Towns of Granada, between the sea and the mountains

The towns of Granada are less known than its world famous provincial capital, whose visit impresses anyone for its monumental heritage. But, in terms of beauty, charm and typicality, they have nothing to envy.

Keep in mind that this province offers you, in just thirteen thousand square kilometers, the Sierra Nevada mountains, where you can ski and see wonderful landscapes, but also beautiful beaches like those of Almuñécar or Motril where you can enjoy the warm waters of the Mediterranean. And, between them, you will find towns that will impress you with their peculiarity and beauty. We are going to propose some to you.

Guadix

Located on the northern slopes of the Sierra Nevada and some XNUMX meters above sea level, Guadix was a Roman colony, capital of the brief Muslim dominion of Abú Abdallah Muhammad and, later, episcopal headquarters. Therefore, it has many monuments to show you.

Perhaps the most important is the Cathedral of the Incarnation, built between the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries. This long gestation period caused it to combine late Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. The latter is appreciated above all in its spectacular façade and inside the temple the chapels of Don Tadeo and the one dedicated to Our Lady of Hope stand out, with a perfect equally baroque altarpiece.

Other religious monuments in Guadix are the convents of the Clarisas and San Francisco or the church of Santiago, all of them from the XNUMXth century. But in the Granada town you can also see many civil works of art. For example, the palaces of Villalegre and Peñaflor, both from the XNUMXth century, the Julio Visconti house or the building of the Town hall.

Órgiva

We are going to the Alpujarra area to talk to you about Órgiva, located to the southwest of it, in the Guadalfeo valley and in the first foothills of the Sierra Nevada. The most characteristic thing about this town is its Barrio Alto, made up of typical white houses and steep streets with Tinaos (typical arcades of the area) that lead to the hermitage of San Sebastián.

But also highlights in Órgiva the Palace House of the Counts of Sástago, from the XNUMXth century, which is currently the seat of the City Council. And, together with her, the Church of Our Lady of Expectation and Benizalte mill, equally both of the XVI. It is also curious that the municipal library houses copies of Don Quixote in fifty different languages.

Bubion

With barely three hundred inhabitants and located in the heart of the Alpujarra, Bubión is one of the most attractive towns in Granada. This is due, to begin with, to its specific location, in full Poqueira ravine. And also to the particular of their houses.

These respond to the peculiar architectural style of the Alpujarra. They are buildings with a flat roof for which launa, a slate clay, was used. And, between one and the other, you will see streets full of flowers and, in some parts, covered by Tinaos.

You can also see in Bubión the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, in the Mudejar style, and the Alpujarra museum, located in a house from the Reconquest.

Salobreña

We are going to take you to the coast so you can discover Salobreña, right on the Granada coast and with a magnificent Mediterranean climate. Although, really, the town is not exactly on the seafront, but on the nearby hill, giving you a spectacular image. In turn, in the highest part of that, is the Salobreña castleIt is an emblematic monument of the town and whose origins date back to the XNUMXth century. The building that you can see today was built on that original fortification, dating from the Nasrid period (XNUMXth to XNUMXth centuries) and to which later elements were added.

Other monuments that you should visit in Granada are the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, the medieval vault, the Holy Cross, the Red House and the Paseo de las Flores. In the latter, there is also a viewpoint that will provide you with spectacular views. All of them without forgetting the pretty Caleton beach.

Capileira

Among the towns of Granada, this is one of the most typical for its white houses of berber style that are always adorned with flowers. But it also offers you magnificent landscapes since it is located in one of the entrances to Sierra Nevada. As for its monuments, the Church of Our Lady of the Head and the house-museum of the writer Pedro Antonio de Alarcón, without forgetting the Interpretation center of Altas Cumbres del Parque de Sierra Nevada.

Montefrío

You will find this location in the region of Loja, nestled in a hill on the plain where the Parapanda mountain range begins. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful towns in the province of Granada for its narrow and steep streets. In fact, the entire town holds the title of Historical-Artistic Set since 1982. In addition, it is considered one of the places with the best views in Spain. If you go up to the rock where the arab fortress and the church will be able to verify that it is a justified affirmation.

Gastronomy of the towns of Granada

The cuisine of the towns of Granada combines the Arab heritage with the Spanish tradition and is based on magnificent local products. For example, the waters of Lanjarón or the ham of Trévelez.

Typical dishes that you can taste in these towns are the green beans grenadine, a stew that is accompanied by egg; the potatoes to the poor; the crumbs; the pot of San Antón, a bean stew with rice, blood sausage and pork products; the Sacromonte omelette, which is made with all kinds of offal or the gurupine, which is cod with potatoes, mushrooms and dried pepper.

As for desserts, you must try the almond soup, the mole eggs, the Albaicin alfajores, the bacon of Guadix, the donuts from Montefrío, the twisted puff pastry or the merengazo from Almuñécar. All these dishes make up an exquisite and forceful gastronomy.

In conclusion, the province of Granada has a lot to offer you beyond its beautiful capital, full of monuments. There are many towns in Granada that are worth your visit. You won't regret meeting them.