Where is Capileira?
Located in the Poqueira canyon, Capileira is one of the highest villages in the Alpujarra region of southern Spain, which lies between the Mediterranean coast and mountains of the Sierra Nevada.
What kind of place is Capileira?
Capileira is a small town with pretty whitewashed buildings, which clings to the hillside at an altitude of 1,436 metres. It is, in fact, the highest village in the region that can be reached by car. Like so many of the other Andalucian towns and villages, it has many steep, winding streets and gives the visitor the impression of having stepped back in time.
A stroll around the little town will lead you past gushing springs of fresh mountain water and earn you tantalising glimpses of spectacular views and scenery. The traditional white houses with their Moorish influence are like something you would see on a postcard, with pots of geraniums and the household cat basking in the sunshine.
What is there to do and see in Capileira?
Whilst the town has inevitably made some concessions to the tourists who come here to taste a slice of the typical Andalucian lifestyle, these impinge little on normal village life. All around you, families go about their business as they have done throughout the years. The visitor can, however, expect to find a good range of small bars, restaurants and places to stay, as well as a variety of craft shops. There is also a bank with an ATM machine, a pharmacy and an old wood-fired bakery.
The town has its own museum, where you can get a glimpse of the traditional heritage of the region, as well as viewing various artefacts which either belonged to or were produced by the nineteenth century Spanish writer, Pedro Antonio de Alarcon. Examples of handicrafts, items of regional dress, farming tools and implements, fabrics and carvings are all on display.
The eighteenth century village church, Santa Maria la Mayor, stands on the site of a church which dated back to the very early 1500s, which in turn stood on the site of the old mosque. The statue of the Virgen de la Cabeza inside the church was donated by the Catholic Kings in the 15th century.
What is there to do and see in the area generally?
Capileira attracts those who are seeking a different view of Spain than is to be had in the large coastal resorts, and many choose to experience this on foot. Although known as one of the best starting points for some of the more challenging walks in the area, there are many others which can be taken at a much more leisurely and sedate pace. The gorgeous scenery also tends to attract artists to the area, and you can even book a painting holiday, complete with tuition.
Capileira is also the base for the National Park minibus, so if you still want to tour the area but prefer to conserve your energy, this makes for a welcome alternative.