Location of Las Alpujarras, southern Spain

Location
Las Alpujarras is a region situated in the South of Spain, looking towards Africa. It’s a magical place on the Southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in the Granada and AlmerÃa provinces of Andalusia.
This part of Spain was the last resort of the Moors and it is where the Islamic influences have remained the strongest. Most prominent is the acequia system of irrigation, a network of channels leading the water from the melting snows on the high peaks, to irrigate the farms or cortijosof the region.Installed by the Arabs, they are still in use today.
Las Alpujarras consists of two parts: Western Alpujarra in the province of Granada and Eastern Alpujarra in the province of Almeria. Both form part of the National and Natural Parks of Sierra Nevada.
In the district of Tolima, in Columbia, South America, there is also a place bearing the name La Alpujarra, which must have originally been a settlement of immigrants from this area.
Scenery
The Scenery in Las Alpujarras is unique due to the differences in altitude within the area, from the highest summit of El Mulhacén at 3.500m, reaching down to sea level on the Mediterranean coastline. This disparity dramatically alters the colours to be seen in each season and the variety of trees and flora growing at each level.
The geographical position of Las Alpujarras has also helped to preserve the individuality of the architecture of its villages as well as the way of life, traditions and customs of its inhabitants.
Climate
Just as the scenery varies according to altitude, so does the climate change. You can have it all, In Las Alpujarras.
On the coast it is mild and temperate, almost tropical.By contrast, the High Alpujarra, known as Alpujarra Alta or Alpujarra de la Sierra, has colder snowy winters. In general, however, the climate of Las Alpujarras can be said to be moderate and one of the best in Spain, indeed in the whole of Europe.
How to arrive
However you may arrive in Andalusia, by air to the modern airports of AlmerÃa, Granada or Málaga or by sea to the port of MotrÃl, it is by car that you reach Las Alpujarras. There is no airport, nor flights overhead. No manufacturing industry and no pollution. It is the scene of natural beauty and tranquility, acclaimed to have the cleanest air in Europe.
If you are coming by bus you can check Bus connection page
There is an efficient network of roads for leisurely driving, allowing the tourist to admire the spectacular views.
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From Granada city or northern Spain via Jaén, the door to La Alpujarra is the spa town of Lanjarón, reached via the Suspiro del Moro pass and the N-323 National Road.
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From Málaga via the coastal route travelling on the N-340, you enter through Vélez de Benaudalla or Albuñol.
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From Guadix on the East of the province of Granada you enter through Puerto de la Ragua, its highest entry, travelling on the A-337.
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