Iconic Villages of the Alpujarra with Unique Charm and Rich Cultural Heritage

Here, we offer a guide to lead you through 14 most beautiful villages of the Alpujarra along the A-348 road, which connects Lanjarón with highest village of Spain, Trevélez, at an altitude of 1476 m.


The first town we encounter is Lanjarón. It's worth stopping here to stroll through this emblematic place, renowned for its spa and medicinal waters.

Shortly before reaching Órgiva, a detour presents itself, guiding us towards towns with resounding names such as Cáñar, Carataunas and Soportújar.

Along this road, we will reach Alpujarra Alta (the highest part of the Alpujarra), but for now, we can continue our journey and visit the capital of the region: Orgiva, although it's not particularly noteworthy, apart from its church. If you're short on time, you can skip it.

If we return to the detour and take the A-4132 road, the first village you encounter is Soportújar, famously known as the "the village of witches". We highly recommend a visit, especially if you're traveling with children.

O Sel Ling Buddhist Monastery

Nearby is the O Sel Ling Buddhist Monastery, dedicated to retreat and meditation.

The monastery has become famous thanks to little Osel Hita, born in Bubión, considered the reincarnation of the founding lama.

It is located on the slope of Cerro la Atalaya farmhouse, which is accessed by a road starting from Hermitage of the Eternal Father.

It's an interesting place with magnificent views, but it's accessible via a rugged forest road that takes about 30 minutes to traverse, so if you're not particularly interested in Buddhism or enlightenment, you can skip it.

Villages of the Poqueira Ravine

Between chestnut and walnut trees, the Barranco de Poqueira rises, offering us a spectacular landscape with the three white villages of the Alpujarra perched on the mountain.

Pampaneira is one of the jewels of the Alpujarra, and together with staggered towns of Capileira and Bubión, very close to each other, forms part of the Historic Site of the Poqueira Ravine.

You need to take a detour along the A-4129 road to reach these three villages, which are located at a high altitude and offer some exceptional views of the Poqueira Ravine.

We return to the local road A-4132 to reach the highest village in the Alpujarra: Trevélez.

Along the way, there are small towns that are worth visiting, such as Pitres and Pórtugos.

If you encounter a bustling spot (not always) on the outskirts of Pórtugos that captures your attention, that it's Fuente Agria (Sour Spring), a place of exceptional beauty.

Park near the small chapel and try the medicinal water from the springs; you will understand why it is so named. If you cross to the other side and follow the path downhill, you will encounter the waterfall that is truly unique.

Once you pass Busquístar, you won't encounter any more towns until you reach Trevélez.

Most Unknown Towns

The A-4132 road gives way to the A-4130, which will lead you to some lesser-known villages: Juviles, Bérchules, Mecina Bombarón, Yegen and Válor.

You'll need to take a slight detour to reach Júbar, a charming little village, and Picena, located further south, which held some importance during Arab times.

In Narila, a village of less than a hundred inhabitants, tradition says that under an olive tree, Aben Humeya was crowned king of the Alpujarra in 1568.

From Laroles, the capital of these small villages, the road begins through the Puerto de La Ragua (at an altitude of 2000 meters), a place of exceptional beauty. It leads to La Calahorra, already within the region of Guadix.

Exploring the Alpujarra's Villages in 3 Days: an Ideal Itinerary

It's quite challenging to explore the region in just one day. To truly appreciate it, allowing for a leisurely pace, it's recommended to spend 2 or 3 days, perhaps dedicating each day to a different area.


If you only have one day, visit Soportujar and the villages in the Poqueira Ravine: Pampaneira, Bubión and Capileira, you won't have time for more.

1. Lanjarón - the Gate of the Alpujarra

Lanjarón is located in the Lecrín Valley, nestled on the slopes of Sierra Nevada, approximately 48 kilometers south of Granada. The village is home to around 3500 inhabitants.

This town is considered the gateway to the Alpujarra region, and it's highly likely that you've heard of the mineral water bottled here.

In the village, there are numerous fountains and springs.

Try the water; it's very refreshing as it comes from the Sierra Nevada, although the healthiest ones may have an unpleasant taste.

