The SIERRA NEVADA, that rise to a height of 3480 metres, are the highest mountains in Europe after the Alps and bear snow for most of the year.

To the south, the Sierra Nevada massif slopes steeply down the less than 50 km that separate it from the Costa Tropical. It is this orientation that gave rise to the very special landscape of the ALPUJARRAS, blessed with sun, yet rich in water; green and fruitfully cultivated for centuries. Its remoteness until relatively recently means that much of the tradition and originality of this region of Andalucia has been retained

The area was declared a National Park in January 1999. Within its 86,208 hectares live a wide variety of unique plant species and increasingly rare wild animals. Mountain goats and many kinds of birds of prey, from eagles to eagle owls, can be seen.

Early morning in High Alpujarras

Lower Alpujarras

The beauty, clear air and tranquillity of the Alpujarras have inspired many writers and artists.
Breath-taking views stretch in every direction . To the north, the snowy peaks of the Mulhacen and Pico de Veleta (3480 + 3390m); to the east and west the summits of the neighbouring Sierras of the provinces of Almeria and Malaga, many over 2000m high. To the south, the sea and on clear days beyond that to the distant peak of the Moroccan Rif, 200km away.
Fruit, nuts, vegetables and vines grow on the terraces that line the mountain sides, watered by the ancient irrigation system of acequias, inherited, like the distinctive architecture, from the Moors. After the surrender of Granada, many found refuge here for a further 100 years and it was they who gave the area its name. Characteristic of the Berber style are the flat-roofed, whitewashed houses with their sombrero-topped chimneys, set along narrow winding streets and passages.

Almond trees in February

Farmer near Busquistar

"Rio Trevelez"

Sierra Nevada in July

Life in the villages is calm and cosy. Flocks of sheep and goats still pass through on their way to the pastures and the old men comment on life from the shade of the trees in the squares.
At the same time, the area is perfectly prepared to cater for visitors, with plenty of bars and a wide variety of restaurants that offer everything from the traditional air-cured ham to vegan cuisine. Products made by local weavers, potters, artists and artisans are on sale direct from their workshops or in the small shops in the villages. The Alpujarras remain free from mass tourism, the way of life evolving, but retaining its own unique flavour.

Andalucia Natural holiday homes cottages in the Higher Alpujarras, Andalucia:

• CORTIJO LOS PEREZ detached 3 bedroom holiday home with private pool Padre Eterno Alpujarra
• CASA DANILO holiday cottage with panoramic view shared pool Padre Eterno Pampaneira Alpujarra
  
• CASA BARBACOA holiday village house / apartment in Capileira Alpujarra
  
• CORTIJO CASTANO holiday villa with panoramic view & pool Capileira Alpujarras
  
• CASA GONZALO town house in Capilerilla, La Taha, Alpujarras
  
• CORTIJO LOS OLIVILLOS holiday villa with apartments for rent Mecina La Taha Alpujarras
  
• VILLA ALBERTO holiday villa with private pool Atalbeitar Pitres Alpujarra
  
• CORTIJO ADRIANO holiday villa with private pool Atalbeitar Pitres Alpujarra
  

Andalucia Natural holiday homes near Orgiva Lower Alpujarras, Andalucia:

• CORTIJO GRANDE detached 3 bedroom holiday villa with private pool Orgiva Alpujarras
• CORTIJO MANRINA holiday cottage with with private pool Orgiva Alpujarra
  
• CORTIJO LAS MARIANAS holiday cottage with private pool near Orgiva Alpujarras
  
• CASA MARIANA holiday apartment with private pool Orgiva Alpujarras
  
• CORTIJO ROMY detached 2 bedroom holiday home with private pool Orgiva Alpujarras
  
• CORTIJO LA PARRITA holiday home with private pool Orgiva Alpujarra
  
• CORTIJO CARMELA 1 bedroom holiday home with private pool Orgiva Alpujarras
  
• CORTIJO MOLINO holiday villa with private pool 3 bedrooms Orgiva Alpujarras
  
• CORTIJO EL TOMATERO 2 bedroom holiday home with private pool Orgiva Alpujarras
• CORTIJO MEDIA LUNA detached 2 bedroom holiday home with private pool Orgiva Alpujarras
  
• CORTIJO BENI detached 2 bedroom holiday home with private pool Orgiva Alpujarras
  
• CASA JASMIN 1 bedroom holiday home with private pool Orgiva Alpujarras
  
• CORTIJO CARMONA 2 semidetached 2 bedroom holiday homes with private pool Orgiva Alpujarras
  
• CORTIJO LA PIEDRA 2 bedroom holiday home with private pool Orgiva Alpujarra
  
• CASA DULCE 3 bedroom holiday villa with private pool Orgiva Alpujarras
  
• CORTIJO LOS ARCOS 3 bedroom holiday villa with private pool Orgiva Alpujarras
  
• CORTIJO PEPE ARAGON holiday home with large pool 3 bedrooms Orgiva Alpujarras
  

Andalucia Natural holiday homes near Lanjaron, Alpujarras, Andalucia:

• CORTIJO LA MARIQUITA detached 4 bedroom holiday villa with private pool Lanjaron Alpujarras
• CASA LA PALMERA holiday cottage with private pool Lanjaron Alpujarra
  
• CASA ARNEDO holiday home with pool near Lanjaron Alpujarra
  
• CORTIJO VILLA LANJARON holiday villa with panoramic view & pool Lanjaron Alpujarras
  
• VILLA DE LA MADRE 4 bedroom pool villa in Lanjaron, Alpujarras