Nigüelas

Nigüelas is in the Lecrin Valley, in the province of Granada, a territory that runs along the western slopes of Sierra Nevada and has a natural boundary to the south, the Sierra de Los Guájares. The region has its own micro climate, beneficent, temperate winds which give rise to landscapes of serene beauty where Mediterranean crops thrive.

The municipality of Nigüelas forms part of the Natural Park of Sierra Nevada where you can find areas like el Cerro del Caballo which, at an altitude of 3300 metres, is one of the highest in the area.

Although few references to the Muslim era have been found hereabouts, the few which do exist point to Nigüelas having been a large farmstead.

The original name of Niwala meant a lookout point, vantage point or simply a high point.
During the Islamic rule Niguelas was part of the Taha de Padul, being one of the towns that marked the Lecrin Valley as the western gate to the Sierra Nevada. After the Christianreconquest local agriculture maintained its distinctive character.

Monuments

Parish Church of San Juan Bautista
Fifteenth century Mill (The Laerillas)
Home and gardens of the family Osorio Zayas
Stately Homes

Directions

Exit Granada towards Armilla. Exit Armilla and continue until Ogíjares. Pass Puntal. Continue to Maracena and follow the road to Bailen - Motril. Pass Cuesta de la Valdesa. Arrive at Dúrcal and from Dúrcal follow signs to Nigüelas.

Gastronomy

Typical cuisine of La Alpujarra (migas, el remojon, local sausages, casseroles, ham and Moorish style sweets, like donuts, fritters and’ leche frita’.)

Distances