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GET TO KNOW THE LECRÍN VALLEY

"valley of happiness"

By Another Way Of Life

May 22^nd, 2019

The green, orchard-covered Lecrín Valley is situated south of the historic Moorish city of Granada, at the foot of Sierra Nevada. Its tranquil and unspoiled villages are peppered between citrus groves, mixed with pine, olive and almond trees, creating an idyllic scene for rural lovers.

It is more commonly known as the Valley of Happiness for its fresh mountain water that travels down into the valley from the Sierra Nevada mountains to the fruit trees below.

history

Steeped in history, the valley has been populated since neanderthal times and was a popular destination for the Romans who built baths here due to the thermal springs.

During the seventh century, the Moors reached the vast, fertile valley, boasting good earth, free-flowing rivers and the natural fortification of the Sierras. It spent decades under Moorish rule, with the last remaining Nasrid Queen being buried under the church at Mondújar.

In 1492 when Granada was surrendered to the Catholic Monarchs legend has it that Muhammad XII, known as Boabdil, reached a rocky prominence which gave a last view of the city and, surveying the Alhambra and the green valley that spread below him for the last time, he burst into tears. His mother approached him and said:

“Thou dost weep like a woman for what thou could not defend as a man.” This spot is known as the 'Moor’s Last Sigh' (El Suspiro del Moro).

This part of Spain proved the last Moorish bastion before their expulsion after more than 700 years of rule, and it is where the Islamic influences have remained strongest.

gastronomy

The most creative and relevant period for gastronomy was between the eighth and fifteenth centuries, that is, the era in which the Christian, Arab and Jewish cultures coexisted, leaving its mark today.

Christians cultivated grains, built mills and became master bakers. Their diet was therefore based on bread, accompanied by meats and fish in brine. The Arabs dominated agriculture and the art of irrigation, turning the area into an authentic orchard.

They introduced foods such as dates, raisins, olives, oil, cheeses, semolina and spices. oranges and lemons are often paired with meat and fish in dishes such as bacalao con naranja and carrilleras en salsa de naranja. Sugar cane used to be grown in the area, which is still paired with citrus fruits to create delicious sweets. Also locally grown are custard apples which provide an excellent source of vitamin B and C, as well as having antioxidant qualities.

AMENITIES

This tranquil spot is away from the hustle and bustle of the coast, yet within easy reach to the beaches with a 25 minute drive to the Costa Tropical. The city of Granada is also a short distance away, approximately 20 minute drive, and the nearest airport is Málaga at 1 hour 15 minutes down a newly completed motorway.

Padul is the largest town in the area offering all the main services such as banks, shops, big name supermarkets, mechanics, veterinarian, school, restaurants, bars and cafes. There is also a large medical center, with nearest hospitals in the city of Granada. Dúrcal is considered as the capital of the Lecrín Valley but is only slightly smaller in size to Padul, however still has very similar amenities.

LECRÍN VALLEY TOWNS AND VILLAGES

padul

This town is the heart of the Via del Mamut (Mammoth Route) where the remains of two mammoths, compromising of three tusks, two jaw bones, humeri, femurs, ribs and vertebrae, were found near to the lagoon in 1982. They belonged to the Middle Pleistocene era and it is suggested the mammoths were probably drowned in the lagoon area which later became a peat bog. The mammoth has become the symbol for the district. They even have a local ale called Mamut.

As a way of welcoming newcomers to the town, it is a tradition that all those new to the area must sit on top of the mammoth. In this case, we suggest the small mammoth!

The Casa Castillo de los Conde is a palace built over the ruins of a fortress, popularly known as “La Casa Grande”. One of its most interesting features is that this building is one of the few and rare “Palacios de Asiento” that are preserved in the province of Granada. The "Palacios de Asiento" are those that had seats located at the entrance, which means that they gave help to the poor who came to ask for food and compassion.

