Things to do

The Lecrin Valley offers diverse activities including hiking, cycling, watersports, and skiing. Visitors can enjoy stunning landscapes, vibrant fiestas, and cultural experiences like Flamenco, live music events and theatre.

Amenities include fishing and water sports at Lake Beznar, bike tracks and cycling routes, walking/hiking routes, nature reserves and local markets, making it a perfect destination for all the family year-round.

Below are just some of the activities you will be able to enjoy…

Perfect for walkers, cyclists, families, gourmet travellers and skiiers (in the winter!), twitchers and anyone else who loves the countryside, but likes being near amenities, the valley has wonderful views up to the snow caps of the Sierra Nevada, across to hills towards the coast, and down through the Lecrin Valley’s beautiful green landscape to Lake Beznar, a bright turquoise reservoir surrounded by walks, recreation areas and orchards.

The lake is great for fishing and allows non-motorised watersports, being accessed from Beznar village and the very popular nautical centre which runs waterspouts all year round and has a great cafe in the summer.

Outdoor Activities:

Hiking, Walking & Running: The valley boasts numerous trails that meander through its picturesque landscapes, offering stunning views of the Sierra Nevada and the lush surroundings. The Padul Lagoon, for instance, features trails with impressive names like the “Mammoth,” referencing the paleontological remains found in its peat bogs. andalucia.org. The Lecrin Valley, Alpujarras and Sierra Nevada is hugely popular with walkers from all over the world. Check out: http://www.treksierranevada.com/walks/start-point/lecrin-valley for suggested walks and downloadable maps, and At home in Andalucia’s post on Running in the Lecrin Valley, here: https://athomeinandalucia.blog/2021/06/12/running-around-el-valle-de-lecrin/
Cycling: Cycling is a popular activity in the area, with routes suitable for all levels of experience. The varied terrain provides both challenging paths for avid cyclists and leisurely rides for casual bikers. Read our article on cycling in the area and you can find all routes on the Cycle Sierra Nevada website. https://www.sierranevada.cc
Watersports and Fishing: Lake Beznar, a bright turquoise reservoir surrounded by orchards, is perfect for fishing and non-motorized watersports. The lake is accessible from Beznar village and offers a serene setting for water-based activities.
- Aventura Alpujarra – Watersports Centre – has all sorts of water sports for all ages, plus equipment hire, kids holiday camps etc. Plus a great waterside cafe open throughout the summer season.
- There are also lots of other watersports down on the coast at Salobreña, Almunecar and La Herradura (all within 30 minutes drive).
Waterparks: If the kids need an outing there are a couple of great water parks open July/August in Granada and Almunecar.
- Aquatropic is right on the coast at the Eastern end of Almunecar at Playa de Velilla
- Aquaola is just outside Granada on the Alhambra side at Cenes de la Vega (turn right at the big roundabout as you head towards the Alhambra instead of left up to the Alhambra itself).
Horse Riding: Exploring the valley on horseback provides a unique perspective of its natural beauty. Try Los Ceballos in Lanjaron (Alpujarras and only about 30 mins from the Valley- http://www.caballoblancotrekking.com and in Albuñuelas, Caballos Palmali Address: C. Estación, 12, 18659 Albuñuelas, Granada, Spain. Phone: +34 958 77 60 81

Cultural and Culinary Experiences:

Local Markets: The larger towns and villages host weekly markets, bringing together local producers of fresh, regional products. For example, Dúrcal’s market takes place on Wednesdays, while Padul’s is on Fridays. These markets offer a glimpse into the valley’s agricultural heritage and are perfect for sampling local delicacies.
Festivals and Fiestas: The Lecrín Valley is known for its vibrant festivals, especially those celebrating its rich agricultural traditions. In spring, the Orange and Citrus fairs highlight the valley’s citrus production, featuring open markets for farmers and artisans. Throughout the year, various towns host fiestas with fireworks, processions, concerts, and local cuisine, providing an immersive cultural experience.
Flamenco Shows: Being close to Granada, the valley offers opportunities to experience authentic Flamenco performances. There are often shows in the Generalife and occasionally within the valley itself (around the Restabal Fiesta – July), showcasing this passionate Andalusian art form. https://en.granada.info/flamenco
Tapas Tous: Granada is the home of Tapas of course, and every bar in the Lecrin Valley will give you tapas with your alcoholic drinks, but if you really want to find out more about tapas and learn about Granada at the same time, try a tour with Granada Tapas Tours – www.granadatapastours.com or Spain Food Sherpas: https://www.spainfoodsherpas.com/book-a-granada-food-tour/

Sports and Recreation:

Golf: Several golf courses are within a 30-minute drive from the valley. For instance, Los Moriscos Golf Club, located between Salobreña and Motril on the Costa Tropical, is an 18-hole links course with a driving range and clubhouse.
- Los Moriscos golf course. In between Salobrena and Motril on the Costa Tropical it’s an 18 hole, links course with a driving range, club house and restaurant. www.moriscosgolf.com. Urbanización Playa Granada 18600 Motril. 958 82 55 27
- Granada Club de Golf, Las Gabias. A par 71, 18 hole golf course at Las Gabias – 8 kilometers to the east of Granada City and about 20 minutes from The Lecrin Valley. www.granadaclubdegolf.com/. Camino de los Corsarios 18110 Las Gabias. T: 958 58 44 36.
Skiing: During the winter months, the Sierra Nevada ski resort, Sol y Nieve, is approximately an hour’s drive away. It offers a full range of pistes suitable for all abilities, with a ski season typically extending from November to April. For info: http://sierranevada.es/

Whether you’re seeking adventure, cultural immersion, or relaxation, the Lecrín Valley provides a wealth of activities that showcase its natural beauty and rich heritage.

FIESTAS

The Spanish love a good fiesta. And they go all out for it with fireworks, processions, paellas, tortillas, fun fair, concerts etc etc. They can last all week and go on well into the wee hours. Fiestas in the valley run pretty much all year round in one way or another, but principle fiestas “padronales” (patron saints) are usually May to September.

Acequias – 17/18 January and 3rd May
Beznar – 15th July
Chite – first weekend of June
Cozvijar – first weekend of August
Melegis – June PLUS Feria del Citrico – week before Semana Santa.
Mondujar – 24th June and first Sunday of October
Murchas – First three days of January
Niguelas – mid September – usually a week-long even
Padul – last weekend of September. Semana Santa is also huge in Padul
Pinos del Valle – weekend around 15-17th August
Restabal – last weekend of July (plus La Romeria in May)- https://www.elvalle.es/fiestas-patronales/
Saleres – last weekend of October
Talara – weekend closest to 8th December