 | What to eat |  |  "Jamon Serrano" - the village of Trevélez in Las Alpujarras is famed for its cured ham
Goats Cheese - many varieties are made throughout the region Chorizo - spicy cured sausage often cooked with lentils for a hearty meal "Revuelto de Esparragos" - scrambled eggs with wild asparagus Almonds - harvested at the end of October and often baked in cakes for dessert or used to make Turron (Spanish Nougat) "Churros con chocolate" - breakfast donuts dunked in warm chocolate sauce Trout - from El Rio Frio between Malaga and Granada or the refreshing rivers of Las Alpujarras |
 | What to buy |  |  "Jarapas" - rugs coarsely woven rugs with scraps of brightly coloured fabric in the Almeria province.
Intricate embroidery, carpets and tapestries from Granada. The city is also famed for its marquetry. Moorish-style rugs and wall hangings from the Alpujarra region. Blue and white pottery from Andujar. |
 | Activities if you're feeling adventurous |  | For Walking and Hiking:
The Sierra Nevada National Park and Las Alpujarras have a number of trails and treks - the National Park Information Centres can provide details of guided walks and maps. For Ski-ing:
 Perhaps best suited to beginners and intermediates, Sol y Nieve is a purpose-built ski resort in the Sierra Nevada above Granada. It is Europe’s most southerly ski resort and, although fairly small, it hosted the 1996 World Ski Championships. The season runs from November to March but the slopes can be subject to high winds. For Horse Riding
One of the most enjoyable ways to explore the surrounding countryside and get close to the wildlife is pony trekking in Las Alpujarras. There are centres across the region, including Bubion. Alternatively, for a true cowboy experience, follow in the hoof prints of the spaghetti westerns through the arid landscapes of Almeria. For Mountain biking
This is a popular regional sport for the more energetic and bikes can be hired by the hour or the day in most of the larger towns on the Costa del Sol  For Bird watching
See below for examples of the local bird life. For more information on bird watching in Andalucia, contact El Entro Ornitologio del Estrecho Gibraltar, Parque Natural Los Alcornocales, Carretera Nacional N340, KM 96, 11390 Algeciras, Cadiz
For Climbing and Mountaineering
Both are popular sports in the Sierra Nevada National Park but it is recommended that climbers unfamiliar with the area hire an experienced guide. Details of climbs and centres can be found at the National Park Information Centres or from the Spanish Mountaineering Federation, Calle Alberto Aguilar 3-4 iz, Madrid 28015. Popular climbs include Mulhacen, the highest peak in the Iberian Peninsular, Sierra Magina in Jaen Province and Sierra Filambres in Almeria Province. For Fishing
 There are many fishing reserves in the Sierra Nevada National Park but an angling licence is required. This can be obtained from an office of the "Delegación Agencia Medio Ambiente", which can be found in each of the provincial capital cities or alternatively from branches of the “Caja Mar” bank. El Rio Frio between Malaga and Granada is famed for its trout fishing. For Golf
Spain’s climate makes this a popular pastime year round and there are many golf clubs throughout Andalucia, including the following: Club de Golf, La Garza, Linares, Granada; Desert Springs Golf Club, Cuevas del Almonzara, Almeria; Club Marina Golf Mojacar, Mojacar, Almeria. |
 | Watch out for wildlife |  |  The Sierra Nevada and Alpujarras are home to various birds including golden eagles, Bonelli's eagles, peregrine falcons, griffon vultures and kestrels. On the higher slopes are redstarts, wheateaters, rock thrushes, rock buntings and skylarks. In the wooded areas are hoopoes, treecreepers, green woodpeckers, goldfinches and golden orioles.
The Spanish ibex is common - a type of mountain goat with distinctive curling horns. Lower down the slopes are wild cats, wild boars, foxes and badgers |
 | A selection of regional festivals |  | | 5th January | Fiesta de Los Reyes - a celebration of the Epiphany when three kings ride through Andalucia bringing presents to children. There are processions throughout the region. | | | | | 20th January | Festival of the patron saint, San Sebastion,in Lanjaron, Bubion and Juviles. | | | | | Easter | This is an important holiday in Spain, with each village trying to outdo the next with elaborate, but often very solumn, processions. There are processions in most towns including Granada. | | | | | 7 April | Fiesta of patron saint, Cristo de la Expiracion, Orgiva. | | | | | April | On the last Sunday of the month, Capileira celebrates the fiesta of Nuestra Senora de la Cabeza. | | | | | 3 - 5 May | Fiesta de la Santa Cruz, Pampaneira. | | | | | June | Corpus Christi - This catholic feast is celebrated throughout Andalucia but the procession and celebration in Granada is perhaps the most famous. | | | | | 15 June | Fiesta de Moros y Cristianos, Trevelez. | | | | | 24 June | Fiesta del Agua y del Jamon, Lanjaron. | | | | | Summer ferias | each town celebrates it own feria with musical events, bull fighting, fairgrounds and fireworks. Roads are often shut to traffic with elaborate diversions and crowds fill the streets. The day is declared a local holiday so don’t expect to find banks or shops open. | | | | | 15 Aug | Fiesta de los Forasteros y Dia del Jamon, Trevalez. | | | | | 14 - 15 Sept | Fiesta de Moros y Cristianos, Valor. | | | | | 29 Sept | Summer Feria, Orgiva. | | | | | Moors and Christians Festival | Popular in Granada and Almeria provinces, the dates of this festival have been known to vary depending on the locality. There is usually a procession, followed by a battle re-enactment. | | | | | 21 September | Fiesta of La Virgin de los Dolores, Lanjaron. | | | | | 5 - 8 Dec | Fiesta de la Matanza, Pampaneira. |
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| Top Tips | | Remember that many shops still shut for an extended lunch hour in Spain (often 12 - 3), especially in the smaller towns and villages. If you decide to stay in Eastern Andalucia, it is worth bearing in mind that, whilst the larger mountain villages (such as Orgiva and Lanjarron) have some shops, the larger supermarkets are found mostly along the coast. For example, you'll find a larger selection and cheaper prices if you stock up at the Auchan in Motril before staying in Las Alpujarras. Tourism in the mountains has historically been domestic and the population is not always as well versed in English as those on the costas, so it is advisable to carry a Spanish phrase book just in case. July and August are particularly busy periods in Malaga airport so it is always advisable to book your hire car well in advance, particularly if you have any special requirements. |
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