Best things to do in Capileira in the Alpujarra
Things to do and see in Capileira
In this article, you’ll find essential information on things to see and do in Capileira:
- A few words about Capileira and its origins
- Where is Capileira on the map?
- What to see in Capileira?
- What to do in Capileira, in the province of Granada?
- Booking accommodation
- The main ferias in Capileira
- Some useful links
- The latest articles on Andalusia
A few words about Capileira and its origins
The charming village of Capileira in the province of Granada is a must-see destination in Andalusia, in the Alpujarra region.
Perched at an altitude of 1,436 metres in the heart of Granada’s Alpujarra region, Capileira is one of the most beautiful white villages in Andalusia and Spain. Nestled on the slopes of the Sierra Nevada and overlooking the spectacular Barranco de Poqueira, this mountain village immediately captivates visitors with its authenticity, Berber architecture and exceptional panoramic views.
With its cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, traditional ‘launa’ roofs and peaceful atmosphere, Capileira is an unmissable destination for discovering the soul of the Alpujarra. As the gateway to the Sierra Nevada National Park, it attracts both keen hikers and travellers in search of authentic villages.
Discover the best things to see and do in Capileira during your visit. The village has all the typical features of the Alpujarra region, with its white houses clinging to the mountainside, its narrow streets that evoke its Berber past, the famous terraces of the houses – tinaos – and its hat-shaped chimneys.
Origins of Capileira
The name ‘Capileira’ is thought to derive from the Latin ‘capillaris’, meaning ‘hair’. According to some interpretations, this name refers to its elevated position at the top of the Poqueira ravine, like a head of hair crowning the mountain.
The Moorish influence is clearly evident: there are many similarities with the culture of the Berbers of the Atlas Mountains in Morocco – including agriculture with terraced fields, the architecture of the houses, the cuisine, and place names (particularly toponyms). There is also a shared craft tradition: the making of rugs, known as ‘jarapas’.
Finally, it is one of the few places that was inhabited by Yemenis during the Al-Andalus period.
NB: It is important to note that in 1492, the Catholic Monarchs granted the Alpujarra region to Boabdil, the last Nasrid king of Granada, under an agreement, so that he could settle there and live with his court.
Where is Capileira on the map?
Planning my stay or trip to Capileira in the Alpujarra
- Book accommodation in Capileira
What to see in Capileira?
With its white houses perched above the Barranco de Poqueira, its panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada and its authentic atmosphere, the village offers a unique experience far removed from mass tourism.
Whether you’re a keen walker, a photography enthusiast or simply looking for an unspoilt Andalusian village, Capileira is one of the must-see destinations to discover during a stay in the province of Granada.
You can explore this village on a walk lasting around two hours, if you’ve decided to visit the villages of Bubión and Pampaneira afterwards.
1 – Stroll through Capileira’s characteristic narrow streets
2 – Admire the spectacular views over the Barranco de Poqueira
3 – Discover the Mirador El Cerrillo, the ‘balcony of the Alpujarra’
4 – Visit the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Cabeza
5 – Explore the old wash houses of Capileira
6 – Visit the Pedro Antonio de Alarcón Ethnological Museum
7 – Buy local crafts
8 – Sample the cuisine of the Alpujarra
9 – The legend of the Moorish princess
10 – What to see around Capileira?
11 – Hiking in the Sierra Nevada
1 – Stroll through the typical narrow streets of Capileira
The best way to explore Capileira is undoubtedly to lose yourself in its maze of narrow alleyways. Here, every street corner reveals a picture-postcard scene: white houses with their distinctive chimneys, flower-filled balconies, vaulted passageways and peaceful little squares.
The village’s architecture bears witness to the Berber heritage left by the North African peoples who settled in the region during the Muslim period. The famous ‘terraos’ – flat roofs covered with launa – are one of the most remarkable architectural features of the Alpujarra.
A stroll through the historic centre allows you to discover the full authenticity of this village, ranked amongst the most beautiful in Spain.
2 – Admire the spectacular views over the Barranco de Poqueira
Capileira enjoys an exceptional location high above the Barranco de Poqueira, one of Andalusia’s most iconic valleys.
From the various vantage points around the village, the panoramic views are breathtaking. The neighbouring villages of Bubión and Pampaneira seem to hang from the mountainside, whilst the peaks of the Sierra Nevada dominate the horizon.
On a clear day, you can even catch a glimpse of Mulhacén, the highest peak on the Iberian Peninsula at 3,479 metres.
3 – Discover the Mirador El Cerrillo, the ‘Balcony of the Alpujarra’
Among the most beautiful viewpoints in Capileira, the Mirador El Cerrillo is a must-see.
