The province of Almería is home to a remarkable variety of landscapes, ranging from deserts and coastline to high mountain terrain. In the Alpujarra region of Almería, roads climb steadily towards villages situated at unusually high elevations for the province. Among them is the highest village in Almería, a small destination with a history closely linked to the repopulation of the Alpujarras following the Moorish rebellion.
The highest village in Almería
The highest village in Almería is Bayárcal, a village in the Alpujarra Almeriense, situated at an altitude of 1,258 metres. It lies on the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, and its municipal boundaries border the province of Granada to the north, west and south.
With 294 inhabitants, according to 2025 INE data, Bayárcal retains the character of a high-mountain village, with quiet streets and homes adapted to the steep terrain. Its territory includes parts of the Sierra Nevada National Park, which covers almost 60% of the municipality.
The village acquired its own identity in 1572 following the defeat of the Morisco rebels during the War of the Alpujarras. After the destruction of the once-important settlement of Ynizar, the area was repopulated with Christian settlers, including converts and newcomers from various parts of Spain, particularly Navarre.
In addition to its altitude, Bayárcal is notable for its Mudéjar heritage and for preserving traditions such as its annual Moors and Christians celebrations.
How to get to Bayárcal
Bayárcal is located 76 km from the city of Almería. The most direct route is via the A-348, heading towards the Alpujarra Almeriense before continuing on the AL-5402, which links several towns and villages in the area.
The journey passes through a mountain landscape characterised by winding roads and steep gradients, typical of the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada.
What to see in Bayárcal
Bayárcal can easily be explored on foot, combining cultural heritage with impressive natural surroundings. Some of its highlights include:
- San Francisco Javier church: The village's principal monument, this Mudéjar-style church preserves a 16th-century altarpiece and an original wooden roof.
- Church tower with Moorish tiles: Located beside the main church building, the bell tower retains traces of mosaics and tiles dating back to the Moorish period.
- Ánimas hermitage: Situated beside the cemetery at the entrance to the village from Paterna del Río, this stone building dates to between the 17th and 18th centuries.
- The Sierra Nevada surroundings: Much of Bayárcal's appeal lies beyond the village itself. Its position on the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada provides spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
Living in the Alpujarra region of Almería
The Alpujarra Almeriense is made up of mountain villages where daily life remains closely tied to the landscape, traditional agriculture and strong community ties. Its altitude brings cold winters and generally milder summers than those experienced along the coast or in lower inland areas of the province.
Living in this part of Almería also means adapting to some of the realities of rural life, including a small population and longer journeys to access certain services. In Bayárcal, for example, the local rural school only covers the first two years of compulsory secondary education, with students continuing their studies in Laujar de Andarax.
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The highest villages in Almería
Several towns and villages in Almería sit at elevations above 1,000 metres. These are the five highest in the province:
- Bayárcal, 1,258 metres: The highest village in Almería, located in the Alpujarra Almeriense on the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada.
- Bacares, 1,206 metres: Situated in the Sierra de los Filabres, its urban layout adapts to the mountainous terrain, while its altitude gives it a landscape and climate very different from those of the coast.
- María, 1,194 metres: Located in the north of the province, within the Sierra de María-Los Vélez area.
- Paterna del Río, 1,193 metres: Another municipality in the Alpujarra Almeriense and the neighbouring village of Bayárcal.
- Vélez-Blanco, 1,070 metres: Known for its historic heritage, particularly its castle, and its location in the Los Vélez region.
