Alcolaya

The content of this application is based on the medieval fortress known as Castillejo, the oldest surviving architectural structure in Alcolea. It consists of the remains of a tower and part of a wall which formed part of a larger walled complex protected as a Cultural Heritage Site since 1985.

The knowledge we have regarding this structure gives us an idea of what the landscape must have been like in this zone in the past. A privileged enclave between the foothills of the Sierra Nevada and the Sierra de Gádor that we can understand through its history, geographical distribution, crops and commercial activities.

Alcolea has consisted of three different residential areas since 1997, when the towns of Darrícal and Lucainena were included within its boundaries. We propose the following route for you to discover the heritage and natural wealth of this municipality:

The walk begins in the northern zone of Alcolea heading towards Laujar. Follow the PR-A 297 El Castillejo footpath, which takes you on a journey of the senses back to medieval times with its natural landscapes and farmland before following the icy waters of the river south. The walk then leaves the footpath, climbing the hill on the left leading to the town. The route passes through the town and its Arab vestiges until we end up surrounded by centenary olive trees on the old Ugíjar road.

Afterwards, there are two nature zones worth visiting by car. Heading towards Berja you will come across Los Pradillos, which forms part of the PR-A 296 footpath. Following this footpath, you will reach the abandoned mining town of Los Pajarillos. At the Empalme roundabout, head towards Cherín-Ugíjar and stop at km 72.5 of the A-348, where you can visit the Las Hortichuelas Recreational Area, a nature spot next to the Alcolea River.

Finally, take the turn-off to the left of the A-348 highway at the bridge marking the boundary between the provinces of Almería and Granada. This will take you to the Lucainena Poplar Forest, which starts under this bridge and continues until reaching Lucainena, a town with one of the most interesting churches in La Alpujarra.

Continue along the same road towards Darrícal. Stop at km 5.5 of the AL-6400 road to see the remains of the Canal of Isabel II on the opposite hillside. Then continue until reaching the town with its fortified church, the only one of its kind in La Alpujarra.

The whole trip can be done in the same day or in sections, offering you a complete overview of the nature and landscapes of this unique municipality in the Alpujarra region of Almeria.

|| Credits ||
- Promoter: Excelentísimo Ayuntamiento de Alcolea, Almería. (www.alcolea.es)
- Aid from the European Union and the Junta de Andalucía in collaboration with the Rural Development Group Alpujarra-Sierra Nevada Almeriense under the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.
- Developer: Ideas Técnicas y Estrategias Multimedia, S.L.
- Direction, contents and photography: Rosario Carreño Pérez