Arabic? And Spanish? But of course. Over 13 centuries ago, most of the Iberian Peninsula was conquered by Muslims from Northern Africa. To the Southern part of Spain, they called it Al-Andalus (something like “Land of the Vandals”). Hence nowadays Andalusia. Their cultural heritage is all over the place. Especially in the amazing city of Granada. And also in our secret destination: the nearby beautiful region of Alpujarras. (“Pastureland”, by the way.)
Sierra Nevada (no, not the one in California) is the mother-mountain range dominating a true spectacle. The region boasts impressive landscapes. Almond trees, vineyards and terraces give perfume to this itinerary. The villages adapted to the uneven terrain. Houses are built in tiers. They all face south, taking advantage of the excellent Mediterranean climate. The winding stone streets are an invitation to stroll. It’s an atmosphere of calm and serenity.
Take the white villages of Cañar, Soportújar and Carataunas. All well worth a visit. And don’t forget Órgiva. It’s the one with the strongest Moorish influence. You see it in the traditional architecture. You taste it in the food flavored with Arabic spices. You feel it in the handicraft. You must buy a “jarapa”! It’s the thick and colorful fabric used to make rugs, curtains, blankets, even bedspreads!
Discovering Alpujarras demands an absence of hurriedness. In times like ours, wellness is an overused word. Let instead history be your shaman. This far-off land is wellness at the turn of every corner.
