The Region Altiplano de Granada
The Nature in Altiplano
In the North of the Altiplano you will find the mountain La Sagra (2383 meters altitude) which is a nature park and also the Natural Park Sierra de Castril, which is bordering one of the largest Natural Park in Spain, the Natural Park Sierra Cazorla y Segura (province of Jaen). In the region of Baza is the Natural Park Sierra de Baza situated. There are also three lakes; Embalse de San Clemente (Huescar), Embalse de Portillo (Castril) and Embalse de Negratin (Freila/Baza). Next to the eastern borders, in the directions of Orce you can enter Natural Park Sierra de Maria (province of Almeria). The Natural Parks have marked hiking trails and in most cases a visitor center where you can get information.
The History of Altiplano
The villages Huéscar, Galera, Castilléjar and Orce are also called the first villages of Europe. The archaeological and paleontological rests that were discovered are of great importance and makes this region a reference point for researchers. Here the archaeological evidences of the first European man of more than a million years ago were found. It was inhabited by the Iberians, the Romans and from the 8th century, the Arabs. The traces left by the Arabic culture are still visible in villages such as Benamaurel or Castilléjar, but also in Barrio de Santiago de la Alcazaba of Baza or the Alcazaba de las Siete Torres in Orce.
After the Christian conquer the Cristians built churches such as the monumental Colegiata de Huéscar, churches and houses-palaces such as the Enriquez palace in Baza or the Casa de los Patiños in Puebla de Don Fadrique. Information and pictures of all the villages of the Altiplano are showed here.
The Caves of Altiplano
Like the grounds of the Guadix, the Altiplano has grounds that were easy to excavate.; lime and clay This has caused that a lot of people since history have digged their own cave house. The advantage of a cave house is its thermic insulation, which ensures the temperature to remain constant along the year; warm in winter and cool in summer. The ceilings of the caves are round shaped and together with the walls they are whitewashed. Today a lot of cave houses have been renovated and some of them even have been changed into luxury holiday accommodations with all its charm and comfort.
The Climate of Altiplano
Baza's climate is classified as warm and temperate. The winters are rainier than the summers in Baza. The Köppen-Geiger climate classification is Csa. The average temperature in Baza is 14.5 °C. The average annual rainfall is 433 mm. The least amount of rainfall occurs in July. The average in this month is 7 mm. The greatest amount of precipitation occurs in April, with an average of 54 mm. The temperatures are highest on average in July, at around 24.4 °C. The lowest average temperatures in the year occur in January, when it is around 6.5 °C. (Source: Climate-Data.org)
The Gastronomy of Altiplano
The cuisine is known for its dishes with high calorific value, such as the "porridge cakes," the "gurupina" (made from flour, cod, potatoes, dry pepper, onion and mushrooms or "chanterelles "from the area), the" nape "(made from cooked dried beans, white beans, bacon, sausage, pork face, pork ear, potatoes, garlic, dry pepper and tomato), the" gurullos "with partridge or hare, the "babolla". Being in a continental climate, the quality of its sausages and hams is unbeatable, and pastries highlight the "bienmesabe" and Christmas sweets. Also noteworthy are the fried bread crumbs, unique food in northern Granada. (Source: Wikipedia)
Situation of Altiplano
Altiplano is the most northern part of the province and formed by two regions; Huéscar and Baza. The municipality of Huescar is the most northern region of the Altiplano. The Altiplano has a mountain and semi desert climate with hot summers and cold winters. The most people are working in the agriculture (almonds and olives) and the regio is famous for his lamb meat "Cordero de Segureño". Tourisme is in a growing stage; in this area you will discover the real Spanish live. The Altiplano has a very complete selection of attractions; from picturesque horse rides to paragliding and hang-gliding from the Jabalcón peak, as well as windsurfing, kayaking, sailing or trekking. (Source: Patronato Provincial de Turismo de Granada).
