Area Guide for Trevélez, Granada

Introduction:

Granada’s Alpujarra region is home to many towns. The town of Trevélez holds the distinct honour of being the Alpujarra’s highest elevation. At almost 1,500 metres above sea level, Trevélez is broken into three areas: the low neighbourhood, the middle neighbourhood, and the high neighbourhood.
 
There are many unique items and sites that bring travellers to Trevélez every year. From delicious jams to impressive churches, Trevélez offers a little bit of something for everyone.

History:

Taking a step back in time, there is evidence that the Moors were not the first culture to settle high in the mountains of Granada. Although, there is no real documented proof of prior cultures. Legend states that three Moorish brothers named Vélez came to the area and settled in the lower valleys. As they were the first settlers, the town was given their name.
 
Physical records dating back to the 9th century demonstrate how the area grew during the Mozarab period and the Nasrid period. During the early centuries, the Moors established an impressive mosque and two rábitas (places of worship and education). They set up fields of barley and wheat to help feed villagers and ensure they had produce for trade. It is during the Reconquista that the Christians expelled the Moors from the area and then slowly rebuilt the population.
 
When the Christians began setting up their industry base, they felt that homemade smoked meats from trout to pork. Men opened shops where cured hams and butchered pigs would be sold and traded throughout the community. Fishermen cured the trout they catch in the clean mountain streams. This helped create a strong industrial base high in this mountainous region. From that day forward, Trevélez grew to be an industrious, yet quiet, town.

Site Seeing:

The Fair of the Cattle Trevélez began over forty years ago. Every October, townspeople get together and celebrate yearly harvests of beef, pig, and crops. The festival includes parades, rides, and plenty of food and wine.
 
Ermita de San Antonio is located in the middle neighbourhood. Carvings of the Virgen de las Nieves and San Antonio are two highlights that please visitors to the church.
 
In January, the New Year is celebrated by holding a huge bonfire. The fire represents a place where townspeople can throw away the bad from the previous year and start the New Year with a fresh slate. The Association of Women of Trevélez arrange and cater the event called the Chisco de San Anton.
 
The Parochial Church of San Benito is located in the low neighbourhood. Built in the 16th century, the Parochial Church sits over the former mosque. A number of interior carvings offer impressive views into the ancient architecture.
 
Seven Lagoons, the Tip of the Kings, and the Fortress are three natural wonders located in Trevélez that please many tourists. With hiking trails, glorious fauna, and interesting wild animals, there is much for the nature buff to experience.
 
Many area chacineras (artisan meat crafters) allow visitors to view the lengthy process involved in curing the freshly butchered pigs. If you have the opportunity, definitely visit a chacinera.

Industry:

The economy of Trevélez relies on the cured meats (pig and trout) to bring in revenue. The cured meats are sold throughout Spain and even other areas of the world. A look online finds many sites where whole cured legs of ham sell for at least 90€.
 
Tourism is another important aspect in the town’s economy. A small number of hotels, restaurants, shops, hiking trails, and historic sites bring tourists into Trevélez. In turn, tourists bring money into the area.

Gastronomy:

Hands down, cured ham (Jambón) and cured trout are the area’s most important culinary treats. Jambón is sliced extremely thin (like prosciutto) and served raw with platters of cheese and bread. This is a staple in the Treveleños diet.   Other area dishes include chestnut stew, royal cakes, sausages with fried eggs, migas de pastor (a dish blending ham, roasted red peppers, garlic, and fried cubes of bread,) and choto al ajillo (a stew of pig liver, garlic, wine, parsley, and fried cubes of bread).

Nightlife:

There are a handful of bars within Trevélez that offer incredible tapas (small snacks that are included in the price of your drink). It is essential to visit a tapas bar while you are in Spain.
 
There are no dance clubs within Trevélez, but the area prides itself on a tranquil, yet fulfilling, existence. Enjoy your nights in Trevélez by mingling with the friendly locals.

Summary:

With amazing scenery, glorious views, and extraordinary cuisine Trevélez is an area that will delight most travellers. Plan on gaining a couple pounds in the area if you do not ensure you are burning off all the delightful meals with an invigorating walk.
 
Cool mountain air blends nicely with long, sunny days. While the rest of Spain bakes in the summer heat, visitors to Trevélez are guaranteed to enjoy both the days and nights in this lovely mountain town.

Useful Business Links for Trevélez:

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