From Granada, passing the health resort Lanjarón, then to the white mountain villages of the Alpujarras. The route passes the Puerta de la Ragua, then to Lacalahorra and to Guadix and back to Granada.
Option: from Puerta de la Ragua to Laujar de Andarax and then to Almería (city).
Distance
approx. 280 kilometer/ 175 miles
Granada (Miles 0; 237,700 Inhabitants)
Capital of the last Moorish kingdom and final stronghold: Al-Andalus. Fantastic view of the Alhambra with the snow covered Sierra Nevada mountains in the background.
Lanjarón (Miles 28; 3,750 Inhabitants)
Health resort, famous for its mineral water. Church Encarnación; good views over the landscape from the castle (16th century).
Pampaneira (Miles 42; 340 Inhabitants)
One of the most typical villages of the high Alpujarra (altitude: 1,058 meters). Narrow streets and the Gothic church Santa Cruz, with a wooden roof in Mudéjar style.
Bubión (Miles 45; 350 Inhabitants)
village (1,296 meters high) that has a long tradition in handicraft. Good panoramic views over the ravine.
Capileira (Miles 48; 570 Inhabitants)
the highest (1,436 meters) of all three villages that shape Poqueira’s ravine. Mudéjar parish; Plaza del Calvario and the Museum of Popular Art and Customs.
In summer the Veleta summit can be reached on foot (10 Miles; 1-2 days).
Trevélez (Miles 65; 800 Inhabitants)
the highest located village of all Spain (1,476 meters). The dry and cold climate is perfect for the production of the cured ham (“Jamon Serrano”).
Juviles (Miles 76; 160 Inhabitants)
Church of Santa Maria de Gracia, one of the most beautiful of the granadian Alpujarra.
Mecina Bombarón (Miles 83)
situated in a dry Mediterranean landscape. Roman bridge over the river Mecina.
Yegen (Miles 86)
Here lived the English writer Gerald Brenan during the 1920s. Good panoramic views of the mountains.
Válor (Miles 90; 790 Inhabitants)
Church San José in Mudéjar style.
Puerto de la Ragua (Miles 106)
Mountain pass at 2,042 meters / 6700 feet. Excellent views of both sides of the Sierra Nevada.
Hiking path to the Chullo peak (2,612 meters / 8570 feet).
La Calahorra (Miles 115; 810 Inhabitants)
Arabic foundation, located amidst large groves of almond trees. Castle palace with Renaissance courts and a stairway of great artistic value. Church Asunción.
Jerez del Marquesado (Miles 124; 1,070 Inhabitants)
Charming village with well preserved buildings.
Guadix (Miles 134; 20,150 Inhabitants)
Famous village with cave houses. Many churches, convents and noble houses in the center close to the cathedral. Remains of a fortress from the Arabic era.
Granada (Miles 169)
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Variant: continue from Puerto de la Ragua to the southeast towards Almeria.
Bayarcal (Miles 116; 310 Inhabitants)
located at 1,275 meters / 4,180 Feet and surrounded by an oak forest. Church San Francisco Javier in Mudéjar style.
Laujar de Andarax (Miles 127; 1,820 Inhabitants)
close to the source of the Andarax river and north of the Sierra de Gádor
The quarters de la Alcazaba and el Calvario, are in Arabic style, with fountains and noble houses. Mudéjar church Encarnación and town hall in Baroque style.
Ohanes (Miles 141; 760 Inhabitants)
Typical white village with a parochial stone church. Panoramic views and a breathtaking drop down to:
Alhama de Almería (Miles 157; 3,250 Inhabitants)
Health resort surrounded by three different landscapes: the Andarax valley. The Sierra de Gádor and the Tabernas desert.
Los Millares (Miles 162)
Europe’s most important archaeological finds in an ancient settlement from the copper age (approx 2,700-1,800 BC). Remains of a necropolis.
Almería (Miles 174; 176,700 Inhabitants)
the calm capital of the province with its outstanding fortified Cathedral and the Alcazaba (fortress).