Destination Spotlight - Eastern Andalucia, Spain continued...

A quick tour of the Region

Las Alpujarras:

• Orgiva – the capital of the western Alpujarras, standing 450 metres above sea level, is now enjoying a resurgence in popularity. Here you will find a selection of restaurants, a campsite, bars and shops (some of which are housed in a sixteenth century Moorish palace). Some of the town's historic buildings are currently being restored but it still retains its Spanish charm and there are holiday homes springing up in the surrounding countryside. This is often a starting point to exploring Las Alpujarras and it is worth refueling here before carrying on up the valley.
  
• Lanjaron – one of the larger towns in the region, famous for its spa waters. The spa baths are open between March and December, when the town attracts a more elderly market. There is a good selection of hotels, restaurants and shops to be found here. On the terraces just outside town you'll find the ruins of a Moorish castle, marking the history of the district.
  
• Poqueira Gorge – a dramatic cleft in the Sierra Nevada where small farms nestle precariously on the surrounding terraced slopes.
  
• Bubion – one of the most picturesque villages in the "High Alpujarras" with a large church tower and bustling craft shops. Cut off by the snow for much of the year, when the road is finally passable it attracts tourists and coach parties.
  
• Pampaneira – another pretty town nestling on the edge of the gorge with a selection of bars and restaurants. Horse-riding and guided walks are available from the information centre in the main square. Above the town is a Tibetan Buddhist Monastery, founded in 1985, which welcomes visitors in the afternoon from 3 to 6pm.
  
• Capileira – if you want a taste of the real Alpujarras, it is worth making the trek to this white-washed village perching at the top of the Poqueira Gorge. The second highest village in Spain, Capileira offers dramatic views both down the valley to Pampaneira and Bubion and up to the peaks of the Sierra Nevada. The old streets are too narrow for cars and it attracts walkers and tourists seeking a more remote retreat.
  
• Trevélez - this is the highest village in Mainland Spain and offers some of the best cured ham (jamón serrano) in the country.

Granada

Many guidebooks are devoted to this spectacular city but the sites which attract most visitors are:

• The Alhambra – overlooking the town with stunning views of the surrounding countryside, the Alhambra comprises the Royal Palace, the Generalife Gardens and the Alcazaba. The Royal Palace was home to Moorish rulers from the 13th century until their defeat by "Los Reyes Catolicos" Ferdinand and Isabel in 1492. They themselves lived here for a time, converting the mosque, but by the 18th century it was being used as a prison. In 1812 it was occupied and severely damaged by Napoleon’s troops, falling into disrepair. It's historic value was only recognized in 1870 when it was declared a national monument and restoration began. The work is still ongoing today but much of the Moorish splendour has now been recreated for tourists to enjoy. It is advisable to book ahead as numbers are limited and queues can be long. Tickets cost approximately 10 euros per person and can be booked online at alhambratickets There are two car parks at the Generalife Gardens or a shuttle bus runs regularly from the town centre (numbers 30 and 32). The walk from the town centre is picturesque but is not recommended for those with walking difficulties and is fairly steep, particularly if you take the "Cuesta del Rey Chico" route.
  
• The Albaicin – this is the old Moorish quarter, located on a hill facing the Alhambra with fantastic views of the palace gardens. Here you'll find the remains of the Moorish public baths and a selection of souvenir shops. The Church of San Nicolás is worth a visit since it offers one of the best views of the Alhambra and the Generalife Gardens.
  
• The Cathedral - built on the site of the former Mosque, the cathedral is a fine example of renaissance architecture. On the same site are the Merchants' Exchange and La Capilla Real. This Royal Chapel holds the tombs of the Catholic Kings Ferdinand and Isabel who chose to be buried in Granada because they saw its conquest as the crowning achievement of their reign.

Almeria
This part of Andalucia is probably known best for its beaches and the fact that it was used as a backdrop to spaghetti westerns such as The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. The quietest beaches can be found to the east, around Mojacar and San Jose. If you're after something more lively, head west towards Roquetas de Mar and Aguadulce.

Sierra Nevada
A rugged mountain range, second only to the Alps in Europe, the Sierra Nevada was designated a National Park in 1998 due to its outstanding natural beauty and the diverse species of plants, birds and animals that live here.

The highest peaks in the park are the Mulhacen, closely followed by the Pico del Veleta.

The ski-ing centre of Sol y Nieve is within easy reach of Granada (approximately 28km). The ski season runs from November through to April but there are also many walking trails from here through the mountains. For excellent views try a walk to the Parador de Sierra Nevada – maps and guidebooks can be bought from the Sierra Nevada National Park Information Centre. The park is also popular with birdwatchers, hoping for a sight of the golden eagles, peregrine falcons and griffin vultures that nest here.

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