At an altitude of 918 metres in the upper valley of the Río Andarax and at the foot of the Sierra Nevada, Láujar De Andarax brings together natural attractions and a remarkable architectural history. There are different options to consider when planning your trip: trails through diverse landscapes, a walk past fountains, and buildings from several centuries. This makes it possible to decide what you want your stay to focus on before looking for a hotel.

Hiking trails, springs and landscapes

The El Nacimiento recreation area is the source of the Río Andarax. Beneath the trees, it offers tables, cascades and tranquil pools of water. The water and shady surroundings give this place a different character from the hiking trails through the landscape. Several hiking trails lead from El Nacimiento through the Sierra Nevada, including the Senda de Monterrey.

Route D is another way to discover the surroundings on foot. It runs from Láujar De Andarax via Loma Raspa and back again. Along the way, it passes through riverside forests, past numerous centuries-old holm oaks, and through reforested pine forests and high-mountain grasslands. The route is distinguished by a succession of different vegetation zones. If you want to focus on the landscape during an excursion, it offers specific points of interest, from riverside forest to high-mountain grassland.

Another way to explore the area is the route past the local fountains, known as “pilares.” It invites you to stroll through the streets. While the hiking trails pass through different landscapes, this route focuses on the fountains and streets of the town. For directions to the visitor centre, there is another useful detail: it can be reached from Láujar De Andarax via the C-332 road; the car park is at kilometre 1.

Churches, chapel and historic buildings

The Iglesia Parroquial de la Encarnación was built in the 17th century. The Ermita de Nuestra Señora de la Salud dates from between the 17th and 18th centuries. It combines two architectural features: the chapel has a Mudéjar style exterior and a Baroque interior. Anyone interested in architectural styles can see the contrast between the exterior and interior design in a single building.

Only the ruins remain of the Convento de San Pascual, a monastery built between the 17th and 18th centuries. Its present-day appearance is therefore different from that of the church and chapel: here, the focus is on the remaining monastery ruins, not a fully preserved building.

One of the few surviving palatial residences in Láujar De Andarax is located on Calle Granada. The house has three storeys; a coat of arms of the Moya family is carved in white stone on its façade. An inscription on the façade gives 1732 as the year it was built and names Agustín Gómez as its original owner. The coat of arms, inscription and storeys each offer a different point of interest: the façade’s design, the documented date of construction and the original ownership.

Plan your stay around your interests

Those who appreciate both nature and architecture can take both into account when planning their trip, then search for a hotel for their planned stay.

Discover more destinations

El Pilar, La Envía, Uleila Del Campo, Las Cunas, El Parador De Las Hortichuelas, Agua Amarga, Arboleas, Cuevas Del Almanzora

For the broader travel guide: Almeria.