The Alpujarra is without doubt one of Spain's most beautiful and contrasting areas. From the highest snow covered peak of Mulhacén to the sunny beaches of the Costa del Sol the landscape and peoples are so wonderfully varied.
This area of Spain is steeped in history and strongly influenced by the ancient Moors.
The name Alpujarra is believed to be a derivation of "alba sierra" which means white mountain, although the traveler will hear many other theories regarding the origen of the name, the alba sierra version is most likely to be the correct one.
Mulhacén is the highest peak on the Iberian peninsular not only the highest point in the Sierra Nevada (snowy mountains) and marks the Northern most border of the Alpujarra.
We will not attempt to deliver a history of the area on these pages but rather show the diversity and beauty of the Alpujarra we will also refer to books worth reading which will give a far better insight than we could possibly give.
To get one of the best possible insights the acclaimed book "South from Granada" an account written by Gerald Brenan of his stay in the small village of Yegen is a must. Brenan lived with the local people sharing their daily lives throughout the 1920´s and a contemporary of Virginia Wolf, his lucid writings are well worth a read.
Another more recent account by Chris Stewart is "Driving over Lemons" detailing his purchase of a finca in the valley by Orgiva and his - and his wifes - experiences and innermost feelings.
The Arabic history of the area will be seen in the handicrafts, names of places and the various customs of the peoples, but without further elaboration please click on the following link to move into the villages and countryside of The Alpujarra.
Rent holiday Villas and Apartments direct from the owners in all the above places on the Costa del Sol and the Costa Tropical in Spain
Golfing holidays, walking, mountain climbing, beaches and much more - South from Granada.
via SunholsDirect.com
