Alpujarra Granadina in 3 Days: Route and Logistics

The Alpujarra of Granada is crossed by mountain roads, so it is best not to rush. This guide suggests three days and only includes details checked against official sources; the times and bookings of the National Park services must be confirmed before you go.

Day 1: the Poqueira Gorge

Pampaneira, Bubión and Capileira make up the Poqueira Gorge. All three were declared historic-artistic sites in 1982 (Royal Decrees 3235, 3236 and 3237/1982, published in the BOE on 29 November 1982). They are villages of whitewashed houses stacked up the hillside, with flat roof terraces and distinctive chimneys. Capileira is the highest of the three and, after Trevélez, one of the highest villages in the Iberian Peninsula.

Leave the car at the entrance to each village and explore on foot: the streets are narrow and steep. For lunch, look for local dishes such as the plato alpujarreño (loin, black pudding, fried potatoes and a fried egg) and try the wines of the Contraviesa.

Day 2: high peaks and careo irrigation channels

The climb towards the Sierra Nevada peaks starts from Capileira. Access by private vehicle to the high area is regulated by the National Park, which runs the High Peaks Interpretation Service (SIAC), a minibus service that, according to the Park, includes stops such as Hoya del Portillo. Check dates, prices and how to book with the National Park, as they change every season.

If you prefer a quieter day, spend it on the careo channels, the Andalusi system that spreads snowmelt across the hillside so that it seeps in and emerges lower down. Ask about signposted trails at the Park information offices.

Day 3: La Tahá and Trevélez

La Tahá groups small settlements of the middle Alpujarra, such as Pitres, Ferreirola and Mecina Fondales. Near Pórtugos is the Fuente Agria, an iron-rich spring beside the road. Then continue to Trevélez, famous for its ham.

Jamón de Trevélez has Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status. According to its specification, the minimum curing time is 14, 17 or 20 months depending on the weight of the fresh leg. It is produced in several municipalities of the Alpujarra, including Trevélez, and cured in the mountain air. Many cellars and drying sheds in Trevélez sell directly; ask whether they accept visits, as not all of them do.

Practical tips

• Expect continuous bends and slopes: set out with a full tank and use a low gear going downhill.
• In summer, start walking early; in the high area the weather changes quickly.
• In a protected area, do not leave rubbish or pick plants. Penalties depend on the rules of the protected area.

To round off the area, see our guide to tapas in Granada.

Frequently asked questions

Which villages make up the Poqueira Gorge?

Pampaneira, Bubión and Capileira. All three were declared historic-artistic sites in 1982 (Royal Decrees 3235, 3236 and 3237/1982, BOE of 29 November 1982).

Can you drive up to the high peaks of Sierra Nevada from Capileira?

Access by private vehicle to the high area is regulated by the National Park, which offers the High Peaks Interpretation Service (SIAC) by minibus. Check dates, prices and bookings with the Park before you go.

What is Jamón de Trevélez PGI?

It is a ham with Protected Geographical Indication made in municipalities of the Alpujarra of Granada. According to its specification, the minimum curing time is 14, 17 or 20 months depending on the weight of the fresh leg.

Official sources

• BOE 29/11/1982 — declaration of Pampaneira, Bubión and Capileira as historic-artistic sites
• Sierra Nevada National Park — High Peaks Interpretation Service leaflet
• Specification of the PGI Jamón de Trevélez (Junta de Andalucía)