Andalucia Trevélez is a village in the province of Granada; Spain. Its population under 1,000 people |
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Trevélez
Most well-known for its mouth-watering cured ham, jamón serrano, the village of Trevélez is one of the highest in Spain at 1,476 m (4,870 ft). Its clear mountain air is ideal for drying the sweet-tasting ham, which has its own Denominación de Origen, although it′s not as pricey as jamón from Jabugo in the Sierra de Aracena. Try it for yourself at any of Trevélez´s many bars, which have hams hanging from the ceiling. Local specialities made with ham include habas con jamón (broad beans and ham) and fresh trout (trucha).
Located near the head of the steep-sided and dramatic Trevélez river valley, the village′s population of around 800 is divided between three adjacent and separpate barrios (districts or quarters): bajo, medio and alto(lower, middle and high). The Lower district, Barrio Bajo, is the most touristy out of the three, and has the highest concentration of handicraft shops, bars restaurants and places to stay. The Middle district, Barrio Media, is quieter and less expensive and also can be reached directly from the A-4132. The Upper district, Barrio Baja, is very small and can only be reached from walking (only local dare to drive) the winding road from the Middle district to Plaza Barrio Alto. Here there is only one bar at 1,550m (5,115 feet) and commanding views over the village. Walking through the street to the top of the village at a viewpoint on an old threshing circle called Mirador Era El Fuerte. This is at at 1,600m (5,280 feet).
Restaurants
Piedra Ventana is situates spot in the lower (baja) part of the village, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere along with countryside valley views. With a spacious outdoor terrace and a cosy interior adorned with traditional decor—think dried chillies, hanging hams, antique farm tools, and beautifully restored heirlooms - it’s a place where history and flavour come together. The menu is a celebration of time-honoured recipes passed down from the village grandmothers, bringing you the authentic tastes of the region. Whether you're in the mood for a full meal or just a light bite, Piedra Ventana has something for everyone. If you prefer a more casual experience, you can sit beneath the hanging hams at the bar or relax on the terrace while enjoying a selection of delicious tapas. A visit to Piedra Ventana is not just about food—it’s about soaking up the charm and traditions of the area in a truly special setting.
 Restaurante Piedra Ventana |
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Hotels in and around Trevelez
In the upper part part of Barrio Medio, the delightful one-star Hotel La Fragua its restaurant, Mesón La Fragua has superb views. Hostal Regina and Hotel Rural Pepe Alvarez are in prime location in the centre of the Baja district. Five kilometres outside the village is the three-star Hotel Alcazaba de Buquistar where all rooms have a living area with a fireplace and TV. The municipal campsite is also 1km out of the village on the Órgiva road.
Book Hotels in Trevélez
 Trevélez, Andalucía—plant pots wrapped in colorful knitted covers bask in the sun, while peppers and chilies hang to dry in the warm mountain air |
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Spring and Fountiains and Wash-houses
The village is full of curiosities to be discovered by walking around. There are many natural springs and old lavaderos (communal laundries). Start with the old Fuente de Plaza Francisco Abellan on the north wall of the 'main square' in the centre of the Barrio Bajo. Walk up Calle Real to the Fuente-Lavadero del Barrio Bajo. This is a typical fountain-washing house with three sections; a drinking fountain, a clothes washing house and a watering trough for animals, always in that order. Continue until you reach the square in front of the main entrance to the parish church of San Benito. The Fuente de la Plaza de la Inglesia has always been here. The "tinao" roof that now protects it dates from 1991, and the large pond that surrounded it no longer exists. Continue up calle Cuesta and calle Pereza to the main square of Barrio Medio, where the Fuente Colon is located, built in the 1950s. Nearby are two washhouses and the water trough for the animals. In calle Posados is the Fuente de la Ermita, an old spring restored in the 1990s and located under a house. Going up Calle San Antonio and passing under the archway, you will find the Fuente Moreno, a lavadero spring in Calle Horno, under the portico of a house, a popular source of fresh water for walkers coming down from the summit of Mulhacén. Continue along Calle Horno until you reach a narrow street that leads down to Plaza del Barrio Medio, with its fountain.
