Capileira, the Highest Town in the Poqueira Ravine - What to See and What to Do

Capileira is the largest and highest of the three towns that comprise the beautiful Historical Complex of the Poqueira Ravine.

It has almost 600 inhabitants and is situated 1436 m above sea level.

The views from Capileira are breathtaking, revealing its elevated mountainous landscape, often dusted with snow during winter, and the adjacent white towns of the Alpujarra perched below.

As part of the Alpujarra Alta region (High Alpujarra), much of its territory lies within the Sierra Nevada National Park.

In fact, its municipal area extends almost to Veleta (3398 metres) and Mulhacén (3478 metres) peaks, just like the villages of Trevélez and Güéjar Sierra.

When planning your activities in Capileira during your visit, consider its prime location as an excellent starting point for numerous mountaineering routes to the highest peaks of Sierra Nevada.

On the other hand, here ends the popular Barranco de Poqueira trail, which begins in Pampaneira and passes through Bubion.

This short route of only 1.5 kilometers will allow you to enjoy a wonderful landscape and explore the other towns of the ravine.

Due to the inaccessibility of the terrain, Capileira was the last town in the area to be conquered, first by the Arabs and later by the Christians.

Like Pampaneira and Bubión, its neighboring towns, Capileira is part of the network of Most Beautiful Towns in Spain.

A Glimpse into the History of Capileira

The origin of Capileira trace back to ancient times, with its name of Roman origin and indications of Gothic settlements in the area.

During the Nasrid kingdom of Granada, Capileira was part of La Taha de Poqueira and witnessed power struggles between King Boabdil and his uncle El Zagal.

Felipe II expelled almost all its inhabitants after the famous Alpujarras Revolt and the area was repopulated with people from other parts of Spain.

What to See in Capileria - Churches, Museums and Corners

Streets and Corners

Capileira preserves the beautiful architecture typical of Alpujarra: Berber-style houses with small cobbled streets, narrow and hilly, featuring old laundries with limestone roofs.

The most beautiful thing you can do in Capileira is to stroll through its streets, explore its marvelous natural environment, and savor an ancient lifestyle that seems to elongate time itself.

If you look closely, on Moral Street, you can spot one of the few remnants of its Muslim past.

A piece of wall and a column from the old mosque are visible as part of the foundation of a house.

Parish Church of Santa María la Mayor

The parish church dates back to the 16th century. Its main altarpiece, in Baroque style, was constructed between 1753 and 1755, and is attributed to Navarrete's design.

Inside, you can admire an image of the Virgen de la Cabeza, the patron saint of Capileira, donated by the Catholic Monarchs. Additionally, there is an image of Virgen del Rosario, a work from Martín de Aranda in the naturalist style of the 16th-17th century, which is exceptionally well-preserved.

And something new to see in Capileira is the bell tower-museum, which the parish priest of the diocese inaugurated in 2019.

This museum exhibits, among other things: bell yokes from the 18th century, papal bulls from the same period, and a copy of the book from the parish archive containing the first baptisms of the settlers from 1573 to 1575 after the Alpujarra war.

Just for the wonderful views it offers, visiting this bell tower is worth it.

Capileria Ethnological Museum

In Capileira, there is an interesting Ethnological Museum dedicated to the writer Pedro Antonio de Alarcón from Granada, who devoted his life and part of his work to the defense of this region.

It is a typical Alpujarra house where tools and equipment that were used in daily tasks in earlier times are displayed.

Interpretation Service

The High Summits Interpretation Service opens its doors every spring and offers detailed information about Sierra Nevada.

Additionally, it offers a minibus service to access various points of the mountains, serving as the starting points for several peak-climbing routes, such as the Mulhacen, the highest mountain in peninsular Spain.

What to do in Capileira - Hiking and Parties

Excursions and Hiking

From Capileira there is a track that leads to the Sierra Nevada ski station, passing by the Mulhacén and Veleta and the lagoons of La Caldera and Río Seco.

It is the ideal place to access these peaks, and nearly all excursions depart from here. However, it can only be done outside of the winter season, when there is no snow.

It is advisable to be guided by a professional guide if you are unfamiliar with the area and not accustomed to high mountain routes. Additionally, always ensure you are well-prepared with appropriate materials and consult the weather forecast beforehand.

Some recommended places, in addition to the already mentioned famous peaks, include: Laguna and Puntal de La Caldera (east of Mulhacén) at 3,120m and 3,325m respectively; and the Aguas Verdes Lagoon and the Veleta River Valley (at the foot of the south face of Veleta).

A less demanding and very interesting route is the one that takes the traveler on a circular route through the Poqueira ditches.

Capileira Festivals

The patron saint of Capileira is the Virgin de la Cabeza, and festivities in her honor take place on the last Sunday of April, during which she is paraded in a procession.

