Sierra Nevada

On Wednesday we caught the bus to Capileira, a small village in the Alpujarras, on the southern flank of the Sierra Nevada. The bus climbed up to over 1400m along winding mountain roads, it was an enjoyable ride. Our hotel, Real de Poqueira is situated on a small village square, and is a restored old village house. It has great breakfasts for only 5 euro, and a 25 m swimming pool that we have pretty well to ourselves, as it is low season up here. The white washed houses in the village are decorated with pots of colourful geraniums. Hydrangeas are plentiful also. We also have appreciated the oleanders that are planted in profusion in this part of the country. They make the roadsides bright with colour. 

We found a wonderful small restaurant that only seats 10 people and specialises in wild boar and venison. Home style cooking with lots of vegetables. They serve a local rose from an unlabelled bottle that is very good. Servings are big as per usual around here and you get lots of extras - olives, cured meat, desert and a digestive all on the house. We ate there two nights, but unfortunately they were closed on our third night. Opening hours tend to be quite random.

We have enjoyed some long walks around the Poquiera gorge and to other small villages in the area. It is a relief to come back to the pool as the temperatures are in the low 30s.