Sorvilán

The municipality of Sorvilánextends steeply down to the Mediterranean Sea from the Sierra de la Contraviesa, which is 1,000 metres above sea level. The mountain range maintains this altitude across its entire length.

When you visit this area you will be constantly stunned by the amazing landscape, with its many ravines, hills, streams and beaches. The lost villages and farmhouses, white dots against the backdrop of the blue sea, green meadows and russet mountains, are all worth seeing.

There are many ancient oak trees around here, which are remnants of a great forest that used to grow in the area. The town of Alfornón used to be part of the municipality until a few decades ago. Los Yesos is the second largest village in the municipality and Melicena is the third largest. The latter is one of the few places along the Spanish Mediterranean coast where the word ‘peace’ has not yet lost its meaning.

Sorvilán is an area that is clearly of Islamic origin and from the very beginning of its existence it was characterised by its flourishing agricultural industry. In the 8^th and 9^th centuries an efficient irrigation system was developed for its vineyards, which was later improved by the Moors and also by the Christian settlers after the Reconquista.

In the 14^th century it became part of the Taha del Gran Zehel until the lands were ceded to Boabdil, the last Moorish king of Granada. Its location was hugely advantageous, and because it was built on a hill, it was generally spared from attacks by pirates in the 17^th century. Wine production has been the driver of the local economy for many years. Today subtropical crops are increasingly being produced here, and the town is becoming a more popular tourist area, especially along the coast.

In Sorvilán you will see vines, almond trees, tomatoes, watermelons, squash, aubergines and melons. You can enjoy the typical dishes of La Alpujarra, such as Migas, Gachas and many different kinds of fish dishes. The most famous dessert is the Cuajado de almendras.