Ohanes Travel Guide

The first evidence of human presence in the area goes back to the Neolithic age, however, it was not until the Muslim era when the population began to settle mainly in Ohanes. The Alpujarra zone was divided into Tahas when the Taifas Kingdoms were established. Ohanes was the principal town of the Taha of Hichar until it was replaced by Canjayar.

This town rests on a hillside, with houses painted white, typical rooftops and chimneys of Moorish heritage. Its streets are narrow, staggered and steeply winding. Of brick colour, the Parish Church of the Immaculate Conception stands out in its urban area.

This municipality bases its economy fundamentally on the agrarian sector and livestock. Its flagship product is the Ohanes grape. This grape, also called the shipment grape, is characterized by large bunches and excellent keeping qualities. In 1835 it began its export to Malaga houses but decades later was exported to many countries, becoming the star product of the entire Alpujarra region. At present, Ohanes continues to bet on agriculture but with various crops such as olive trees, almonds, vineyards (which replaced the famous Ohanes grape, already in decline) and vegetables.

On the outskirts of the town, you can see the terraces for cultivation. It is a typical landscape of terraces, but about three kilometres from the urban centre, the visitor should not miss the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Tices. The more adventurous can take routes into the Sierra Nevada National Park.

Within the gastronomic offer of Ohanes, we find the arrocillo (a dish that is not made of rice but, rather, is a stew with beans, chorizo, fennel, pork loin, dried pepper, tomato, onion, garlic and panizo flour), the correas (which contains a pig's tail, ear, backbone and mask) and alfajor cakes.