Exploring the Lecrin Valley

Walking in the Lecrin Valley
In the valley there is a myriad of paths and tracks, many of which are the legacy of Moorish and Roman settlers of centuries past. They are generally not marked, nor particularly well maintained, but they continue to offer a valuable insight into a genuinely rural community. The general rule is that if a path or track is signposted as private, do not use it. If it is not marked, then feel free……..you can discover some wonderful places by doing this. There are, it should be said, no laws of trespass in Spain, but respect for the property of others is an unwritten rule.

You can find information on particular walks, often accompanied if you prefer, from the Lecrin Valley sl. office and there are also maps of the area for sale. We have prepared a series of 12 walks based on different villages and these too are on sale.

Cycling: There are several companies locally in Durcal and in the villages in the Alpujarras which will hire bicycles. Some will organise trips into the Alpujarras. Contact Lecrin Valley sl. for information.

Golf: Apart from the 9 hole course in Motril, there is only one other course in the area. This is an 18 hole course, called the Granada Club de Golf, and it is in Las Gabias, near to Armilla. Take J 135 off the N 323, towards Armilla, and at the crossroads bear right. Continue on this road for several kilometres, into Las Gabias. At the Bar Parada on the left, turn left. The golf course is signposted from Armilla. No reservations are necessary, clubs can be hired, and if you play in the morning the cost for 18 holes is approximately 20€, more on Sundays and festivals.

Swimming Pools: For those visitors without a swimming pool, who find the summer temperatures a little too hot, there are several pools in the area which are open to the public. Mostly they are owned and operated by restaurants, hotels and bars, but in Padul there is a council run facility. Use of the pool is free however, and there is a small café. Drive from Durcal towards Granada on the N 323-A (the old Granada - Motril road), and at the first sign for Padul, opposite the restaurant 'El Cruce', turn left. After about 500m. there is a green sign (piscina) on the left, and the pool is further back from the road on the right hand side. Further along the N323A towards Granada, you will see signs for El Puntal - which has a pool and a restaurant as well as other attractions for children.

If you continue along the N 323- A towards Granada (the old road N323), ignoring the signs for the motorway, (the new N 323), directly ahead is the Suspiro del Moro. This establishment has two pools in a pleasant setting, which can be used for a small fee. The pools are open between mid - June and mid - September. The pass of Suspiro del Moro ( the moor's sigh) can also be accessed from the N 323, junction 140.

About a 20 minute drive south of Durcal is the spa town of Lanjaron. As you drive into the town, the Hotel Paris is on the right. Turn into C/ General Rodrigo and at the bend in the road you will see Castillo Alcadima. This is a hotel, but the pool, with spectacular views to the south, is open to those visitors who purchase a meal. The food is good, with tables inside and out, but in the summer it does pay to reserve a table a couple of hours before eating as it can get very busy.

Water Parks: There are water parks at Almunecar and Almeria and one on the outskirts of Granada - in the village of Cenes de la Vega .

Horse Riding: There are a number of places which offer riding for the inexperienced as well as the more experienced. Please contact Lecrin Valley sl. for details; we will arrange this for you if you wish.

©Lecrinvalley 2003

Back to the top of page