Órgiva

Carrying on along the road from Lanjarón you will reach Órgiva, which is the largest village and capital of the western Alpujarras. It lies 49 kilometres from Granada and 36 kilometres from the coast at Salobreña. It has an altitude of 450 metres and a population of 6,500. Lying on a four-way crossroads, Órgiva has a large commercial and trading centre and many bars, restaurants, clubs and hotels. Thursday is market day, when everyone from the surrounding villages turns up - either to buy or to sell.

The parish church here is a 16th century mix of Baroque and Renaissance. There are also remains of a fortified Arab tower and at the Molinos de Benizalte, a 15th century Arab oil mill.

Trevélez

From Pampaneira, instead of continuing up to Bubión, you can take the road leading east towards Trevélez.  Trevélez lies 75 kilometres from Granada and has a population of 1,150. It is 63 kilometres from the coast at Salobreña and 59 kilometres from the coast at La Rábita. The village has an altitude of 1,476 metres, making it the highest permanent settlement in Spain, and it nestles below the highest mountain in mainland Spain, the Mulhacén. The altitude makes it a cool place, even in high summer, so come prepared.

The local cured hams are some of the finest found anywhere so may sure you try some jamón serrano during your visit. They are dried in the open and exported throughout the world, and may also be eaten in the many bars and restaurants in Trevélez. The village also has plenty of accommodation and a campsite.