Home - about the alpujarra.

Click for a map to show the extent of the Alpujarra in the province of Granada. It extends from the snowy ridge of the Sierra Nevada, reaching to nearly 3500 metres, south to the Mediterranean coast, a distance of 30 or 40 kms. as the eagle might fly.
A broader definition would include a similarly sized area to the east in the adjacent province of Almeria. As guides we confine ourselves to the area shown.

A multitude of villages dot The Alpujarra.
Separated by deep gorges, broad valleys, mountains and rivers, they  add a great  attraction to the landscape and  provide excellent bases for those with an interest in the great outdoors. 

Each village has its own distinct charm and is set in its own fold of landscape, often hidden from its neighbours; almost making each walk one of discovery.

The natural history is as varied as the climate and whatever your interest we will probably be able to show you to the  likely habitats in which your "prey" may root, browse,flutter or slither.
A wide range of mammals, both large and small lead generally secretive, nocturnal lives. The "wild boar" pictured was adopted as a pet and is not typical in its habits. Ibex are common on the mountain tops.
Reptiles abound but are only seen in the hotter months or in the midday sunshine. Vipers exist but are rarely seen. No other poisonous reptiles are found.
	Lepidopterists will find numerous and varied examples on any warm day but the hot months bring out the beauties.
Botanists will find interest at many times of the year.     Spring lasts from March to August depending on the altitude in which you find yourself.

A huge range of climatic and vegetation zones exist within the area. In the course of a few days walking, if not within a few hours, you could pass from semi-tropical through arid Mediterranean, and on to "Wales", "The Alps" and potentially, the tundra of the 3000 metre peaks.

You are likely to spend most of your time near the villages at about 1200 metres above sea level where temperatures are perfect for walking in spring, autumn and winter.The overall impression is a surprising one for the "Mediterranean", of abundant water and greenery.

A fig isn't worth a fig unless you've picked it from the tree. The same goes for almonds, walnuts, pomegranates, persimmon, mulberries and grapes.

Wine producers dot the Sierra de la Contraviesa, producing wines of increasing quality. The most interesting and typical wines never make it into a bottle or onto a supermarket shelf, we like it too much to sell it!

Although the area could never claim to be a gourmet's paradise, there is much to discover on the food and wine theme. The air-cured ham is perhaps the most famous product of the area, again it is much better for being eaten near to its source.
As your guides we could help you to enjoy the fruits of the traditional agriculture, in wine cellars, bars and restaurants where a non-Spanish speaker might be limited to a bottle of beer and a bag of bird seed: mistakes can happen!

Mines and mills, Roman routes and bridges, castles; all exist in various states of ageing and decay, but are evidence of a past that together we can discover along the way, a past perhaps more glorious, more romantic, bloodier and  tougher than the present.

Granada can be visited as a day trip from the Alpujarra but it takes at least 90 minutes to drive each way.

A longer look is worthwhile and a day or more added to the beginning of your walking holiday is a more relaxed way to see the city.

It is easy to waste a day in Granada but we can help you plan, and provide walking routes within the city to show you some of the less obvious parts of an intriguing  city.

The Alhambra is best booked months ahead to avoid queuing.