Captivating Capileira: From Rebel Stronghold to Hiking Haven

Capileira clings to the side of the Poqueira Gorge, looking down on the neighbouring villages of Bubión and Pampaneira. The narrow gorge lies at the western end of the Alpujarra, a geographic and cultural region that until recently, was largely inaccessible and so developed a unique culture and way of life.

On this walking tour, I’ll explain the area’s rich history, including the Rebellion of the Alpujarra and the role of the silk industry. I’ll also show you some of the best hiking trails, and give you an insight into the local food, handicrafts and architecture.

The tour starts outside the Servicio de Interpretación de Altas Cumbres (High Peaks Interpretation Service) on the main road. From there, you’ll head up to the very top of the village for a bird’s-eye view of the box-shaped houses. You’ll find out about their characteristically grey roofs, coloured by the magnesium-rich clay used in them. You’ll then head to the Eras de Aldeire, a spectacular viewpoint for gazing up at Mulhacén, the highest mountain in the Sierra Nevada.

Continuing down, you’ll make your way through the maze of charming alleyways to the bottom of the village. Along the way, I’ll explain why the area’s flora and fauna are so diverse and unique, with over 80 endemic species. You’ll pass the Mirador de Poqueira, which is a great vantage point for admiring the picturesque villages further down the valley. You’ll walk by the Casa-Museo Pedro Antonio de Alarcón (a museum named after the novelist) and Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Cabeza (the village church). The tour ends back in the picturesque main square.

On this 75-minute tour, you’ll have a chance to:

• Discover why mulberry trees were a protected species during Muslim rule
• Find out what tinaos are and see why they play such an important role in village life
• Learn why the Alpujarra was at the epicentre of a bloody rebellion in the 1500s
• Find out how Belgian monarchs named a traditional dish, Plato Alpujarreño
• See exactly why Capileira’s geographic location has captivated hikers
• Delve into the connections between the region, the writer Gerald Brenan and botanist Pierre Edmond Boissier

This tour will give you an insight into the history and culture of this captivating region. You’ll also pick up some fascinating details about its emblematic plants and animals.