Alpujarras Mountain Drive
-
Port
Motril (Granada), Spain
-
Activity Level
Moderate Activity
-
Excursion Type
All
-
Wheelchair Accessible
No
-
Starting At (prices in USD)
$190
-
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
-
Duration
Approximately 5½ Hours
-
Meals Included
Meals included
Relax on a panoramic drive from Motril to the region of mountain villages known as Las Alpujarras (the Grasslands), where whitewashed towns cling to the southern flanks of the Sierra Nevada, bisected by deep, sheltered valleys and gorges that run all the way down to the Mediterranean.
The Alpujarra area is famous for its unique mini-ecosystem. Its terraced farmlands are constantly watered by the snowmelt from above, creating a high-altitude oasis of greenery dramatically contrasting with the arid foothills below. The cultural interest of the region lies in its fifty-odd villages, which were the last stronghold of the Spanish Muslims, or Moors. You'll stop for photos at Presa de Rules and pass through Orgiva.
Arriving at Pampaneira village, which lies almost 5,000 feet above sea level, you'll find that it has retained its traditional Berber architecture -- terraced clusters of grey-white box-shaped houses with flat clay roofs -- a style that is still common in the Rif and Atlas mountains of Morocco. The origin of this population is now under discussion -- some sources placing it in the Post-Roman period. The name Pampaneira derives from the Latin pampinarius, meaning producer of vine shoots. This can be loosely interpreted as the "land of vines" and indeed it is true that vineyards once grew within the current city limits.
Enjoy a pleasant and relaxed tasting of local tapas in Ruta del Mulhacen. Afterwards you'll have an hour of free time to explore here, with or without your guide.
Driving back through the village of Orgiva, you'll have 45 minutes in Lanjarón before you head back to the port of Motril.
Please note: Travel time to Las Alpujarras is approximately 1½ hours each way.