The virgin wears a beautiful crown of flowers, handmade by the neighbors the night before the festivities.

These festivals are celebrated again during the second week of August, allowing people from Capileira who now live elsewhere to participate during their vacations.

It is also celebrated with great enthusiasm during All Saints' Day at the beginning of November.

During the Chestnut Festival or Mauraca, all the neighbors gather in the town square at night to roast chestnuts and drink anise around the bonfire.

Places where you can eat well in Capileira

For a small town, Capileira offers a surprisingly diverse selection of high-quality restaurants.

In total, Capileira has around 15 active restaurants. Here, we have selected some of the most interesting places in the area for their quality, price, and location, which are sure to leave a great taste in your mouth.

El Corral del Castaño Restaurant

Situated in Plaza Calvario, it features a charming terrace with a cozy ambiance, adding to its unique appeal.

During summer, the atmosphere stays cool, while in winter, it offers warmth, thanks to the fireplace-equipped dining room.

An interesting and extensive menu combines a diverse range of flavors.

It's advisable to reserve a table several days in advance to ensure availability.

Recommended dishes include oxtail pionono, Galician beef tenderloin, baked eggplant with vegetables, Iberian secret, tuna tartare, sirloin, and salmon with avocado.

Why Choose This Restaurant?

Opening Hours and Contact Information

Hours: open from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and from 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. Closed on Wednesdays.

Phone: 958 763 414.

Address: El Corral del Castaño Restaurant, Plaza Calvario, 18413 Capileira.

It's situated in the northern part of town, near the parking lot.

Moraima Restaurant

It's the first restaurant upon entering Capileira, offering a lovely ambiance with a wonderful terrace and interior lounge. The atmosphere is authentic, and the staff is very friendly.

They serve quality Alpujarra's homemade food of various kinds, including vegetarian dishes. Additionally, you can enjoy tapas on the terrace.

The prices for portions are somewhat lower than the average in Capileira.

A complete menu, inclusive of a drink, bread, and dessert, is priced at 10 euros, and a menu at 11.50 euros, is also available on weekends.

Why Choose This Restaurant?

Opening Hours and Contact Information

Hours: open from 07:00 to 19:00. Closed Wednesday.

Phone: 615 631 491.

Address: Moraima Restaurant, Calle del Barranco de Poqueira, 4, 18413 Capileira.

It is located next to the main road A-4129 in front of the bus stop.

Bar El Tinao

It is the best place for tapas in Capileira, offering a great variety of tapas and beers.

A charming bar where you can enjoy local cuisine.

It has a dining room and a terrace on the street. The atmosphere is lovely and very popular with locals.

Simple traditional food includes exquisite stuffed bagels, the Gaucín dish, the local sausage, and more.

They have a very extensive menu, allowing you to choose between several tapa options.

Why Choose This Restaurant?

Opening Hours and Contact Information

Hours: open from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and from 7:30 p.m. to 12:00 p.m. Closed on Thursdays.

Phone: 675 614 454.

Address: Bar El Tinao, Calle Castillo, 3, 18413 Capileira.

It is located in the northern area of the town, near the North Capileira Parking lot.

Where to Park in Capileira - Public Parking

It is advisable to park your car in one of the public parking areas at the entrance and in the northern area of Capileira. However, these parking areas are often full, making it difficult to find a spot.


Some people park at the end of the town, on the Camino de la Sierra, and walk down the road. There are two main public car parks, both of which are free.

1. Parking at the Entrance to the Town

It is located right at the entrance to the village on A-4129. It is not very big, with space for about 20 cars.

It is easy to find; you can see the sign when entering the town, just after the Atalaya hotel.

2. Northern Zone Car Parking

This parking lot is located in the northern part of the town, next to Castillo Street. It is larger than the first one, with space for about 50 cars.

How to Reach Capileira

How to Reach Capileira by Car

From Granada on the A-44 highway direction Costa Tropical, take exit 164, the A-348 road towards Lanjaron.

We continue along the A-4132 road from la Alpujarra, the same one you have to take to get to Pampaneira and we continue past Bubión.

Approximate travel time from Granada to Capileira is 1 hour and 30 minutes.

How to Get to Capileira by Bus

Three daily buses operate between Granada and Capileira, the same ones that go to Pampaneira and Bubión, connecting these towns with Lanjarón and Pitres. Capileira is the next stop after Bubión.

The approximate travel time from Granada to Capileira is between 2 hours and 15 minutes and 2 hours and 25 minutes.

The buses make a stop in Capileira and other towns, the last stop is Trevélez. They have the following stops in Granada, Lecrín Valley and in the villages of the Alpujarra:


See more information and schedules at alsa.es.

Other Villages of the Alpujarra

Here you can find information about other villages and towns of the Alpujarra: Soportújar, Bubion, Lanjarón, La Taha and Pitres, Pampaneira, Trevélez.

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