Private La Alpujarra Villages Day Trip, Granada

Your day starts when your private guide picks you up from your Granada hotel for the scenic 1.5-hour drive southeast into La Alpujarra. This relatively undiscovered Spanish region lies on the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountains, and its terraced hillsides and tiny white villages were once known as the "last stronghold of the Moors." After the Muslim kingdoms of Al-Andalus fell to the Christian Reconquista in the 15th century, La Alpujarra became a stronghold for bandoleros (bandits), folk heroes whose adventures inspired legends and literary tales.

On today's excursion, you'll visit three of the region's loveliest villages, starting with Pampaneira, a small settlement of 300 inhabitants. Quaint and traditional, the village is known for its soothing soundtrack of water, played by a central fountain and the Calle del Agua, an ingenious waterway that cuts through the town. Your guide will explain why water was so essential to the Muslim culture in Andalusia, and you'll have free time to peruse the many shops selling local artisan goods. Don't miss the famous jarapas, woven textiles with colorful designs and patterns beloved by locals and visitors. 

The next stop is Bubión, where your guide will point out the unusual Berber-influenced architecture of this region, including flat-roofed limestone houses, conical chimneys, and steep, winding alleys. You'll also hear tales from the 16th-century "War of the Alpujarras," and stop by the Museo Casa Alpujarreña, a museum that illuminates the area's traditional way of life and explains how residents work hard to keep these customs alive.

End the day in Capileira, Spain's second-highest village at nearly 5,000 feet (1,436 m). Its lofty setting offers incredible views of the mountains and surrounding landscapes, and it serves as the endpoint for a spectacular hiking trail that connects the three villages. You'll have plenty of time to duck into local artisan shops and soak up the panoramic views, plus stop for lunch to enjoy some traditional Andalusian fare (your guide will be happy to recommend a local spot). Afterward, it's time to say your goodbyes and get back on the road to Granada.