The Alpujarra is a stunning area of natural beauty, only 90 minutes from Almeria & Granada airports or 2.5 hours from Malaga. Four full and contrasting seasons make it an ideal all year round destination.

The southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada are where you will find the traditional whitewashed villages of the Alpujarras. These hill toped villages have narrow & twisting streets, flat roofed houses, lush meadows, stunning wild flowers and rare species of birds. Popular with walkers and cyclists, the sign posted routes pass through olive groves and fruit orchards. For relaxation many of the mountain villages have outdoor communal swimming pools. This area is renowned for its friendly people and love of food, many specialties available, and one inexpensive method is to ask at lunch (normally between 2 and 4) for the Menu of the day, which uses fresh seasonal produce. Trevélez cured Ham and goat's cheese are local delicacies often served as complimentary tapa prior to the meal. Another popular dish is the Alpujarran special, consisting of black puddings, fried eggs, sauté potatoes and cured Serrano ham.

This area is renowned for its friendly people and love of food. There are many Alpujarran specialties available and one inexpensive method is to ask at lunchtimes (normally between 2 and 4 in the afternoon) for the Menu of the day, which uses fresh seasonal produce. Trevelez Ham and Manchego cheese are local delicacies and they are often served as complimentary tapa prior to the meal. Another popular food item is the Alpujarran special, consisting of black puddings, fried eggs, sauté potatoes and cured Serrano ham.

Cádiar/ Narila/ Lobras / Yátor

Cádiar is a vibrant and friendly village with a selection of supermarkets, doctors, dentist, opticians, schools, banks, restaurants and a fortnightly market, (3rd and 18th). Fiestas in the first week of February, early October and middle of August. Narila is a beautiful hamlet surrounded by chestnut trees with dramatic views of the snow crowned peaks of the Sierra Nevada. The Aqua Agria is a local beauty spot with a BBQ area set up. Usually the middle of August is the main fiesta time. Lobras is an immaculate hamlet with a lively fiesta towards the end of August. Yátor has 2 bars and a church and easy access to Ugíjar where there are an abundance of shops.

Bérchules/ Alcútar /Pitres/ Treveléz

Situated approx 12- 1400 meters above sea level. These villages can be both peaceful and lively but all have retained their charm and natural beauty. The natural springs are famous and the water comes from the snow-capped mountains of the Sierra Nevada. There are many festivals, for example in Bérchules, the most famous fiesta is at the beginning of August the spectacular New Year celebrations, in memory of a clock that stopped working one New year and was fixed in August.In addition, the villages have a selection of small supermarkets, banks, chemist, local schools & bakeries.

Mecina Bombarón/ Yegen/ Válor

These villages are self sufficient and all have services and amenities for everyday living plus artisan shops and fortnightly markets where you can purchase local handicrafts to take home as souvenirs of your trip. Yegen in particular has historical connections with Gerald Brenan who wrote 'South from Granada' and lived in the village of Yegen in the 1920s.

Mairena/ Laroles/ Puerta de la Ragua

Laroles and Mareina are pretty villages, often visited on the way to the mountain pass (2000 meters above sea level). Cross- country skiing, mountain biking and trekking can all be found here. Another place for a day trip could be the mountains of Sierra Nevada, with an excellent ski resort.

Mecina Alfahar/ Ugíjar / Los Montoros

Hamlets with stunning panoramic mountain views. For guests wanting commercial facilities Ugíjar is a popular town with a good range of modern shops and restaurants. There is also an internet café and a smart outside swimming pool.

Albondón & Albuñol

These two towns are completely different from each other; Albondón is smaller with a famous bodega, play park, outside gym and swimming people whereas Albuñol is a thriving busy town with many facilities.Please note the hooting of a van horn usually signifies the arrival of a food delivery van, such as bread or fish.

Torvizcón /Órgiva/ Lanjarón

Featuring soon on Channel 4 is the idyllic village of Torvizcón a lovely peaceful mountain village.Lanjarón is a famous Spa town, with a spa museum. The mineral water is bottled and sold all over Spain. In Órgiva there is a lively Thursday market selling pottery, rugs, seasonal fruit/ vegetables, clothes and household items. There are two fiestas in Órgiva, September being the best. Chris Stewart's books provide a fascinating portrayal of Alpujarran life and were written near Órgiva. In the nearby villages of Bubión, Capileira & Pampaneira there are artisan shops where you can observe rugs, ceramics & paintings being hand crafted. The houses in these villages are well maintained and the floral displays are impressive

Murtas/Turón

Lovely villages that have retained their identity yet both welcome newcomers to the area.

The Coast

The Costa Tropical is normally hot, dry and sunny and provides perfect conditions for sunbathing as well as growing garden vegetables and plants. Adra, Almerimar and Roquetas de Mar all have popular beaches.