The Lanjarón spa is renowned throughout Spain. Its golden age was in the early 20th century, prompting the construction of a small tourist complex. However, development slowed down when the place fell out of style.

Find in-depth information about this village at: What to See and Do in Lanjarón.

2. Órgiva - the Capital of the Alpujarra

Órgiva is an agricultural town situated in the heart of the Guadalfeo Valley. It has the largest population in the entire region and serving as the capital of capital of the Alpujarra.

Located 57 kilometers south of Granada, in the southern foothills of the Sierra Nevada, Benahavís is home to approximately 5400 inhabitants.

Órgiva benefits from irrigated agriculture, with flourishing orchards of fruit trees and olive groves, alongside a notable livestock industry.

Together with Lanjarón, Almegíjar, Torvizcón, Cástaras, Lobras, Cádiar and Ugijar it comprises what we might r efer to as the the Middle Alpujarra.

Its climate is much milder compared to the higher towns, and within its fertile valley, tropical fruits like avocado and centuries-old olive trees thrive.

Notable among its monuments are the following: the Parish Church, dating back to the 17th century, features a Baroque architectural style and houses an intriguing altarpiece along with an image of Christ of the Expiration, and Castle-Palace of the Counts of Sástago, grandsons of the Great Captain.

The Ethnographic Museum of Olías is a must-visit if you wish to gain a thorough understanding of the history, legends, customs, and traditions of the Alpujarra region.

3. Pampaneira - in the Heart of the Poqueira Ravine

As we approach the beautiful town of Pampaneira, we enter the Barranco de Poqueira (Poqueira Ravine), the most renowned area of the Alpujarra.

In this deep and fertile valley, trees such as cherry, chestnut, elm, and poplar thrive.

Pampaneira is one of the jewels of the Alpujarra, along with Capileira and Bubión, neighboring towns nestled one above the other in the mountains.

Along with Soportújar, Cáñar, Carataunas, Pórtugos, La Tahá, Busquístar, Trevélez, Juviles, Bérchules, Alpujarra de the Sierra, Valor and Nevada, is part of the Alpujarra Alta.

Leave your car in the parking lot at the entrance and then explore the area on foot.

Pampaneira is a village with narrow and steep streets, where houses are roofed with "launas" (waterproof clay sheets).

Find in-depth information about this village at: What to See and Do in Pampaneira.

4. Bubión - one of the Most Beautiful Towns in Spain

Bubión is the second town in Barranco de Poqueira, following Pampaneira and preceding Capileira. It sits at an altitude of 1296 meters above sea level.

This charming town has preserved the typical Berber architecture of the area exceptionally well.

It is a member of the Association of the Most Beautiful Towns in Spain and embraces the principles of the 'slow' movement, advocating for sustainable tourism.

The parish church, dating back to the 16th century, features a Mudejar coffered ceiling that is worth seeing.

If you're interested in exploring the lives of the town's residents in times past, visiting the Casa Alpujarreña Museum is a worthwhile experience.

Much of Bubión's municipal area lies within the Sierra Nevada National Park, offering routes and places of great interest for nature lovers.

Today it is one of the best places to undertake horseback excursions in the area.

Find in-depth information about this village at: What to See and Do in Bubión.

5. Capileira and its High Mountain Landscape

Its well-preserved traditional architecture, beautiful narrow and steep streets, and numerous local craft shops make this town one of the most iconic images of the Alpujarra of Granada.

The views from Capileira, perched at over 400 meters of altitude, are extraordinary, offering a mountain landscape with the other white villages of the Alpujarra below. If you're lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the Costa Tropical.

Capileira is home to an intriguing parish church, notable for having the province's first bell tower-museum, along with a small Ethnological Museum dedicated to the writer Pedro Antonio de Alarcón.

From Capileira, you can embark on numerous high mountain routes leading to the highest peaks in Spain.

Additionally, there are stunning hiking trails winding through the surrounding ditches and ravines.

Find in-depth information about this village at: What to See and Do in Capileira.

6. Pitres and other Towns of La Taha

Pitres, along with Mecina-Fondales and Ferreirola, is a municipality in La Taha, which was a former administrative division of the territory dating back to the Arab period.

La Taha encompasses several towns characterized by a rich heritage in traditional architecture, where "tinaos" proliferate beneath balconies adorned with flowers and slate veriles.

