This village, located in the Sierra Nevada National Park, has an important factor which distinguishes it from all the other Alpujarra villages: its altitude. This factor allows visitors to enjoy the majesty of the Sierra Nevada, and at the same time, get some great views of the Mediterranean Sea across the Valle de Órgiva.

Pórtugos is truly a gift from nature: the village is the source of natural mineral waters with a high iron content; red in colour, they descend in a waterfall called La Fuente Agria. This waters appear at El Chorreón, where the water has worn its way through the rock, and pours through seven openings. The waters are particularly beneficial to people with anaemia, but only if imbibed directly from the fountain.

Nevada is the highest and most easterly peak in the Alpujarra and boasts stunning natural landscapes. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to see wild goats, which are one of the animals that best represent the region's alpine fauna.

Situated at an altitude of over 1,500 metres, Murtas is one of the best vantage points for viewing the whole area, from the peaks of the Sierra Nevada to the Mediterranean coast.

Lobras is a small village with its distinctive own personality. It feels as if time has stood still when you walk along its streets and visit its monuments. The location also means that visitors can enjoy tranquil landscapes and amazing natural beauty.

The area of La Tahá was part of the Taha de Ferreira, one of 14 such areas established during the Nasrid occupation (they were the Moorish dynasty who built the Alhambra). The tahas were administrative districts divided according to landscape, and each had a capital. The area is reached by the Barranco de Sangre (Blood Ravine), so named because it was the scene of a fierce battle during the War of the Alpujarras.

Situated among chestnut forests, in the highest region of the Alpujarra, Juviles is a small village with links to the past and an air of tranquillity. The most important archaeological remains here are those of an old castle known as El Fuerte. It is a Mozarabic fortress built at the turn of the eighth century. Inside you can still see some old wells, while outside, you can enjoy panoramic views of nature in its purest state: the Taha de Juviles.

Visitors to Cástaras might think that time has stood still. Its privileged location offers impressive panoramic views of the Alpujarras. The village has a population of around 250.

Visitors looking for tranquillity and the opportunity to relax for a few days will find that Carataunas is the perfect destination.

This village, located in the Alpujarra region, is home to some beautiful natural monuments. The village itself has kept the Arabic influence alive, with narrow streets, whitewashed houses and flat roofs a common sight. The “El Fex” farmhouse is a prime example of this Arabic influence; it dates between the 8th and 9th centuries. Visitors can also visit the Muslim remains that have been found in the old Molino de Ramblero mill.

Cádiar is a completely mountainous village that has preserved it´s Morisco feel and character. It was formed by three neighbourhoods: Cádiar, Narila and Yátor, and is situated between Sierra Nevada and Sierra de la Contraviesa. There were some extremely valuable archaeological remains found in the village, including pieces of ceramics from the medieval era.

Busquístar is located in a privileged natural environment, next to the ravine formed by the Trévelez River and inside the Sierra Nevada national park. It was previously known as el paraíso escondido de los mozárabes (the hidden paradise of the Mozarabic). The exact origins of this village are not known, but evidence shows that is could be as early as the 13th century.

The town of Bérchules is made up of two smaller areas: Bérchules and Alcútar. The village largely consists of working orchards and is served by many different water sources.

It seems as if time has stood still in Almegíjar, where the streets remain much as they were during the Muslim dynasty when the village was first established.

This village in Granada province has a lot to offer visitors. It is the perfect place to enjoy nature, a rich cultural history and the Mediterranean Sea, which is less than 20km away. The origins of this village are in the Arab dynasty. The village streets are white and narrow; they haven’t changed much from their Arabic origins, helping you to imagine life here all those years ago.

Most well-known for its mouth-watering cured ham, jamón serrano, the village of Trevélez is the highest in mainland Spain, at 1,476m. Its clear mountain air is ideal for drying the sweet-tasting ham, which has its own Denominación de Origen, although it′s not as pricey as jamón from Jabugo in the Sierra de Aracena.

Bubión sits halfway between Capileira and Pampaneira in the Poqueira gorge, surrounded by magnificent views of the often, snow-capped Sierra Nevada peaks and the Alpujarras.

Capileira, at 1,436 metres, is the highest of the three villages in the Barranco de Poqueira and an ideal base for walking in the gorge or up to the peaks of the Sierra Nevada.

Lanjarón is the first town you come to in the western Alpujarras and is considered the gateway to the region. The town is famous for its mineral water, which is sold throughout Spain.

One of a trio of popular and picturesque whitewashed villages, Pampaneira – like its neighbours Bubión and Capileira – hugs the steep slopes of a lush river gorge, the Barranco de Poqueira. Pampaneira is the lowest of the three, at just over 1,000m. The small village – with a population of around 300 – centres on its pretty square dominated by a 16th-century Mudéjar church