This particular town has a traditional breakfast that is still served to this day, consisting of herring with fried eggs and bread. A dish that was used to fill up the hard working men of previous decades.

dúrcal

The town once housed the largest cable car railway in Europe, however, it was taken down at the end of the 1950´s. An iron bridge now remains, known as Puente de Lata, which was built by a disciple of Gustave Eiffel (designer of the Eiffel tower) and was constructed at the same time as the cable car network. This bridge crosses over the deep bed of the Dúrcal River, and is now one of the best areas for bungee jumping.

The Baño de Urquíza, also known as Baño Chico, is a yhermal bath with waters at 24.9 ºC.

Many people come from both the region and abroad to these famous waters that, it is said, cure many diseases of the skin.

There is another thermal bath relatively close by known as Baño de Vacamía, which is larger in size than the Baño de Urquíza.

nigÜelas

Nigüelas is extremely privileged, being the highest municipality in the Lecrín Valley. The 3000m high “Pico del Caballo” mountain impresses visitors with its grandeur - in winter it is capped with snow, while in summer or on a clear day, it offers view down to the sea.

The town has a number of historic water, flour and olive oil mills. The 15th-century Laerillas oil mill is one of the oldest olive oil mills in the country, and has been converted into a museum of traditional agriculture, known as Museo Almazara de los Laerillas.

albuñuelas

The communal laundry facilities are still very much used by local women, who congregate here on warm, sunny days. The wash baths have always been a meeting place for the local women, where they are free to talk openly about private matters and catch up on the gossip.

EL VALLE AREA

melegís

The whole area of El Valle is well-known for its orange groves, but Melegís is the place most associated with citrus fruits, as the Orange Export warehouse is based here.

The town boasts a balcony overlooking the landscape of the valley and the reservoir at Béznar. This elegant balcony was designed by fine art students, which also created different types of benches and chairs to contemplate the view in style. The chaise longue is particularly unique.

Meson los Naranjos is a popular restaurant in Melegís and a great place to have lunch or dinner. You can dine inside or al fresco on the outdoor terrace. You will also find 2kg bags of sweet juicy oranges and lemons being sold here for a very good price.

restábal

This small village depicts an easy going lifestyle as farmers wave hello to you on their way to tend to their vegetables and orchards and donkeys pass in the streets with their laden panniers.

el pinar area

pinos del valle

The town is is situated at the foot of Mount Chinchirina and is split in two parts; barrio alto and barrio bajo.

At the top of Mount Chinchirina you will find the chapel, Ermita del Santo Cristo del Zapato. It was built in 1925 and co-called because of a picture of Christ with a painted shoe at his feet.

Tuesday is market day with just a few stalls selling plants, ceramics and some other household items.

For one of the best views of the Béznar reservoir and the rest of the area, go to the neighbourhood of Las Eras.

lecrín area

béznar

The Béznar Reservoir is located on the Izbor River, the principal affluent of the Guadalfeo River, where the Lecrín Valley finishes. The reservoir also consists of a dam wall measuring 134m high. During its construction, the owners of the houses that fell below the proposed water level were compensated by the construction of houses in an area known as Los Peloteos. The new housing is both close to where the residents formerly lived and has views over the reservoir.

Although the Costa Tropical is just a moment away, the reservoir has become one of the favorite spots for surfers in the area where a there is a constant firm wind ideal for surfing. You can also practice other non-motorized sports, such as paddle surfing, canoeing or kayaking.

MONDÚJAR

A Moorish castle ruin is proof of a population from the Al Andalus Kingdom, and is known to be the first summer residence of the Royal Family of Granada 500 years ago.

The 16th century church of Saint John the Baptist was built with local stone from nearby Cónchar and wood from Albuñuelas. The olive oil mill, known as Molino de Mondújar, was restored in 2005 and today is not only a museum, but a great space used for music concerts or Flamenco in the summer months.

talará

The village can also be confusingly known as Lecrín, only a few kilometers from the motorway which connects with Granada northbound and southbound to the beaches of the Costa Tropical.

villamena area

This area consists of two villages, Cónchar and Cozvíjar.