Nestled in the heart of La Taha lies Mecina-Fondales, comprised of the neighborhoods of Mecina, Mecinilla and Fondales. It's a charming place, yet somewhat underexplored.

Along a path enveloped in lush vegetation, you'll discover the Trevélez River, spanned by a Mozarabic bridge.

Find in-depth information about this village at: What to See and Do in Pitres and Taha.

7. Pórtugos and the Famous Fuente Agria Fountain

Pórtugos is situated on moderately inclined terrain, approximately 1300 meters above sea level, nestled between the areas of Poqueira Ravine and Trevélez.

With fewer than 500 inhabitants, Pórtugos retains a distinct Arab influence evident in its architectural style.

Its ferruginous spring is renowned as Fuente Agria (acidic alkaline-ferruginous water), is the most famous in the Alpujarra. Its waters imbue the rocks and soil with a distinctive reddish tint reminiscent of rust.

It is situated next to the Virgen de las Angustias chapel, at the town's exit.

The chapel features a Renaissance design and a stunning roof adorned with Arab ceramics. Adjacent to the fountain, you'll discover the picturesque spot known as El Chorrerón.

In this area, you'll encounter magnificent natural landscapes teeming with ancient chestnut trees.

Pórtugos commemorates its patron saint festivities during the first week of October, honoring the Virgen del Rosario. The culminating event, known as the popular "Burial of the Fox," occurs on the final day.

8. Busquístar - a Privileged Balcony

Busquístar perches on the edge of a precipice, carved by the Trevélez river, just a few kilometers from Pórtugos a nd preceding the ascent to Trevélez.

This small town, home to approximately 450 inhabitants, maintains much of the Berber structure inherited from the past, with many of its houses have "launa" roofs in excellent condition.

During the Arab period, Busquístar was under the dependence of the Taha de Ferreira. Following the Alpujarras Rebellion, it endured repression, the expulsion of the Moors, and repopulation with people from other regions of Spain, mirroring the fate of many towns in the Alpujarra region.

Remains of the old mosque still stand atop a promontory at 1104 meters, surrounded by some of the oldest archaeological remnants in these mountains.

Busquístar serves as a balcony overlooking the picturesque valley, making it a recommended stop to pause and admire the views when traveling to Trevélez.

In its vicinity, you'll discover numerous natural spots perfect for hiking or engaging in adventure sports.

9. Trevélez - a Town Among the Highest Peaks of the Sierra Nevada

Trevélez is one of the highest towns in Spain. Its municipal territory extends to the summit of Mulhacén at 3,482m, the highest point in the entire Iberian Peninsula.

It is surrounded by some of the highest peaks of the Sierra Nevada and natural landscapes of extraordinary beauty.

Here, you can find hiking trails suitable for all skill levels. Additionally, activities such as climbing and fishing are popular, among many other nature-related pursuits.

Trevélez is nestled in a picturesque valley where the Chico and Trevélez rivers converge, renowned as one of the best trout rivers in southern Spain.

Like other towns in the Alpujarra, Trevélez is constructed on a slope, divided into three neighborhoods: the upper, middle, and lower neighborhoods.

Trevélez is renowned, above all, for its ham, which is hand-cured in its elevated drying rooms, benefiting from the air of the Sierra Nevada.

In these drying rooms, the finest Serrano hams with Denomination of Origin are sealed, of which Queen Elizabeth II, Salvador Dalí and Rossini were admirers.

Find in-depth information about this village at: What to See and Do in Trevelez

10. Bérchules - the Heart of the Alpujarra Alta

The name Los Bérchules originates from the Arabic word "Al Berchul, which refers to the orchards and alludes to the surrounding vegetation.

Bérchules is situated 18 kilometers southeast of Trevélez, nestled at an altitude of 1322 meters, often referred to as the heart of the Alpujarra Alta (High).

Together with the adjacent neighborhood of Alcútar, Bérchules has about 500 inhabitants.

In Bérchules the Guadalfeo river is born, from the union of the Chico and Grande rivers.

It is a typical Alpujarreño town, situated in a remarkably beautiful area, once again offering the perspective of a viewpoint overlooking an impressive valley.