If you are fit enough, you can continue on to Barrio Alta, via Calle Cárcel and then along the Barrio Alto route (Calle Charquillo). When you reach Barrio Alto, just before the stream, turn right and walk up a short path to the Barrio Alto Fountain-Washhouse. Here you will find a large fountain with a large water trough and a washhouse that was renovated in 1993. Having come this far, visit the Barrio Alta and see the Trevelez Eagle, the little stone pigsty and, at the top of the Barrio Alto, the old threshing circle, now a viewpoint called Era de la Fuente.
The three little pigs
Do you remember the story of the three little pigs who built houses out of straw, wood and stone to protect themselves from the big bad wolf? "Little pig, little pig, let me come in." "No, not by the hair on my chinny chin chin." "Then I'll huff, and I'll puff, and I'll blow your house". A cute reconstruction of their houses, popular with young children (and not so young), has been carefully placed; one in the main square of each of the three barrios to encourage visitors to explore and spread out. The straw pig house is in Barrio Baja, the wooden pig house is in Barrio Medio and the less visited Alpujjaran stone pig house is in Barrio Alto. Hunt them down and you will have an adventure on your way!
Churches
San Benito Church
18th century church, renovated after the Civil War, in which there are images of great value.
Ermita de San Antonio The hermitage that houses sculptures of San Antonio and Virgin de las Nieves is located in the Barrio Medio.
Viewpoints
The lowest viewpoint is just outside the village on the A-4132 towards Almegijar. It is a wonderful view along the river Trevelez, looking up to the village nestled in the valley. it is best visited in the morning. Roadside parking is limited to two cars. The viewpoint has a plastic Jamon de Trevelez seat, ideal for an Instagram photo.
The highest viewpoint is at the top of the village's Barrio Alta. The Mirador Era El Fuerte is an old threshing circle. Exceptional views over the roof of Treevelez and down the valley. Best in the afternoon. This viewpoint is situated at an altitude of 1,600m.
Mt. Mulhacen
A popular walking route up to the summit of Mt. Mulhacen starts in Trevelez and the round trip is a two day hike. This route is one of four main routes up the mountain and passes through forest and open mountain expanse. For more information read our concise Mt. Mulhacen Guide.
hiking the local area
If you want to hike to the peaks in the Sierra Nevada National Park, Trevélez is an excellent base with a well-trodden track leading from the village. It is also the starting point for trips to Las Siete Lagunas, seven impressive glacial lakes set in the mountains. For a shorter stroll, take the road next to the police station that crosses the Chico river from Barrio Medio. This leads to the Era de la Cruz, a old threshing floor from where there are fine views over the village and valley.
You can also walk along the banks of the River Trevelez, a popular spot for fishing and swimming in the summer. Especially in the recreational area and natural pools downstream from the main bridge on the A-4132 Órgiva-Laujar road.
feast of san antonio
On the feast day of San Antonio (13-14 June) is a dramatic re-enactment of the battle between the Moors and the Christians, the Moros y los Cristianos. As the Alpujarras were the last redoubt of the Moors in the late 15th century, this is a particularly apt theme for a village in the region. You can see similar spectacles in the villages of Válor (14-15 September) and Pampaneira (3 May).
pilgrimage to Mulhacen summit
If you´re visiting in early August, don′t miss the village pilgrimage to a tiny shrine on the Mulhacén, the highest peak in the Iberian Peninsula. The Romería de la Virgen de las Nieves is dedicated, as its name suggests, to the Virgin of the Snows, although Mulhacén rarely has snow on its summit in the height of summer.
When to visit
Trevelez is very popular on Sundays and bank holidays, especially as a day trip from Granada or the coast on a sunny winter's day. The A-4132 from Orgiva is busy going up in the morning and down in the late afternoon. The better to visit during the week of you can.
Tourist information
Tourist information available at the Town Hall, Tel: 958 858 501.
