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Las Alpujarras – A Road Trip in Rural Andalusia

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26 Responses

  1. Patre uncle says:

    Your description of those villages in Andalusia and also enjoyed the short videos of the places you visited Thanks for sharing

  2. Jackie S. says:

    Your post is making me want to go back to Spain again! I went a few years ago but went to the large cities, Madrid and Barcelona. Yet, there are plenty of other areas to see. Exploring the Las Alpujarras villages sounds intriguing since it looks like a great place to spend time outdoors. Out of the five that you mentioned, I would love to go to Trevelez. I’m a huge fan of hiking and the midnight hike up Mount Mulhacen would be an unique experience.

    • Namita Kulkarni says:

      Trevelez was my favorite too, simply because the altitude lends it that ridiculously crisp mountain air. And hiking up Mt Mulhacen through midnight would be unforgettable I’m sure 🙂

  3. Riana says:

    I’ve always wanted to travel to Andalusia! Thanks for sharing your experience.

  4. Federica says:

    I have been to Andalusia and it’s a truly enchanting region of Spain. Love the nice villages you passed through your journeys.

  5. Any place that can be described as: “A way of life where the days are savoured rather than rushed into a blur,” is my kind of place. We are heading to northern Spain in 2020 and will have some time to explore other regions. Looks like Andalusia will need to be added to our list of places to go. Thanks for sharing!

    • Namita Kulkarni says:

      Oh yes Andalusia better be on your list and especially rural Andalusia. Glad the post resonated with your travel spirit!

  6. Elizabeth says:

    I have been to the Andalusia region, but only to Granada. Your post really makes me want to go to the smaller villages. I would really enjoy going to a bunch of different small villages like you did. Were you able to talk to any of the locals in Fondalez? I wonder what it is like to live in a village of 20 people! I thought my hometown of 2,000 was small!

    • Namita Kulkarni says:

      Oh yes and they seemed so unassuming and content. I love how they seem to have no concept of rushing or grasping for anything. It’s a great way to live, if you ask me 🙂 Let me know if you happen to go there too!

  7. Kathleen says:

    I so agree that small town tranquility is the best thing for recharging your inner battery. I didn’t realize there were such high mountains in Spain. These little villages all look like perfect places to visit and maybe never leave. I love the smallness of them. 20 people and 2 cats is a funny description.

    • Namita Kulkarni says:

      Haha if only we could all live in small villages like these with populations of 20 people and 2 cats. Sounds like the perfect ratio for a happy life doesn’t it? 🙂

  8. Jean says:

    If you can bottle up that delightful relaxed feeling let me know. I’ll be willing to buy it all

  9. David says:

    Did you manage to visit the chocolate factory in Pampaneira? I’ve not travelled in this region of Spain yet but a road trip there sounds so fun! Your pictures are great too, look like you enjoyed it

    • Namita Kulkarni says:

      Oh yes I enjoyed visiting the chocolate factory too 🙂 Was such a fun weekend of road tripping in this part of Andalusia, hope you get around to it someday!

  10. I have been to Spain many many times, but never to this area. I love the sounds of Las Alpujarras, especially that is quieter and a little more rustic than other places. I love finding small towns in Spain and learning about what makes the town special. It sounds like you found many that would interest me.

  11. Alexx says:

    Oh wow! This looks amazing. What a great experience. I love little rural towns away from the hustle and bustle sometimes!

  12. Abhi says:

    Great description of the place. For Pampaneira, you mentioned vegetarian lunch at Ruta del Mulhacén, on a balcony overlooking the valley. Is Ruta del Mulhacén the name of the restaurant? My family is vegetarian – hence the question.

    We are thinking of driving there in a couple of weeks after picking up the car from Granada if the weather is OK (not snowing). Our plan is to visit the 3 villages in the Poqueira valley (Pampaneira, Bubion & Capileira). I would have liked to have stayed there – but I do not want to book in advance not knowing the winter weather.

    • Namita Kulkarni says:

      Yes Abhi that is the name of the restaurant and they did make me a special vegetarian meal. You might have to write them in advance to make sure they can arrange some vegetarian meals for you. Beautiful villages all three and also Trevelez way up. Not sure about the weather at this point though! Hope you all have an amazing trip!

  13. Ram Kelath says:

    Today was the day my wife and I would have landed in Madrid from Boston, taken the AVE to Málaga and driven up the mountain roads to Pampaneira for a short stay to kick off a visit to Andalucia and Madrid. Alas, that was not to be. Reading your post and looking at your pictures provides a vicarious substitute – thank you!

    • Namita Kulkarni says:

      That is so reassuring to hear. You both will be enjoy those mountain roads and savor the beauty of those lovely villages someday. As I keep reminding myself, this too shall pass 🙂 Meanwhile I’m really glad you stumbled onto my blog and found a slice of vicarious travel. Thank you so much Ram for taking the time to drop a comment here to let me know 🙂 Wish you both a safe lockdown and several adventures, with or without travel!

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