Gaucín is indeed charming. Take a stroll up the street and visit the viewpoint at Plaza de Abastos, where you'll find a curious fountain and breathtaking views.

The town is situated almost adjacent to the boundaries of the National Park, merely two kilometers from the entrance, and falls within the Natural Park of the Alpujarra.

The old road that once ascended to Sierra Nevada is now severed at a certain point, but you can still continue on foot or by mountain bike.

11. Yegen - the Town of Juliana Pelegrina

Yegen is the town where the Hispanist Gerald Brenan lived between 1920 and 1930.

His work Al Sur de Granada recounts his stay in La Alpujarra and illustrates the region's ways of life.

Today, his memory is the most sought-after thing in the village by tourists.

Although people are somewhat tired of the 'Englishman' who got 15-year-old Juliana pregnant and later took her daughter away, the truth is that thanks to him, this region, which now thrives on tourism, became known.

They say that Juliana spent many days in Alcaicería street (Granada) searching for her daughter among the tourists until she went blind.

12. Válor - Pretty Town Located Between Two Ravines

Located in the midst of a landscape of ravines, it's famous for its lively Moors and Christians festivities.

During the Moorish uprising, Válor came under the control of Aben Humeya (see History of Las Alpujarras). However, he was eventually abandoned and betrayed by his followers after being defeated by the Christians.

Today, it is a moderately sized village, home to over 1000 inhabitants.

Visit the 16th-century Church of San José, where the Santo Cristo de la Hiedra is venerated.

Adjacent to the church stands a fountain dating back to the 18th century. Crossing the Válor ravine is the Arab bridge of Tableta.

Válor also neighbors Mecina-Alfahar and Nechite, offering stunning views over the valley. Having your own vehicle is essential for traveling between these towns.

: the aforementioned Battle of Moors and Christians on September 14th and 15th.

13. Ugíjar - Town on the Border with the Alpujarra Almeriense

Ugíjar is another town associated with the British-Hispanic writer Gerald Brenan.

With a population exceeding 3000 residents, Ugíjar is a town safeguarded by red stone cliffs, providing natural defense.

Nestled in the Nechite River Valley, this town shares its borders with the province of Almería. In Rambla Seca , you will discover one of the few remaining carob trees in the area.

As the administrative and commercial hub of the area, it holds little resemblance to the nearby towns. It is renowned for its typical Alpujarra fabrics.

In 1493, Ugíjar was granted the privilege of city status by the Catholic Monarchs when they ceded the region to Boabdil, the last Nasrid monarch.

It was a highly prosperous municipality with flourishing agriculture, and it has retained several manor houses as a testament to this ancient splendor.

In the Parish Church, the patron saint Virgin of Martyrdom is venerated, and its festivities are celebrated during the first half of October

If you're feeling adventurous, we recommend a route that's less explored by tourists, leading you, despite the rugged road, to Jorairátar, Albondón on the southern slope and famous for its wine, Albuñol, famous for its Cueva de los Murciélagos cave, and La Rábita.

14. Cádiar - on the banks of the Guadalfeo River

Sitting on the eastern bank of the Guadalfeo River, Cádiar stands as another significant center of the region, home to approximately 2000 inhabitants. Therefore, its traditional architecture has been somewhat altered.

Its name is believed to have originated from the al qadi, meaning 'the judge'.

Part of its territory already lies within the Sierra de la Contraviesa and is part of the Historical Site of the Alpujarra.

Gerald Brenan described it as the "navel of the Alpujarra" due to its strategic location, serving as the nerve center of all the roads in the region.

Its parish church is one of the oldest in the Alpujarra.

Half fort, half church, by the end of the 16th century, it was the only church in the region that still retained its vaulted ceiling, as all the others had been destroyed during the Moorish revolt.

The Town Hall, dating back to the 18th century, is perhaps one of the most significant buildings in Cádiar. Alongside the House of Abén Humeya, it holds historical significance, as it was the residence of the rebellious king of Andalusia who led the famous revolt in the 16th century. Legend has it that he was crowned in a field of olive trees near Cádiar.

The Autumn Fair takes place in mid-October and during those days the Fuente del Vino provides attendees with excellent wine fromLa Contraviesa.

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