The southern slopes of Sierra Nevada drop down into the deep cut valleys and ravines of a most curious area known as Las Alpujarras, (sometimes seen in the singular La Alpujarra). Whilst growing interest in the area has created a large influx in the number of rural tourist establishments being set up, the essential charm of the region is still very much retained.

Time appears to stand still in the Alpujarra region whereby both traditional and organic farming is perhaps the main earner for the majority of the locals. The atmosphere is one of peace and tranquility with a distinct aire of "New Age" filtering through unobtrusively. The area is particularly known for its cured ham, "Jamon Serrano" - claimed to be the highest quality in Spain - and their hand made, (not to mention extremely cheap), "rugs of many colours", locally called "Jarapas".

The region starts in the province of Granada peeling off from the "Valle de Lecrin" and stretches along the coast into neighbouring Almeria. The renowned spa town of Lanjaron from which its bottled spring water, of the same name, is transported throughout the country, effectively acts as the gateway to the sprinkling of distinct whitewashed villages typical to the area. With their flat slates roofs and white chimney stacks, they seem to blend in perfectly with their surroundings.

The main attraction for the Granada province lies within the Poquiera gorge and three stunning villages rising up into the higher mountain. The first of these lies at 1000m - almost to the milimetre - above sea level and is perhaps the most exploited. This is Pampaneira. Winding higher you then come to the, (more attractive in many views), villages of Bubión & Capileira. Walking trails are more than abundant with perhaps the most popular being the ascent of the peninsula's highest peak, Mulhacen at 3,487m, (3,482m in some guides!).