It is home to the Neolithic Arroyo de la Laguna caves, the oldest human remains documented in the Lecrín Valley corresponding to the Solutrean period (around 12,000 BC). It is the source of mineral waters from the Padul lake.

festivals

Día de la Rifa/Fiesta del Mosto, Cónchar

On New Years Day, the raffle of the Brotherhood of Souls takes place; one of the oldest traditions of the Lecrín Valley. It is an auction of products donated by its residents. A crier is chosen from the villagers to act as auctioneer, with the aim to obtain the best bids.

The festival was also known as the Festival of Mosto, celebrating the first grape pressing in the production of wine. It was always celebrated on the 1st January but is now celebrated on the 6th. Everybody comes together sharing plates of cheese and cured Spanish ham with a glass of cool mosto (grape must).

Fiestas de San Antón, Acequias

This festival was used to bless farm animals and to fulfill the promises made to St Anton when pigs, cattle, mules or donkeys fell sick. A long-established tradition was the St Antón pig, which was raised loose in the village, eating what each resident left in their doorway. On the Saints Day it was raffled to raise money for the celebrations. Nowadays there is an exceptional firework display over the river.

Mosqueteros del Santísimo, Béznar

The traditional parade of the Musketeers of the Holy Sacrament derives from the year 1566, as a result of an act of arms during the uprising of the Moors, when the Christians rescued the Holy Sacrament that had been stolen by the Muslims. These festivities, which are celebrated the second week of September, are commemorated with processions, festivals and fireworks.

From the beginning until the end of the festivities, the muskets do not stop sounding for a single moment, fired by the members of the Brotherhood. The sergeant and the fraternal Lieutenant of the Brotherhood carry out the 'ceremony of courtesy' in front of the church, before paying all homage to the Blessed Sacrament. At sunset, it ends with a all muskets firing at once.

Orange Festival, El Valle

This festival has been taking place for barely five years but has already become a big event, attracting residents of the Province to sample the traditional dishes on offer and compete in the numerous competitions which are organised. Furthermore, it celebrates and publicizes the orange, the Valleys star fruit.

Flamenco Festivals, Réstabal

Flamenco festivals are held every year throughout the Lecrín Valley, however, Réstabal holds a particularly special festival not worth missing. A summer evening of dinner, drinks and a flamenco show is a perfect way to spend a weekend.

FIAMPSE-International Forum of Superior Musical Perfection of Southern Europe, Nigüelas

Originally, this important musical and educational forum was planned for a different venue in each edition. However, due to the great reception and musical tradition of the people of Nigüelas, the organizers decided that it should be held annually in the valley. From July 28th to August 12th you can enjoy the concerts and activities of the forum in various settings in the musical town.

population

The local residents of the Lecrín Valley are resilient and a pretty happy bunch. They love their villages and their lifestyle, still living pretty much as they have always done. Daily vans deliver almost everything in from bread to bottled water, fish, fruit and even sleepwear! There’s nothing you can’t get from a man with a van in the Valley.

While there has been a marked and regretful exodus of both foreigners and local young people over the last few years due to the GFC, with good communications infrastructure, transport and utilities in most villages, for those who can either commute or work from home.

climate

The Lecrín Valley has a great climate. Due to its privileged position surrounded by mountains it enjoys its own micro climate, thereby avoiding the extremes of temperature experienced in other inland parts of the Granada province. The average annual temperature is 17ºC with a typical summer day averaging 25ºC to 30ºC. In the summer a gentle afternoon breeze usually picks up which helps to cool the siesta temperatures.

In autumn the days are still warm but the nights gradually start to get cooler. This time of year is often referred to as a “second spring” due to a second burst of growth for crops and wild plants. The winters are crisp and bright with relatively little rain and clear blue skies contrasting sharply with the snow covered peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Spring is most people’s favourite time of year when the valley becomes a riot of colours with pink almond blossom, white orange blossom and wild flowers springing to life.

Almond Blossom - Spring in the Lecrín Valley

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