Granada Province is a kaleidoscope of landscapes, where nature reveals all its power and diversity. In just an hour, you can go from monumental cityscapes to semi-desert plains, then find yourself at the foot of snow-capped peaks or on the warm beaches of the Costa Tropical. Here, embraced by the Sierra Nevada—the highest mountain range on the Iberian Peninsula—altitude becomes more than just a number; it’s an essential part of life.
On the southern slope of this giant, in the heart of the Alpujarra region, lies a village that proudly holds the title of the highest in Granada. If you’re searching for this place, set your sights on Trevélez. Its name has long been synonymous not only with altitude, but also gastronomic excellence. The village is tucked into a valley descending from the slopes of Mulhacén, and is famous for three things: its lofty location, its world-renowned jamón, and a cascade of whitewashed houses clinging to the mountain terraces. Despite its apparent isolation, about 700 people live here year-round, spread across three neighborhoods, each set at its own level.
Trevélez is officially recognized as the highest village in Granada, with its lowest part situated at 1,476 meters above sea level and its upper quarters rising above 1,600 meters. This unique combination of elevation and the rarefied, cold, and dry air of the Sierra Nevada creates the perfect microclimate. It enables ham to be cured using traditional artisanal methods, without any artificial technologies, resulting in its unique flavor and aroma.
Life in Trevélez is a constant dialogue with the mountains. Winters are harsh, with heavy snowfalls that can sometimes make it difficult to reach the outside world. Yet this climatic rigor brings its rewards: crystal-clear air, an endless starry sky, and pleasant coolness in the summer months. The daily rhythm here is unhurried, revolving around small family shops, numerous establishments devoted to ham and other local delicacies, and cozy rural hotels and bars where Alpujarra cuisine takes center stage. Reaching Granada, the provincial capital, takes about an hour and forty-five minutes by car.
When it comes to the highest populated settlement in Granada, the name Pradollano often comes up. This main urban center of the Sierra Nevada ski resort is located at over 2,000 meters above sea level, significantly surpassing Trevélez in altitude. However, Pradollano is not typically considered a true village. It’s more of a tourist complex whose activity revolves entirely around ski season. Its population is not permanent, and most of its buildings are hotels, apartments, and facilities catering to visitors. In addition, administratively, it is part of the municipality of Monachil.
Besides Trevélez, Granada has other villages perched at remarkable altitudes. They share common features: a mountain climate, the distinctive architecture of Alpujarra, and a resilient spirit shaped by their proximity to the Sierra Nevada. Among them, Capileira, Bubión, Bérchules, and Pórtugos stand out. All are situated above 1,300 meters and each offers unique characteristics that make them true gems of the region.
Incidentally, Alpujarra is a unique historical and geographical region stretching across the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada within the provinces of Granada and Almería. Its landscape is defined by deep gorges and fertile valleys, cultivated by people for centuries. The architecture of local villages, with their flat roofs and narrow streets, reveals a strong Berber influence dating back to Moorish rule. This region remained isolated for a long time, which helped preserve its authentic traditions, distinctive cuisine, and unique way of life that now draws travelers from around the world.