Known as the ‘Balcony of the Alpujarra’, it offers an exceptional panoramic view of the entire Barranco de Poqueira and the surrounding mountains. It is the ideal spot for taking photographs or simply enjoying the tranquillity of the mountains.
At sunset, the golden hues illuminate the white villages clinging to the hillsides, offering a particularly memorable sight.
4 – Visit the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Cabeza
Situated in the Plaza de la Iglesia, the parish church of Nuestra Señora de la Cabeza is Capileira’s main historic monument.
Built in the 16th century in a style blending Mudejar and Renaissance influences, it stands on the site of a former mosque. Its interior houses several remarkable works of art, notably an image of the Virgin Mary said to have been donated by the Catholic Monarchs following the Reconquista.
The magnificent 17th-century Baroque altarpiece is also well worth a visit.
5 – Explore Capileira’s old wash houses
The old wash houses bear witness to the traditional way of life that once shaped the daily routine of the inhabitants of the Alpujarra.
The Lavadero Viejo is one of the most interesting to visit. Fed by water flowing down from the peaks of the Sierra Nevada, it consists of several basins covered by a traditional structure made of chestnut wood and slate.
These public washhouses were part of an ingenious water system dating back to the Arab period, which can still be seen throughout the region today.
6 – Visit the Pedro Antonio de Alarcón Ethnological Museum
To gain a better understanding of the history and traditions of the Alpujarra, a visit to the Pedro Antonio de Alarcón Ethnological Museum is a must.
Housed in a traditional village house, this museum displays everyday objects, agricultural tools, clothing and antique furniture that trace the region’s rural life through the centuries.
The visit also offers an opportunity to discover the work of the writer Pedro Antonio de Alarcón, a leading figure in Spanish literature.
7 – Buy local crafts
Capileira upholds a long tradition of craftsmanship. The village has several workshops and shops where you can buy rugs, blankets, hand-woven fabrics and ceramics typical of the Alpujarra.
These handcrafted items make excellent souvenirs to take home from your stay in the Sierra Nevada.
8 – Sample the cuisine of the Alpujarra
You simply cannot visit Capileira without sampling the local culinary specialities.
Traditional restaurants serve the famous ‘plato alpujarreño’, a hearty dish made with ham, chorizo, black pudding, egg and potatoes. Migas, artisanal cured meats and produce from the surrounding mountains are also must-try dishes.
Enjoying a terrace with views of the mountains whilst savouring these specialities is an experience not to be missed.
9 – The legend of the Moorish princess
Like many Andalusian villages, Capileira has its own legends.
The most famous tells of a Moorish princess who is said to still haunt the narrow streets of the Barranco de Poqueira. According to local tradition, her spirit appears at dusk to unwary travellers. Those who return her greeting are then doomed to spend a sleepless night.
A mysterious tale that adds yet more charm to the village’s already fascinating narrow streets.
10 – What to see around Capileira?
As mentioned in the introduction to the best things to see in Pampaneira, you can choose to visit the famous villages of Bubión and Pampaneira, just 5 km away.
There is also a rather unusual village to discover in the vicinity: Soportujar, also known as the ‘village of witches’.
If you’re travelling with children, a visit to Soportujar will be a delight for the whole family.
11 – Hiking in the Sierra Nevada
Capileira is considered one of the main gateways to the Sierra Nevada National Park.
There are numerous hiking trails starting directly from the village, allowing visitors to explore the spectacular landscapes of the Andalusian mountains. Walkers can follow ancient mule tracks, discover the famous Moorish acequias, or set off towards the high peaks of the Sierra Nevada.
Hikes to the Poqueira mountain refuge and routes leading to Mulhacén are among the most popular.
You can also choose to explore this incredible natural environment by booking a hike to the ‘roof of the Iberian Peninsula’, setting off from Capileira, 5 km from Pampaneira.
What to do in the Alpujarra, in Capileira?
Below you’ll find a selection of ideas for activities to do in the Alpujarra. You can book them online today.
Bonus: all activities can be cancelled up to 24 hours before the scheduled date.
Book accommodation
Below, you’ll find all the hotels and accommodation available in Capileira, once you’ve selected your dates:
Capileira’s Festivals
Fiesta de la Virgen de la Cabeza
Fiesta de la Mauraca (Chestnut Festival)
Some useful links
- For those staying on the Costa del Sol and wishing to visit Andalusia, here are 9 magnificent guided tours from Malaga, Torremolinos, Fuengirola or Benalmadena.
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