Camping Puerta de la Alpujarra

Spend days exploring the Moorish architecture of the Alpujarras villages from this site. Some of the most well known are in the Poqueira Valley – set off towards Pampaneira for craft shops; Bubión to see the huge square church tower; and Capileira for a wander through the narrow alleyways (all under half an hour’s drive). The area is also ace for ambling. When out on walks, keep your eyes peeled for mountain goats and the colourful hoopoe bird with its crown of feather. Next, venture further into the hills to try the jamón serrano – a type of ham famed throughout Spain – at Trevélez, the highest village in Europe with views overlooking a steep valley (55 minutes). While it may feel like you’re far from the coast at this site, you’re most definitely not. Southern Spain’s sandy Costa del Sol beaches are a mere 40 minutes’ drive away. Head to Playa de la Cagadilla near Motril to dip your toes in the Mediterranean; a little way along the coast from here is Nerja, known for its impressively large cave complex (50 minutes).