Portugos Travel Guide

Visit Portugos, Spain with this ultimate travel guide including information on must-see attractions, hiking/biking routes, best things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, and more.


A Comprehensive Guide to Portugos, Spain

If you’re looking for a serene and relaxing getaway tucked in the mountains of Spain, look no further than Portugos. This picturesque village in La Alpujarra is a hidden gem, offering a unique blend of cultural and natural attractions. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your perfect trip to Portugos.

Introduction to Portugos

Portugos is a small village located in the Alpujarra mountains in the province of Granada, Andalusia, Spain. It is rich in natural beauty and unique cultural heritage. With a population of around 500 people, it offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling cities and beaches in Spain. The village is known for its traditional architecture, friendly locals, and abundant agriculture, making it a perfect destination for travelers who want to escape the tourist crowds and immerse themselves in authentic Spanish culture.

List of Places to Visit in Portugos

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Iglesia Parroquial de la Virgen del Rosario: A beautiful church located in the heart of Portugos. It has a unique architecture that reflects the Andalusian style, with a Baroque facade and a bell tower.
  • Museo Etnografico: A museum that showcases the rich history and culture of Portugos and the Alpujarra region. It includes exhibits on traditional crafts, farming techniques, and clothing.
  • El Molino: An ancient watermill that has been restored and turned into a museum. It provides insight into the traditional way of grain milling in the region and is a great example of Andalusian architecture.

Natural Attractions of Portugos: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Parque Nacional de Sierra Nevada: A national park that is home to the highest peak on the Spanish Peninsula, Mulhacen. The park offers hiking, climbing, and skiing opportunities in the winter.
  • Sendero Sulayr: One of the most popular hiking trails in the region, Sendero Sulayr offers some of the best panoramic views of the Alpujarra mountain range and is an excellent way to experience the natural beauty of the area.
  • Rio Trevelez: A river that runs through the village of Portugos. It is a great spot for fishing and picnicking, and the surrounding landscape offers a perfect backdrop for nature photography.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Portugos

  • Sendero Sulayr: This 300 km circular trail offers a great opportunity for hikers to experience the beauty of the Alpujarras mountains. It takes approximately 20-25 days to complete the entire trail, but shorter sections can be done as well.
  • Ruta Medieval: A popular circular route that passes through several ancient and picturesque villages in the area, including Portugos. It is approximately 24 km long and takes around 7 hours to complete.
  • Ruta Alpujarreña: A scenic trail that leads visitors through the Alpujarras mountains, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. The trail is approximately 34 km long and takes around 7-8 hours to complete.

Best Things to Do in Portugos: Activities and Tours

  • Wine Tasting Tour: The Alpujarra region is known for its wine production, and several vineyards are located near Portugos. A wine tasting tour is an excellent way to learn about the wine-making process and sample some of the region’s best wines.
  • Horse Riding: Horseback riding tours are available in the area, offering an opportunity to explore the mountains and enjoy the beautiful landscapes from a different perspective.
  • Cooking Classes: Learn how to cook traditional Andalusian dishes with a cooking class. Classes are available in local homes and restaurants and provide an insight into the region’s culinary heritage.

Week-Long Itinerary for Portugos

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore the village of Portugos, visit the local markets, and try some local delicacies.
Day 2 Take a wine tasting tour of a local vineyard and learn about the region’s wine-making process.
Day 3 Hike the Ruta Medieval trail and visit the ancient villages along the way.
Day 4 Visit the Museo Etnografico and El Molino, and learn about the history and culture of the Alpujarras.
Day 5 Take a horseback ride and explore the mountains from a different perspective.
Day 6 Relax by the Rio Trevelez and enjoy a picnic in the beautiful natural surroundings.
Day 7 Hike the Sendero Sulayr trail and enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the Alpujarras mountains.

