Their histories are similar to other Granada coast towns - trading influences during the first civilizations, Arab cultural splendor, and evidence of defensive systems used against threatening Berber pirates. Today, these villages are again enjoying a new prosperity from tropical farming: exotic fruits such as the nispero, chirimoya, mango and avocado thrive here and are shipped worldwide. Tourists have begun to discover these mountain villages and as a result new developments have begun to spring up. Some villages have small weaving workshops that produce colorful cotton rugs, and other local products include baskets made from esparto grass, olive oil, goat cheese, various types of honey and "soplillos" (meringue flavoured with almonds).

Villages further inland in the alpujarra region where the average altitude is 4000 ft. above sea level enjoy crystal clear waters of the Sierra Nevada and maintain a healthy, natural lifestyle because of its unique mini-ecology. Located high in the mountains, winters here tend to be colder than the coast; summer temperatures hover in the 30ºs with very low humidity - and with 300 days of sunshine a year, it is truly an ideal climate. Terraced farmlands are irrigated by melting Sierra Nevada snow and its crisp, clean air is a hiker´s delight.

This area was largely forgotten when the Moors were expelled in 1609 and went into economic decline. But the recent awareness of the alpujarra as an untouched and breathtaking vacation place has created an economic resurgence in the area. Its geographical position and natural beauty have drawn worldwide travellers - in particular those who seek an alternative lifestyle. Tai-chi practitioners, Zen and Tibetan Buddhists as well as environmentalists continue to be drawn to this part of the country and co-exist quietly with the traditional Spanish Catholics

JETE

This town is on the slopes of Los Guajares and Almijara mountain ranges and 12 kms. north of Almuñécar (20 minutes by car). The parish church which was built between the 16th and 17th centuries and the Virgen de Bohijar hermitage are noteworthy sites.

OTIVAR

A typical white Spanish mountain village, Otivar is snuggled between the Chaparral and Guajares mountain ranges with breathtaking views of the valley below. The town´s central plaza is a local meeting place: villagers gather to chat, farmers make their way with their donkeys bringing up fruit and vegetables from their tropical orchards; bread is baked daily and delivered to the door while the fish man puts out his daily catch.

ORGIVA

Orgiva is loosely known as the "capital" of the western Alpujarra, located on the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada Natural Park and in the valley of the Rio Guadalfeo. It is a commercial center for the region as it is at a crossroads: one road links the Alpujarra with Salobreña and the Costa del Sol; another road takes you through Lanjaron to Granada; another road wanders through the foothills to the more remote villages of the eastern Alpujarra; and a fourth road climbs up to Bubión, Capileira, Pampaneira and Trevelez in the Sierra Nevada.

LENTEJÍ

Lentejí lies on the road to Almuñécar (at 17 km) between the slopes of the Los Guajares and Almijara mountains. It is a small quaint village, that like its neighboring villages, thrives on the tropical fruit industry, particularly the nispero. Hangliding (or parapente)(ideal at certain times of the year) and rural mountain walks are highly popular sports.

ITRABO

Located between the Guajares mountain range and the Coast, Itrabo enjoys a similar subtropical climate. Such an environment lends itself to the successful cultivation of tropical fruits (chirimoya, banana, lemon, avocado, orange), fig trees, and grapes.

MOLVIZAR

This village nestled between the Guajares mountains and the Mediterranean coast has a similar sub-tropical climate conducive to growing tropical fruits.

BUBIÓN, CAPILEIRA, PAMPANEIRA

These three high mountain villages of traditional Moorish influence are located on the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada and are 1350 mtrs.(4430 ft.) above sea level. The 360º views are spectacular - to the north, Mount Mulhacén (the tallest mountain in Spain) and to the south, the glistening Mediterranean and on particularly clear days one can see the Moroccan mountains. The mountainsides abound with chestnut, walnut, cherry, mulberry, and oak trees.

Rural and eco-tourism have developed recently and now help provide for a healthy local economy. There is an increasing number of walkers, horseback riders, mountain bikers and simple weekenders being lodged in newly converted holiday homes and hostals. Here, traditional Alpujarran meals are good, affordable and wholesome - often accompanied by local wines. The true essence of Andalucia is still lived here as it has for hundreds of years.

BUBIÓN

Peace and tranquility Andaluz-style are found here. For years, artists and craftspeople have been drawn to this mountain village. The museum Casa Alpujarreña houses historical artifacts and a local art gallery offers unique exhibitions. The views are breathtaking and include Mulhacen, the highest point in Spain.

CAPILEIRA

This village is the second highest in Spain at 1435 mtrs. above sea level and truly exemplifies La Alpujarra. Its stark white houses sit atop the Poqueira Ravine and its tiny streets wind up and down the mountainside; in the valley below lie Capileira and Bubión - the views are truly spectacular. The community includes a number of artists and musicians, and the food is hardy and good. Excellent hiking opportunities are available on tracks and mule paths surrounded by a wealth of wild flowers, butterflies and a variety of wildlife.

PAMPANEIRA

Tucked into the eastern wall of the Poqueira Gorge at 1067 mtrs. (3500 ft.), this village is as quaintly Andalucian as its sister towns. A sign just outside the town reads "Viajero Quedate a Vivir con Nosotros" (Traveler, Stay and live with us). This welcoming attitude is typical of the area and with its narrow streets, flat slate roofed houses and waterways running down the center of many streets, it has not lost its original character.

SIERRA NEVADA

The Sierra Nevada (which means "snowy peaks" in English) is the highest mountain chain in the Iberian Peninsula and includes the peak Mulhacen. Its topography is quite unique - it consists of a chain of mountains forming an elongated arch with a series of gentle slopes and hillsides.

The biodiversity of this area is due to the different climatic zones present that cause the temperatures to vary from the highest in Europe (+ 25ºC [77º] in July to approximately -35º [-31º] in January). Thus a tremendous variety of plant species abound year-round and the floral assortments create a sea of color as they come into bloom across the mountainside.

The slopes of the Sierra Nevada have lured avid skiers from around the world and today is a major industry for the area. Its proximity to the cosmopolitan city of Granada allows the visitor to benefit culturally as well as athletically. www.cetursa.es