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The Upper Alpujarra

At kilometre 27 of the road linking the Costa del Sol and Granada there is a 6km turn off which leads to Lanjaron.

Lanjaron lies at the foot of the Bordaila Hill. The trout river and the surrounding countryside, which is of great interest from the point of view of scenery, have turned the place into a traditional summer resort - including a spa - and into almost the last area of urban civilisation on the route into Las Alpujarras.

The same regional road takes the traveller to Orgiva (9km) where the road branches out into the Upper and Lower Alpujarras, respectively. Before the village is reached, there is a turn off for Caņar on the left.

Caņar is a minuscule village with an untouched Moorish air. The whitewashed houses and their flat roofs, made rainproof with lauda, a kind of clay only found in this region, are terraced as are the crops in the surroundings. Retracing his steps, the traveller returns again to the road leading to the Barranco de Poquira, a ravine. On the way he passes magnificent oak, holm oak, chestnut and pine tree forests.

Pampaneira and Bubion are found clinging to a slope. Both overlook the splendid panorama of a valley full of orchards, pastures, walnut and chestnut trees and both look surprisingly African with their cubic houses contrasting with the mountain scenery. Capileira is very close. From there the traveller has the choice between climbing towards the Mulhacen and the Veleta (only during the summer since the track can only be used in good weather) and continuing his visit of Las Alpujarras. Attention is drawn again to the unique attraction of the popular architecture in the region.

Trevelez (35km from Orgiva) comes into view after skirting a long stretch of the river after which it is named. It is also surrounded by kitchen gardens and lush trees which hide a deep valley. Trout abound as do wild goat on the slopes near the Mulhacen. The upper area of the village is lovely and unmistakable. And trying the local Trevelez ham is almost a must.

Between Trevelez and Berchules (21km) the scenery changes abruptly and turns more southerly. Mecina-Bombaron and Yegen already overlook the lower Alpujarra.

About 2km from Mecina-Bombaron the road, after passing through Cadiar, Torvizcon and Los Tablones, takes the traveller to Velez de Benaudalla, where one can retake the CN-323 and return to the coast.

Malaga Guide