Place to see: Old Town, Capileira, Spain

A Break in the Clouds

A Break in the Clouds

Strolling the streets of Capileira in the Alpujarras region—between Granada and Almería, Spain—a sunbeam broke through our otherwise gray afternoon visit. The highest of three villages along the Rio Poqueira gorge, Capileira sports stunning views, traditional stone architecture and the trail head for multiple Sierra Nevada hikes.

About this place:

A precious little town overlooking the Rio Poqueira gorge, Capileira positively oozes charm. Now mainly a tourist destination (though we're hardly talking Disneyland crowds, here), Capileira still shows its strong farming heritage—dating back to Moorish times—with semicircular grain patios perched on the cliff's edge. Story goes that the cry would come up the valley when a gust of wind was coming, and everybody would throw their wheat up in the air, letting the wind blow away the chaff. Chaff doesn't fly so much these days, but you can still taste some great local embutidos and take off on great mountain wanders, including a two-day trek to Mulhacén.

Postcards about Old Town:

  • E. David Curiel

    14 May 2008
    From:
    E. David Curiel

    Wandering about Capileira, you'd be forgiven for forgetting you're an hour from the coast. It's a great introduction to the Alpujarras for its intimacy and proximity to the mountains. We literally walked out of town onto a mountain trail without really intending it! Our exploration of little corners for food was also highly rewarding. Being that it's in Granada province, we got free tapas—including house-cured chorizo-style morcilla (blood sausage)—with our local mosto (young sweet wine) behind a little shop that we literally had to duck to enter. Just perfect!

(No street address given)
Capileira, Comunidad Autónoma de Andalucía, ES

Discovered by E. David Curiel
on 11 May 2008.
Viewed 69 times.

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