Lecrin Valley

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Lecrín Valley

Church of Melegís, in El Valle

Between Granada and the coast at Motril, lies the Valley of Lecrin. An area of outstanding natural beauty with vast skies and stunning vistas. The rolling hills are topped with Moorish watch towers, tiny hermitages, its deep ravines, massive cliffs and abundance of water form the backdrop to the soft greens of olive plantations silhouetted against extraordinary red hillsides, glistening dark green citrus groves and delicate, spindly almond trees.

This is a fertile area where farming is still the principal occupation, much of it on ancient narrow terraces inaccessible to motorised transport. The local campesinos still use mules, which may be seen in the villages at the end of the valley, Albuñuelas and Saleres. Indeed the local houses still have cavernous storage rooms with stable space for mule and dog, which can be heard, and smelt as you walk through the streets.

The GR 7 runs through the valley and the signs can be seen at regular intervals on valley paths and houses.

The weather in the valley is very well defined, with scorching temperatures in the summer, and snow seen in the winter.

The local farmers can be seen harvesting crops ranging from oranges in Jan till when the hot sun arrives, olives Dec to Mar and almonds in Sep /Oct, and the many bars and restaurants serve local dishes from local produce.

There are more than 10 villages in the valley, many of which date back to Moorish times. The largest village is Albuñuelas, the last village. All are white pueblos with narrow thoroughfares, sleepy plazas and domed churches and each has its own fiestas celebrated with noisy good humour, much music and spectacular fireworks.