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70 km - 1 hour
Leave Granada
on the western ring road. Just to the south of the city at km 135
is the turning for the Sierra
Nevada ski resort.
The N323 now climbs up through the
pass at 860m called "Puerto del Suspiro del Moro".
(The Moors sigh pass) Named so because legend says the retreating
Moorish King took his last look back at the city of Granada and
sighed. You may wish to stop at the typically Spanish roadside 'services'
and do the same. If you are anthropologist looking for the 'Real
Spain' you will find it here. Ask for the key at the bar to take
a photo from the observation tower. Travelers not in a hurry can
turn right here and take the slow road down to Motril and Almuņecar
passing numerous pretty white villages on the way.
40km from Granada look out for the
village of Beznar and the reservoir on your right. Here you turn
left on the C333 for Lanjaron and the gateway to the Alpujarras.
These south facing slopes of the Sierra Nevadas are peppered with
villages that were the last stronghold of the moors in mainland
Spain. They have their own charm, architecture and culture. Trevelez
is the highest village in Europe. The Alpujarras
are often said to be Spain's best kept secret.
Continue to decend to the coast. The
River Guadalfeo valley becomes a steep sided ravine. It is an interesting
drive. Look out for the gigantic "Presa de Rules"
(Rules Dam) under construction. Overhead an arial cable-way delivers
construction materials.
At the bottom the valley suddenly opens
out into the fertile coastal plane.
Motril
is a large town. On the coast is its busy port, exporting products
from the coast and Granada.
At the N340 coast road turn left for
Motril to Almeria and turn right for Motril
to Malaga.
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