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Las Alpujarras is
the name given to the southern slopes of the Sierra
Nevada mountain range. Here you will find deep
wooded river gorges where wild boar, ibex, eagles, goshawks,
owls, partridges roam freely.
On the highest slopes you will find pine
forests, whilst lower down you can discover oak woodlands,
walnut, fig, cherry and chestnut trees. As if this wasn't
enough there are also Almond and Olive groves plus a
multitude of vineyards. In the lower valleys oranges,
lemon and pomegranates flourish in abundance.
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The fertile slopes find water through an
ancient Moorish system of irrigation channels which collect
water from the snow capped mountains above. Thanks to
its geographical position and altitude the Alpujarras
can boast the cleanest air in Europe, which is good news
for star gazers as the crystal clear skies and absence
of light pollution offer unrivalled views of the heavens.
The altitude means that the heat in mid-summer is not
as oppressive as the coastal resorts, and the purity of
the mountain air makes walking a delightful pastime with
the ever- present possibility of seeing the fantastic
cloud formations known as ‘Cloud Dragons‘.
Whitewashed mountain villages with their flat rooftops,
unique chimneys and Berber heritage cling spectacularly
to the steep hillsides. These beautiful villages are identical
to many that can be can be seen in the Atlas mountains
of North Africa and their winding cobbled streets, Moorish
rooftops and unique architecture combine to form a showcase
for the skills that have been used for centuries.
Here among the splendid arrays of colour from the geraniums
hanging from the stone and chestnut wooden balconies you
will find the inspiration to fulfil your holiday dream,
whether that is to paint, take photographs, drink glorious
local wine, enjoy the tapas or just sit and soak up the
atmosphere.
Trevelez village stands at 4,840 feet
above sea level and is said to be the highest village
in Europe. Here you will find the world famous Serrano
hams, which are cured naturally in the pure mountain air.
A little further on you will discover Capileira,
Bubion and Pampaneria. Many
artisans have workshops in this area
and produce excellent works in arts , textiles, wood,
ceramics and leather.
These villages are a magnet for those who want to discover
the gastronomic delights of the region as well as explore
the wide variety of shops selling local hand woven carpets,
beautiful ceramics, delicious cheeses, numerous olive
oils, regional honey, and a splendid choice of wines and
liquors. |
| Sierra Nevada mountain
range stands proud in the clear blue Andalusian sky. Walking
in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada is a regular pastime
for the many visitors who have discovered this unique
area.
The Natural Park covers a staggering 170,000
hectares. Mulhacen is the highest mountain on the Iberian
peninsula, whilst the neighbouring mountain Veleta boasts
a purpose built skiing resort at Solynieve which hosted
the 1996 world skiing championships. Those of you who
are not accomplished skiers and would like a bit of
good old fashioned fun, can go sledging at Puerto de
la Ragua - suitable for children and the young at heart.
Costa Tropical enjoys
a climate which is unique in Spain. Thanks to the warmth
of the Mediterranean and the shelter of the Sierra Nevada
mountains a subtropical microclimate has been created
where sugar-cane plantations, orchards of tropical fruits
and sub tropical plants and flowers can flourish.
Cortijo Las Chumbas, although situated
close to the mountains of the Sierra Nevada, can also
offer you the chance to explore the coastal towns of
the Costa Tropical. Only 40 minutes away is La Rabita
with it's Bars, restaurants, shops, and if the clear
waters of the mediterranean tempt you to go for a swim
there are numerous showers on the beach front. |
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The jewel in the crown on the Costa Tropical
is Salobrena, just 45 minutes south
of Granada and just over an hour from Las Chumbas. With
its picturesque whitewashed houses clinging to the protruding
rock formation known as the old town, this is a delight
to explore.
After winding through the maze of streets, which are
steeped in history, you arrive at yet another magnificent
Moorish castle, this one built in the 10th century.
Beneath the old town lies the modern development with
it’s shopping facilities, quality restaurants
and numerous bars serving mouth watering tapas. Salobrena
offers a diverse cultural scene, with open air concerts,
theatre , outdoor shows in the Arab castle and colourful
local fiestas. If you are tired of culture, however,
you can just chill out on the beach under the Andalusian
sky or swim in the warm blue waters of the Mediterranean
sea.
Nearby on the Coast of Almeria you
can discover a natural gem, the Cabo de Gata Natural
Park, with glorious virgin beaches and a chance to experience
an absolutely unique side of the Mediterranean. Created
as a Natural Park in 1987, covering 29,000 hectares
which includes a unique sub tropical landscape of eucalyptus,
fennel bushes, reeds and pita cactus, with big ponds
supporting thousands of migratory birds such as flamingo's,
gulls, charadriiforms, avocets and black-winged stilts
nets. Not to be missed are the stunning costal paths
with glorious walks and spectacular views of this remarkable
cost line.
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