Gualchos
The tiny village of Gualchos is neatly nestled between the sea and Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, in the region known as the Costa Tropical, midway between Almeria and Malaga, in the southern Alpujarras.
The whole region is enchanting, naturally diverse, where you can sunbath on your terrace, with the
snow capped mountain of Mulhacen behind you. It is one of many small, whitewashed villages, which are scattered throughout the mountains and the region of Las Alpujarras.
History
The name Gualchos derives from the Arabic occupation, and means ‘hidden springs’. From the mountains down to the fountains of the village, runs natural spring water.
About town
The small, but friendly village lies at 1200ft above sea level in a natural enclave, shadowed by the Sierra Nevada mountain ranges and overlooking the Mediterranean to the south.
Amenities in the village are basic, but sufficient, with two bars, a small supermarket, icecream parlour, and a fountain where you can drink the natural spring water that flows down from the mountains. During the summer months the locals organise an evening open air barbecues, where you can enjoy, easy relaxed company and wonderful views to the Mediterranean coastline.
The villagers are mainly Spanish, but in the last few years the area has attracted some foreign
residents, so you won’t feel like the only ‘foreigner’ to hit town!
Gualchos is home to a beautiful Moorish church, which is definitely worth a visit.
Places to visit
Gualchos is conveniently situated for visits westwards to Marbella, Ronda and Gibraltar, eastwards to Almería and the natural park of El Cabo de Gata, and inland to Granada, the provincial capital.
The coastal resort of Motril is just 18 kilometres down along the coast, and is a sizeable market town, with a busy fishing port and a yachting harbour.
Natural surroundings
Set between the highest mountains in Spain and the Mediterranean Sea, the region of Las Alpujarras is one of the most enchanting and beautiful regions in the world. It’s one of Spain’s best kept secrets; a wonderful land of sunshine,
snowy mountains and some of the most splendid scenery imaginable.
The high mountains have their own special beauty; wild in winter, they come alive in early summer with the scents of wild herbs and the spectacle of tiny, brilliantly coloured flowers, many of them unique to the Sierra Nevada.
Altitude and sun have combined to evolve more botanical species in la Alpujarra than in all the rest of Europe.
The lush vegetation, views of snow covered peaks and fantastic hikes between the many small ancient villages, the area the perfect rural destination.
Cuisine
Typical cuisine of the region is based on hearty, rustic cooking; lots of stews, including a delicious lamb stew dish, trout, rabbit and goat dishes.
One delicious speciality of the region is a dish called Plato Alpujarreño, which is literally a plate of eggs, fried peppers, black pudding, sausage, cured ham and fried potatoes; it’s a bit like a Spanish all-day breakfast, delicious!
Other specialities include Asparagus cooked in garlic, rabbit in garlic, and for dessert custard with
liquored biscuit and Alfajores, which is an almond flavoured cake.
Climate
Gualchos has a wonderful climate, with skies so clear that you will marvel at the amount of stars you can see at night, with a micro climate which means the sun shines nearly all year round.
Its altitude means that during winter, nights and often days, can get quite chilly, but wrap up warn
and enjoy the landscape, which is just as stunning in winter, as in the summer.
