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 Lanjarón.

Lanjarón 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 civilization 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 Cañar on the left.
Cañar 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 Bubión are found clinging to a slope. Both overlook the splendid panorama of a valley full of orchards, pastures, walnut and chestnut trees and both 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 Mulhacén 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.

Trevélez (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 Mulhacén. The upper area of the village is lovely and unmistakable. And trying the local Trévelez ham is almost a must.
Between Trevélez and Bérchules (21km) the scenery changes abruptly and turns more southerly. Mecina-Bombarón and Yegen already over-look the lower Alpujarra.

About 2km from Mecina-Bombarón the road, after passing through Cádiar, Torvizcón and Los Tablones, takes the traveller to Vélez de Benaudalla, where he can retake the CN-323 and return to the coast.

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