nevada, rises to a height of 3480 metres, is the highest mountains in Europe after the Alps and are snow-capped for most of the year.
To the south, the Sierra Nevada massif slopes steeply down it is less than 50 km to the coast (Costa Tropical). It is this orientation that gives rise to the very special landscape of the Alpujarras, blessed with sun, yet rich in water; green and fruitfully cultivated for centuries. Its remoteness until relatively recently means that much of the tradition and originality of this region of Andalucia has been retained.
The beauty, clear air and tranquillity of the Alpujarras have inspired many writers and artists, Gerald Brenan and Chris Stewart among them.
Breath-taking views stretch in every direction. To the north, the snowy peaks of the Mulhacen and Pico de Veleta (3480 + 3390 m); to the east and west the summits of the neighbouring Sierras of the provinces of Almeria and Malaga, many over 2000 m high. To the south, the sea and on clear days beyond that to the distant peak of the Moroccan Rif, 200 km away.
The beauty, clear air and tranquillity of the Alpujarras have inspired many writers and artists, Gerald Brenan and Chris Stewart among them.
Breath-taking views stretch in every direction. To the north, the snowy peaks of the Mulhacen and Pico de Veleta (3480 + 3390 m); to the east and west the summits of the neighbouring Sierras of the provinces of Almeria and Malaga, many over 2000 m high. To the south, the sea and on clear days beyond that to the distant peak of the Moroccan Rif, 200 km away.
Our holiday cottages and holiday apartment in the Alpujarras
We offer holiday cottages, rental villas and holiday apartments in the following parts of the Alpujarras:
- in the higher slopes of the Alpujarras and in the Sierra Nevada las Alpujarras Nature Park from up 900 metres above Sea level.
- in the valley of Orgiva Alpujarras und an close to the banks of river Rio Guadalfeo. 400 o 600 metres above Sea level.
- near Lanjaron Alpujarras at about 500 meters above Sea level. Situated in the very western part of the Alpujarras close to Granada and the beaches of the Costa Tropical.
It is common in the Alpujarras for old farms and farmhouses to be converted into tasteful holiday homes. These are often reminiscent of the traditional architectural style from the time of the Moors with typical flat roofs and timber beamed ceilings. Now, as then, they are called cortijos. These cortijos (villas) usually have a private pool and garden. The gardens are well maintained and generally have a wide variety of colourful flowers, bushes and trees.
In the higher slopes of the Alpujarras we even offer holiday apartements. More economic and focused at walking and hiking holidays.
The villages of the Alpujarras
Fruit, nuts, vegetables and vines grow on the terraces that line the mountain sides, watered by the ancient irrigation system of acequias, inherited, like the distinctive architecture, from the Moors. After the surrender of Granada, many found refuge here for a further 100 years and it was they who gave the area its name. Characteristic of the Berber style are the flat-roofed, whitewashed houses with their sombrero-topped chimneys, set along narrow winding streets and passages.
Life in the villages is calm and cosy. Flocks of sheep and goats still pass through on their way to the pastures and the old men comment on life from the shade of the trees in the squares.
At the same time, the area is perfectly prepared to cater for visitors, with plenty of bars and a wide variety of restaurants that offer everything from the traditional cured ham to vegan cuisine.Products made by local weavers, potters, artists and artisans are on sale direct from their workshops or in the small shops in the villages. The Alpujarras remain free from mass tourism, the way of life evolving, but retaining its own unique flavour.
At the same time, the area is perfectly prepared to cater for visitors, with plenty of bars and a wide variety of restaurants that offer everything from the traditional cured ham to vegan cuisine.Products made by local weavers, potters, artists and artisans are on sale direct from their workshops or in the small shops in the villages. The Alpujarras remain free from mass tourism, the way of life evolving, but retaining its own unique flavour.