The Axarquia is a traditional, tranquil and rural region in the south of Andalusia. Just a short drive inland from the popular beaches. This  beautiful area with her unspoilt whitewashed villages, green valleys, mountainous areas and pine forests is bordered to the west by the Montes de Malaga. The area spreads northwards a far as Antequera, The Sierra Tejeda mountains and eastwards unto the province Granada with her scenic Costa Tropical. Because of the region’s sub-tropical climate you’ll find there, besides the grapes and olives, as well the more tropical fruits such as mango and kiwi’s. Nearly all the whitewashed villages have a Moorish history, with steep, narrow, windy streets and terraces on the hillsides, planted with olive, grape and almonds. 

The Alpujarra is one of the most attractive destinations for International Green Tourism. No wonder considering its stunning scenery, beautiful fertile valleys and  characteristic villages. The mountainous region La Alpujarra consists principally of sheltered valleys and gorges which descend at right angles from the ridges of the Sierra Nevada on the north, to the Sierras Almijara, Contraviesa and Gadór, which separate it from the Mediterranean Sea to the south. The region is one of great natural beauty because of a warm southerly climate combined with a reliable supply of water for irrigation from the rivers running off the Sierra Nevada, the valleys of the western Alpujarra are among the most fertile in Spain. Due to the steepness of the terrain, it means that they can only be cultivated in small fields, so that many modern agricultural techniques are impractical. One of the reasons that this region has remained so authentic. The valleys are oasis of greenery and contain a rich abundance of fruit trees, especially grape vines, oranges, lemons, persimmons, figs and almonds. The eastern Alpujarra, in the province of  Almeria is more arid, but still highly attractive. 

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The Sierra Nevada Nature Area, comprising its National Park and Nature Park, is an impressive, compact mountain range which boasts the highest peak on the Iberian Peninsula: Mulhacén (3,482 metres). It forms part of the Penibetic range, which stretches from the south-eastern part of Granada province to the western borders of Almería. Due to the great variety of its landscapes and the uniqueness of its natural features, Sierra Nevada is included in several different categories of protection. Apart from being a Nature Park and National Park, it is also an internationally recognised Biosphere Reserve.

Unique species

Thanks to its altitude range and climate, it is home to a large number of plants which have adapted very specifically to the harsh conditions found there. On the higher peaks, like Veleta and Tajo de los Machos, unique species such as the Sierra Nevada violet and plantago nivalis (known locally as "estrella de las nieves" - snowstar) can be found growing beneath overhanging rocks and in cracks in the rock faces. At this altitude there are also beautiful glacial valleys such as Siete Lagunas. In the mid-mountain area, the landscape is dominated by deciduous woodland with Pyrenean oaks, maples, wild cherry and chestnut trees. This woodland alters the appearance of the landscape from one season to another: in autumn the trees begin to shed their leaves, producing an overall golden brown colour; but when the new shoots bud in spring the mountainside is flooded by deep tones of green. At lower altitudes there are holm oak groves like those at Montenegro and the watercourses are flanked by riverine forests.