Villages of Las Alpujarras
Scattered along the lower slopes of the Sierra Nevada are numerous pretty white pueblos Blancos. Pampaneira, Bubion and Capileira offer many shops selling the locally made rugs and pottery, Trevelez, the highest village in Spain, is famous for it’s hams, whilst others such as Jubiles, Castaras and Mercina Bombaron remain largely untouched by tourism and are like stepping back in time.
Granada
The moorish city of Granada offers the most visited tourist attraction in Spain, the Alhambra. With it’s inspiring architecture and cool, relaxing gardens it really is an unmissable day out. Granada also offers it’s moorish old quarter of the Albaicin, the cave quarter and the modern city with it’s cathedral and plethora of shops.
Skiing
Many people only associate Spain with sand and sun and are surprised to find that Spain also offers a wide range of winter sports. Spain’s number one location for winter sports in the Sierra Nevada is located just a couple of hours away above the city of Granada and the Puerta de la Ragua with it’s cross coutry pistes and sledging is less than an hour from Valor.
Local Markets
There’s nothing quite like fresh fruit and vegetables, mere hours from the ground or the tree, and for sale at knock-down prices – a world away from packaged and plastic covered alternatives. To go once a week to the local market is always a treat, not just for the taste either. Treat your senses, colour, sight, sound and smell, to a day at the market, Alpujarras style!
Vineyards
The local area boasts many award winning vineyards for you to experience. In Ugijar itself is the bodega Domino Buenavista whose Veleta Tempranillo 2006 scooped a gold medal at the international wine contest in Andalucia. Not one that you may be familiar with as the vast majority of their production is exported to the USA. Other local vineyards worth a visit include Cuatro Vientos high in the Contraviersa, and the visitor center at La Alpujarride to name but a few.
Around Valor
Ugijar
Visit the nearby town of Ugijar with it’s bi-monthly market and wide selection of shops, bars and restaurants. Why not walk there along the river (approximately 2 hours and very beautiful), enjoy a leisurely lunch and then catch the afternoon bus back to the village.
Cabo de Gata Beaches
The beach resorts of the Almerian coast are only an hours drive away, or why not drive a little further to the Cabo de Gata National Park where there are long stretches of golden sand set amongst a striking volcanic back drop. The museum and botanical garden at Rodalquilar give a fascinating insight into the area.
Outdoor Activities
Walking: Valor is situated on the edge of the Sierra Nevada Natural Park and the network of mule tracks enables you to explore easily. There really is something for everyone, from the high peak of St Juan to the gentle strolls way marked around the village. A myriad of flowers dot the hillsides in spring, making it a truly magical place to explore.
Cycling, Mountain Biking and Horse Riding are all available locally. The Sierra Nevada is generally used for the Mountain Section of the spanish equivalent of the Tour de France and is a popular destination for cycling clubs.
Around Torvizcon
Orgiva
Visit the nearby town of Orgiva, made famous by Chris Stewart in his book Driving over Lemons. With a daily indoor market, weekly street market and it’s selection of shops, bars and restaurants it offers an ideal opportunity for people watching.
Costa Tropical
The coastline east from Nerja offers some beautiful rugged coastline spotted with coves, which offers a welcome relief from the packed beaches of the Costa del Sol. Try visiting the pretty seaside town of Salobrena or the restaurants on the beach at Cantarrijan.
Walking & Cycling
A stroll along the banks of the river Guadalfeo, only 30 minutes walk from the house, or up the Torvizcon Rambla will offer spectacular views and an appreciation of rural life. You may well meet the local goatherd and his flock or simply someone working in their Huerto (Vegetable Plot) who will be only too pleased to send you home with some of his produce. For the more adventurous, the Sierra Nevada, including Mulhacen, Spain’s highest peak, is waiting on your doorstep.
Cycling, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking and Quad Tours are all available locally. The Sierra Nevada is generally used for the Mountain Section of the spanish equivalent of the Tour de France and is a popular destination for cycling clubs.