Pampaneira is one of the most charming villages in Las Alpujarras, and one of the highest.
With its 2 sisters, Capileria and Bubión, they shape a beautiful landscape of white villages in the Sierra. The charm comes at a price, and this merit has also brought along an increasing number of visitors. Las Alpujarras is a land of white villages south of Granada and the Sierra Nevada. These are high lands, with an average of 1,200 meters above sea level, so get ready to drive in winding, small roads. Many people consider the Alpujarras as part of Granada, but they extend to Almería.
Pampaneira has a vibrant artisan community, and one of the best things to do in Pampaneira is shopping textiles, ceramics, rugs or specialties from local food producers.
There are many interesting hikes in the area, most of which start from Campaneira.
Pampaneira is located at more than 1,000 meters above sea level, and, along with Bubión and Capileria, they shape the Poqueira Gorge. These villages are located under the Mulhacen and Veleta, two of Spain´s highest peaks.
Located at one hour and thirty minutes drive from Granada and seventy kilometers of windy roads.
Pampaneira offers good quality accommodation and unless you visit on peak season you should be able to find affordable prices. Some of the hostels and apartments are located in buildings with local style architecture and others offer fantastic views. A few of them offer both. Our favourite options to stay in Pampaneira are the Dreams Alpujarra flats and the hotel Estrella de las Nieves. Fantastic options in both cases.
Pampaneira, Bubión, and Capileira are all located at a ravine (the Porqueira gorge) which made the area rather inaccessible. Pampaneira has been included in many of the lists that local Spanish newspapers put together with the prettiest villages in Spain. We have our own list, and as you have rightly guessed, Pampaneira is in our list too!
There are a good number of reasons why Pampaneira is today amongst the top tourist attractions in Granada and Andalucía.
Pampeneira is nested in the mountain and it offers fantastic views of both the valley below and the mountain peaks above.
As you will read when we cover the history of Pampaneira, the initial settlers were Berbers that left the city of Granada when the city was conquered. The Berbers used to occupy the beautiful Albaicin district in Granada, with narrow white streets and amazing views over the Alhambra Palace. The Berbers made use of the same architecture when they developed Pampaneira they used similar white houses with flat roofs chimneys and narrow streets where white arches locally known as tinaos. The streets are covered with flowers that offer a beautiful contrast with the white walls.
The area near Pampaneira offers fantastic hiking opportunities. The trail between Pampaneira and Capileira is just 2 kilometers apart is one of the most frequently used hiking trails. But there are many more trails where you will be able to enjoy the Poquiera Gorge area and its ravines, waterfalls, and bridges.
The most important sights in Pampaneira include the church of Santa Cruz and la Plaza de la Libertad Freedom square. The church is of Mudejar style and dates back to the 16th century. The square is where you will find most action in Pampaneira and shops, bars and restaurants gathered there. We love two items near the square. One is the old laundry house, overlooking the church, which perfectly illustrates the hard work and life of ancient days. Right next to the church.
Most visitors will arrive to Pampaneira in spring or summer and get a wrong impression about the area. Winters are very cold here, and despite the blue skies, traditional local gastronomy has consisted of warm hearty dishes. The Alpujarras platter is a potato dish with vegetables and sausages which is perfect for a long hiking day.
If you stay in Granada and would like to visit the area of Las Alpujarras and Pampaneira just in one day you may want to consider joining an organized tour instead of driving. If you have more than one day our recommendation is to book a car and drive to las Alpujarras to be able to enjoy different villages, get to Lanjaron, Trevelez, famous for its Iberian hams. But if you have just one day to dedicate to the area of Las Alpujarras during your trip itinerary in Granada, then a day tour is probably the best option. You can find two interesting options below.
The Berbers settled in the Alpujarras after the Moorish invasion, and they organized themselves in small villages, with white walls, narrow streets, and flat roofs (as it was customary in the mountains of Northern Africa from where they arrived). They worked in the silk industry for centuries.
After the conquest of Granada in 1492, the Alpujarras became a land full of Moorish not willing to convert. Many rebellions took place in las Alpujarras, and the descents of the Moorish, the Moriscos as they were named, were forced to leave in 1570. Colons from Galicia and Extremaduras were brought to inhabit the Alpujarras, but all in all, the population plumbed.
The Alpujarra faced many combats during the Spanish Civil War, and it has only been at the end of the XIX Century when this land has seen a revival thanks to tourism. The deep and fertile valleys of the Alpujarra are full of olive, vines, and chestnuts on the lower levels, and oak and alpine flora. The Alpujarras are famous for pig farming and the production of ham.
Setenil de las bodegas is a small white village located in the province of Cadiz. Its surname says a lot about Setenil. “De las bodegas” refers to the many caves in the rocks of this village. Some of its houses are literally built on the rocks and it is easy to imagine Neolithic caves that served as dwellings for hunting groups. One of Spain´s hidden gems for sure!
Frigiliana is located in Malaga, Spain. Frigiliana is a stunning white village near the beautiful sierra de Tejada, which is a natural park. Beautiful landscapes, narrow white streets and an amazing square are among the chamrs offered by Frigiliana, a perfect day excursion from Malaga
Arcos de la frontera is one of the jewels in the province of cadiz. It is a picturesque town on a rock on the North bank of the Rio Guadalete. From there it rises like a spectacular amphitheatre. Arcos de la Frontera was known as Medina Arkosh in Arab times, the name was changed after its seizure by Alfonso X in 1250. The Arab alcázar was succeeded by the castle of the Dukes of Arcos.
