The Alpujarra is a region of eastern Andalusia that is divided between the provinces of Granada and Almería. It is situated in a unique frame full of contrasts, between Sierra Nevada and the Mediterranean Sea.

Sierra Nevada is one of the highest-altitude mountain ranges in Western Europe and in it are the highest peaks of the Iberian Peninsula, such as, the Mulhacen and the Veleta. Moreover, there are many others that exceed the dimension 3,000 meters.

In about 50 kilometres you descend from over 3000 meters to sea level, with climate and vegetative changes that it entails. There are villages located above 1,000 meters, on the slopes of the mountains (Capileira, Trevélez, Bayárcal) other mid-altitude (Ugíjar, Cádiar and Orgiva) and some on the coast or near it (Berja, Adra and Albuñol).

The region is made up of a succession of mountains and valleys, through which the three major rivers flow (Andarax, Guadalfeo and Grande de Adra). Many tributaries join them.

Among its mountains, apart from the southern slope of Sierra Nevada and its peaks, which separate it from the Marquesado del Zenete, are the mountain rages of Sierra de Lújar, the Sierra de la Contraviesa and the Sierra de Gádor. They are parallel to Sierra Nevada and reach the Mediterranean Sea.

The variety that characterizes the climate is determined by its location in the southeast of the peninsula. Its location, parallel to the coast, and the existence of large differences in elevation at relatively short distances. It ranges from the subtropical climate of the Mediterranean coast to the extreme weather conditions typical of high mountain areas.

Thus, it makes a region of great beauty. The peculiar urban structure of the region stands out. It is represented by villages built in a series of steps, with narrow and steep streets and a dominant white colour in their houses, built with flat roofs.

Its amazing and diverse landscapes, flora and fauna associated to it, the warmth of its architecture and its rich cultural and ethnographic heritage have captivated, along its history, craftsmen, artists and travellers.

Its essence has been captured by many of them, some have been inspired by its charm to create the most beautiful poems and many others have wanted to immortalize writing about it, leaving us such works as "South of Granada" by Gerard Brenan, in love with the culture and the customs, or that of Pedro Antonio de Alarcón, "La Alpujarra: sixty leagues on horseback preceded by six by coach". Moreover, Federico Garcia Lorca, Julio Caro Baroja, Virginia Wolf, Richard Ford and Antonio Gala are among its visitors.

It has a long and fascinating history. From Prehistory, it has attracted different populations and cultures attracted by its uniqueness and the richness of its territory, leaving traces of its settlement and setting a strong personality. Iberians, Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans and Visigoths, among others, inhabited these lands until the arrival of Al-Andalus. Later, new inhabitants of Castilian origin arrived. The influence of all these cultures is evident in every corner: in the agricultural landscape, the architecture, the gastronomy, the handicrafts, the festivities, the customs and the traditions, in the toponymic evidence or the archaeological sites.

PROTECTED AREAS

Actualmente existen varias figuras de protección del Patrimonio cultural y natural de La Alpujarra: 

- Historic Site of the Media Alpujarra and the Taha 

- Historic Ensemble of Poqueira Gorge

- Natural Park of Sierra Nevada

- Sierra Nevada National Park

- Biosphere Reserve of Sierra Nevada

The Historic Site of Middle Alpujarra and the Taha covers areas where the historic and cultural values, which are part of the heritage of the region, are preserved. It reaches out 22 municipalities of the Alpujarra and the Contraviesa.

Along with the "Historic Ensemble of Poqueira Gorge", it makes up the largest protected surface of historic heritage of Europe. With this figure, the landscape, architectural values and those related to transport, use and water management are protected. Terraced crops and a flora and fauna with great value and beauty surround Pampaneira, Bubión and Capileira.

The physical environment of the Alpujarra, with Sierra Nevada as a special framework, has been declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, Natural Park and National Park, by the enormous richness and diversity of its flora and fauna, which include numerous endemic species.

CITIES AND TOWNS OF THE ALPUJARRA