In Lucainena de las Torres, traces of the mining railway, viewpoints and local traditions reveal different sides of the town. The Vía Verde tells the story of the railway’s former use; churches, the washhouse and festivals offer further insights into local history. When planning your visit, you can choose whether to focus on the route, the historical heritage or culinary traditions.

Vía Verde: follow the former mining railway

The Camino Natural Vía Verde de Lucainena de las Torres to Agua Amarga starts in Lucainena de las Torres and currently runs as far as Venta del Pobre in the municipality of Níjar. The route is a little over 15 kilometres long and is divided into three sections of approximately five kilometres each. Hikers and cyclists follow the former route of the mining railway here. The Pasarela de la Rambla Honda forms part of a continuous connection along which you can cover more than 15 kilometres of the former railway line, from the old station to Venta del Pobre.

El Túnel is approximately 85 metres long, dug into the rock and unlined. Artificial lighting is not needed to pass through it; conditions may vary. A shorter hiking option is the Senda Minera de Lucainena (SL-A 62), which can also be walked with children. Check local trail conditions and access to the facilities before setting out.

The former railway station has been converted into a tourist information office. The restored Hornos de calcinación also serve a tourist function for visitors to the Vía Verde. The first restored kiln reveals its original structure; a staircase leads to the top, offering wide panoramic views across the Lucainena valley. The construction date is also important for understanding its history: the kilns were built in 1900 near the station by the former Compañía Minera de Sierra Alhamilla.

Viewpoints and traces of local history

At the main entrance is the El Poyo de la Cruz viewpoint, with views of the town and the old Molinillo. The Mirador del Garruchete offers panoramic views of Lucainena de las Torres and the folds of the surrounding mountains. Along the Camino Natural, the Mirador de El Algarrobo offers a place to rest and further panoramic views. Each viewpoint offers a different perspective: one focuses on the town, another on the mountains and another on the route itself.

At Cortijo de Las Tejas, the Camino Natural offers a view of a private manor house surrounded by palm trees, now completely in ruins. It dates from the period when the mining railway was at its greatest extent. The private estate is part of the landscape, not an invitation to enter. The Zugnoria at the cortijo was once used to draw underground water for human consumption or irrigation. Near Lucainena, the Torre del Molinillo also stands on a rocky rise. It is said to be the only watchtower in the area to have survived over the centuries.

Railway structures are also part of the historical heritage: the former El Molinillo bridge has been restored using two metal walkways. In town, the parish church of Nuestra Señora de Montesión offers a glimpse of another era. The neoclassical church dates from the 18th century and has a fortified appearance and a square tower. Lucainena’s first church was founded in 1505 on the site of an earlier mosque and was destroyed during the Morisco uprising.

Traditions and cuisine

The Día de las Flores includes a choreography in the traditional Refajona costume, which is characteristic of the town. Another local tradition is the festival in honour of Saint Sebastian on 20 January, featuring a procession through the streets and Roscos thrown from balconies as offerings. The exact festival programme may vary. The townscape also reflects the tradition of white limewashed façades decorated with flowerpots and geraniums, both on the façades and along the streets.

The traditional public washhouse, Lavadero de la Fuente, uses springs from the Peñón and is still in use. Local specialities include Gurullos de conejo, Pelotas de maíz, Potaje de trigo, Choto al ajillo, and Pimentón or Caldo colorao. Sweets are also part of the local cuisine: Roscos, Bollos de nata, Hojaldres, Alfajores de almendra and Cuajao de almendras are typical sweet treats. Together with the historical sites, these traditions offer a distinctive cultural focus for planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Taberno, Balerma, Huesa, Abrucena, El Parador De Las Hortichuelas, Llano de Los Olleres, Cantoria, Bedar.

For the overview of the wider area: Almeria.