Food and Drink Scene of Portugos

Must-Try Dishes

  • Sopa Alpujarreña: A hearty soup made with potatoes, bread, garlic, ham, and paprika, characteristic of the Alpujarra region.
  • Choto al Ajillo: A lamb dish slow-cooked with garlic and chili peppers, served with crispy potatoes.
  • Puchero: A traditional stew made with beef, chicken, pork, and vegetables, served on rice.

Local Beverages

  • Vino de la Tierra: Local wine produced in the Alpujarras, characterized by its unique flavor and aroma.
  • Té Alpujarra: A local tea made with a mix of herbs grown in the area, including spearmint, thyme, and oregano.
  • Agua de Trevelez: A refreshing water sourced from the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Where to Stay in Portugos: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • El Castañar Nazari: A beautiful hotel located in the heart of the village, offering spacious rooms with the traditional Andalusian decor.
  • Apartamentos El Huerto de Juan Ranas: A charming guesthouse surrounded by beautiful gardens and located close to the Rio Trevelez.
  • Hostal Rural Atalaya: A cozy hostel located at the entrance of the village, offering comfortable rooms at reasonable prices.

What to Buy in Portugos: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Ceramics: Handcrafted pottery is a popular product in Portugos, with several shops selling plates, bowls, and vases adorned with traditional Alpujarran designs.
  • Honey: The Alpujarras is known for its delicious honey, made by local beekeepers using traditional methods.
  • Alpujarra Blankets: Local woolen blankets, weaved by hand and characteristic of the region’s traditional craft work.

Local Culture and Customs of Portugos

Portugos is a proud, traditional village, where ancient customs and cultural identities dominate people’s everyday lives. Local festivals and carnivals reflect the community-mindedness of the village’s people, including traditional music, dance and meals shared in the street. Make sure to respect local customs and show appreciation to the village and its culture during your visit.

Best Time to Visit Portugos

The best time to visit Portugos is in the spring and summer months, from April to September when the weather is mild, and farmers are growing and harvesting crops. During these months, the sun shines for up to 10 hours a day, and the temperature stays somewhere around 25°Celsius range.

Do’s and Don’ts of Portugos

Do:

  • Respect local culture and customs
  • Try some local delicacies and products
  • Take part in local festivals and carnivals

Don’t:

  • Wear revealing clothing in public places
  • Take photos of people without their permission
  • Disrespect the natural environment or wildlife

Safety and Health

Safety in Portugos

Portugos is a safe village with low crime rates. However, it is important to take necessary precautions and be aware of your surroundings, especially when hiking in the mountains and near rivers.

Health in Portugos

The village has a health center and a pharmacy available to locals and visitors. Make sure to bring any necessary medication with you, as well as any important medical documents.

Getting to Portugos: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Portugos

The closest airports to Portugos are Federico Garcia Lorca Granada-Jaen Airport (GRX) and Malaga Airport (AGP). Both airports are approximately 1.5 hours away from the village by car.

Bus Stations Near Portugos

The nearest bus station to Portugos is located in Orgiva, approximately 20 minutes away by car. From there, buses to other cities and villages are available.

Other Options

It is possible to rent a car and drive to Portugos from major cities in Spain, including Granada, Malaga, and Almeria.

How to Get Around in Portugos

The village is small enough to explore entirely on foot, but car rentals are available. Bikes rentals are also available for a peaceful ride into the hills!

Where to Go Next from Portugos: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Granada: The historic city of Granada, home of the famous Alhambra Palace, is just 1.5 hours away from Portugos by car.
  • Sierra Nevada: The Sierra Nevada Mountains, with their skiing opportunities in the winter and hiking/biking routes in the summer, are an hour’s drive away from Portugos.
  • Lanjarón: A charming spa town located in the Alpujarra region, known for its natural springs and famous Lanjarón water, is just a 20-minute drive from Portugos.

Conclusion

Portugos is an unspoiled paradise in the mountains of southern Spain, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. With this comprehensive guide, you are now ready to plan your trip to Portugos and explore one of the most beautiful regions in Spain!

Landscape in the Sierra Nevada Landscape in the Sierra Nevada