Spring
Springtime in the mountains is a beautiful time with flowers everywhere. Starting with the Almond Blossom turning the hillsides pink in February/ March through to late May the scenery is lush with a riot of colours.
Semana Santa or Easter Week is a major holiday in Spain, celebrated in Torvizcon by exploding an effigy of Judas Iscariot with fireworks. The neighbouring hamlet of Puerto Jubiles also celebrates it’s main fiesta, in a beautiful location beside the Rio Guadalfeo.
A great time for walking and mountain biking as the weather is not too hot. There are many senderos or local footpaths throughout the Alpujarras and some great opportunities for cycling both on and off road.
Summer
In Summer the weather is hot! Usually between 35 & 45 degrees for the whole of July and August with rain unknown. This is the time for lazing around the pool and topping up that tan.
Visit the beach and watch the local Spaniards enjoying their summer holidays. Fiestas abound with everyone entering into the spirit.
The evenings stay warm and life continues to be lived outside. Barbecues are a must, why not try some of the amazing seafood available on the coast. Alternatively, while away the evening enjoying tapas at one of the local bars.
Autumn
As autumn progresses the tree colours are spectacular, especially with the back drop of bright blue skies.
Why not try collecting chestnuts which grow abundantly in this area during November and roast them over the fire in the evening?
September is one of the best months in La Alpujarra, still hot but not as fiercely so as July & August. There is often a little rain which results in a “second spring”, a welcome sight after the parched summer months.
September is also the month when many of the local villages, including Valor, celebrate the Moors and Christians Fiesta, re-enacting the history of the area.
Winter
Whilst snow returns to the summits of the Sierra Nevada it is unusual for it to fall as low as Torvizcon or Valor. Days in the village are usually still warm and sunny although the evenings turn chilly, perfect for relaxing in front of the woodburners!
Christmas here is a relaxed affair without the commercialism of England. Whilst Christmas Day is a holiday, presents are not distributed until the Three Kings visit the village on Twelth Night.
New Year is celebrated with grapes & cava – one sip and one grape for each chime of the bell to bring luck throughout each of the coming 12 months.
January is the time of Torvizcon’s big Fiesta, St Antonio Abad. Bonfires are lit on each street corner casting showers of sparks into the night. Meat is roasted and shared amongst neighbours and the party continues for three days.
