The Best Cafés and Coffeehouses in Spain's Sierra Nevada

For a late afternoon coffee and spectacular views of the Sierra Nevada’s Alpujarra region, head to Teteria Magick, easily the coolest café/bar in Capileira. From its outside terrace, you have uninterrupted views of the Poquiera valley – also home to the lovely villages of Pamapneira and Bubión. Best accompanied by a copa or one of their aromatic fusion teas.

Worked up an appetite summiting Veleta, the Sierra Nevada’s second highest mountain? Then head to Café-Bar Ski Bob, a cute little chalet located just above the town of Sierra Nevada. It’s famous for its enormous homemade burgers, which have sated many a ravenous trekker over the years. Best washed down with an ice-cold Alhambra beer.

Located on Plaza Libertad, Pampaneira’s beautiful main square, Café Europa is a popular choice for both tourists and locals. It’s sought out for its fresh fruit juices – made to order from local produce – its variety of herbal teas and its delicious crepes, making it a great spot for either breakfast or merienda (the Spanish equivalent of afternoon tea).

Early risers visiting Capileira will naturally gravitate to Restaurant Moraima, a rustic joint that opens its doors at 7am every day. It’s unbeatable for a hearty Spanish breakfast of coffee and tostadas before a morning’s trekking, or a tapa and cold beer afterwards. Grab a table out on the sunny terrace, overlooking the gorgeous Poquiera valley.

Home to the most famous bottled water brand in Spain, Lanjarón is the first of the Alpujarras villages you encounter on the mountain road from Granada. Denebola is one of its best cafés: located on the main street, it’s popular amongst visitors and locals for its waffles, cakes and milkshakes, all of which can be savoured in a light-filled, contemporary interior.

Sweet-toothed visitors to the Alpujarras shouldn’t leave without checking out Café Delicas, a funky coffeehouse in Capileira. It’s known for its irresistible homemade cakes and tarts, which can be enjoyed in a colourful interior or a terrace on one of the village’s liveliest streets. The mini meal-deal – a cake or croissant with a coffee or tea – is less than €3 (USD$3.50).

Pradollano (also referred to as “Sierra Nevada town”) is the Sierra Nevada’s ski resort’s main urbanisation, and Badia is one of its most popular hangouts. With a big terrace overlooking the most southerly ski slopes in Europe, it’s a great place to come for breakfast, or to watch the sun set with a beer after a day’s skiing. Be sure to try the awesome homemade burgers.