Albuñol

Albuñol is a municipality in the Lower Alpujarras, Granada, on the southwest side of a mountain valley near to the foot of Las Yeseras Mountain and very close and the Mediterranean coast. It has a subtropical climate, suitable for the cultivation of fig trees and vineyards that produce the famous wines of this region.

The southern end of the township is open to the coast, basking in the southern Mediterranean climate: a calm sea, bright blue skies and with warm and gentle breezes that give character and the name, Costa Tropical, to this unique region. Here you can find the towns of La Rábita, which has a small fleet that is dedicated to fishing for a variety of species, and very close by, La Rábita and El Pozuelo.

Albunol dates back to the time of the Arabs, but human remains and materials from the Neolithic age have been found in La Cueva de Los Murcielagos, (cave of the bats) discovered in 1858 when they were engaged in mining, since there was a mining company dedicated to exploiting the existing lead ore in the area.

The formation of the town is closely linked to the geopolitical division of Las Alpujarras, as the Muslims divided the Alpujarras into twelve districts called "Tahas", Albuñol and La Rábita forming part of the Taha  de Cehel.

At that time, Albuñol was called "Hins Al-Bonyul," which can be translated into Castilian as "Castillo's Vineyard." The Rábita continues under the same name. After the expulsion of the Moors, in 1505 D. Luis Zapata acquired the Lordship of Albuñol with Dona Juana of Castile and in 1508 also acquired the La Rábita.

In 1696 the villagers were cultivating Ermiso Real much of which was covered with oak trees, they began to till and cultivate the land for agriculture, and many farmhouses were built and given the surname of the new settlers and some even now retain their name, for instance Los Rivas, Los Galvez and Los Morenos. Albuñol was becoming an agricultural town with the traditions and customs of the Alpujarras, which are complemented by the nearby Mediterranean Sea.

In the late 18th century, Albunol came into its ‘golden age’, both agricultural and commercial, since the land was cultivated with vineyards, fig and almond trees, whose fruits were known throughout the Spanish lands, and also being shipped from the port of La Rábita to many national and international markets.

The geographical location and climate of the municipality of Albuñol offers visitors the chance to enjoy balmy sea breezes and the Mediterranean sun, and the calm and serenity of the Route of the Angosturas or to stroll through any of the labyrinthine streets of the town and enjoy the views of almond trees and vines grown with a fine blue sea backdrop.

Albuñol, "Boulevard de la Alpujarra," as it was named by Pedro Antonio de Alarcón where it passes through the town, is a getaway to enjoy the tranquility of the area.

Monuments

Iglesia Parroquial de La Virgen del Rosario (Parish Church of Our Lady of the Rosary) (XVII century, rebuilt in 1833), statuesque interior.
Ermita de San Antonio (siglo XVII). (convent)
Convento de San Gregorio (siglo XVIII).
Castillo. (castle)

Archaeological Sites

Cueva de los Murcielagos (high profile in the archaeological studies).
Remains of defensive buildings on the coast (from different eras).

Town planning

Rambla de Albuñol.

Gastronomy

Sausages. Alpujarreños dishes. (Local specialities)

Sweets: a variety of sweets of Arabic origin whose main ingredient is almonds.

Local wines and brandies.

Directions

Leaving Granada take Armilla direction. Pass Armilla. Turn left: Carretera de Motril. Pass Ogíjares and Alhendín. Continue along: Avenida de Andalucía. Turn right: E-902 / A-44 direction: N-323, Motril. Take the exit towards: Exit 139 - Otura - La Malaha. Pass Otura, turn left. Direction Puntal. Follow signs to Dúrcal. Pass Dúrcal. Continue along: E-902 / A-44. Take the exit towards: Exit 164 - Béznar - A-348 - Lanjaron - Alpujarra. At the roundabout, take exit 1 Continue: A-348 to direction: A-348 - Lanjaron. Orgiva and Pass Lanjaron. Pass near Sorvilán. Follow signs to Albuñol.

Distances