Las Alpujarras: History, Nature And Gastronomy
At the foot of the Sierra Nevada are Las Alpujarras, in the Andalusian provinces of Almería and Granada. A region of incredible natural wealth and charming villages that have witnessed historical events. The Alpujarras also offer an added incentive: delicious cuisine.
The white houses of Las Alpujarras
The Alpujarras extend and are delimited to the north by the Sierra Nevada, while to the south they face the Mediterranean. Its white villages, with houses that seem to hang from the mountain, dot an area with a unique ecosystem.
Walking through these towns is an unforgettable experience. It is worth forgetting the clock to get lost in its steep and narrow streets, contemplate the flowers that adorn the windows and enjoy its tranquility. From the highest, and on clear days, you can even see the Atlas Mountains
The most visited towns in Las Alpujarras are Barraco de Poqueira, Pampaneira, Capileira, Trevélez and Bubión. The town of Trevélez also stands out for being one of the highest in Europe and is famous for its delicious hams cured in the mountains.
The Alpujarras have adapted without problems to tourism. Tourism in many cases of adventure, although it is also possible to enjoy fantastic hiking or cycling routes in this area.
Here you will find countless rural accommodations and other possibilities much more relaxing than those that have to do with outdoor sports: spa areas with saunas or jacuzzi, facials and massages for tourists who demand this type of services.
Historical and archaeological importance of Las Alpujarras
Las Alpujarras is one of the areas with the largest protected area in Europe, and not only from an environmental point of view. In this area there are no less than 32 areas that have been declared a Site of Cultural Interest.
There is evidence that there were Neolithic and Roman settlements in the area. However, it was the Moors who left the greatest mark on this Andalusian region.
In Las Alpujarras you can still find fortifications, bridges or cisterns. Some of the most emblematic archaeological sites are the Busquístar mosque, the Juviles fort and the Peñón Hundido, in Tímar.
There is also a medieval route to Las Alpujarras that runs through various places where remains of medieval times remain. This begins in Pórtugos, until reaching Juviles, where the medieval tahas (old settlements) of Ferreira and Juviles are located. The project was created in 2006 to encourage tourism in these areas and enhance their medieval structures.
Traditional gastronomy in Las Alpujarras
After touring the beautiful lands of Las Alpujarras there is sure to be an appetite. And this is a perfect place to eat like a king.
The main ingredient in the typical meals of this area are products derived from pork. Whether it is ham, chorizos, cold meats, sausages or blood sausages, the dishes par excellence in Las Alpujarras present some sausage. The best known is surely the Trevélez ham.
Being agricultural land, vegetables also play a very important role in stews and other preparations. And, in terms of pastries, it has a clear Moorish influence. If you want, you can also accompany the meal with some of the local wines.
Meals in Las Alpujarras vary depending on the town you visit. Among the most outstanding are the pot of San Marcos, the cascarrones stew, the gypsy pot, the fennel stew or the burned garlic porridge. As for the desserts, some of the most delicious are the soplillos and the almond rennet.
Do not hesitate, Las Alpujarras is a fantastic region to enjoy an unforgettable getaway. If you like nature, if you like to lose yourself in the streets of charming towns and you like to eat well, it is a destination that you have to aim for.
