Albuñuelas combines a river walk with distinctive landmarks and a layered church history. Visitors considering a stay in the town can focus on a route with water crossings, architectural history, or preparations for the Corpus Christi procession. Planning involves different routes and conditions: Los Callejones del río Santo runs through the water, while a forest track leads from the town centre towards Prados de Lopera.
River walk between a waterfall and a gorge
Los Callejones del río Santo is 4.6 kilometres long, with a stated duration of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It is a river walk where the water reaches ankle height and is deeper in places. Water shoes and a walking stick are needed for the route. Water levels and trail conditions can vary seasonally, so check them before setting out. The large twin waterfall is followed by the Los Callejones gorge. The route continues beneath an aqueduct and past an area of archaeological interest.
A forest track with waypoints
The forest track leads from Loma in the town centre towards Prados de Lopera. Along the way, it passes the abandoned Cortijo del Sequero; after about five kilometres, it reaches the La Toba crossroads. Conditions on the forest track can change, so check them before setting out. The routes differ in focus: on Los Callejones, water levels and equipment are the main considerations; on the forest track, it is the sequence of waypoints.
Church history and architectural styles
The history of El Salvador Church dates back to the 16th century, when the original church was built. It was destroyed during the Morisco revolts, with only a few remains left. After several restoration attempts, construction of the present-day church began in the 18th century on the site of the former monastery of the Missionaries of San Pedro de Alcántara. Its features include three side chapels separated by round arches, as well as a remarkable Baroque altarpiece with an integrated tabernacle. Another example of church architecture is the Ermita de San Sebastián in Barrio Bajo. The single-nave chapel has an intricately carved wooden ceiling.
The Lavadero del Tío Bayo also features distinctive architectural details: the single-storey washhouse is located near the Arab Torre del Tío Bayo and adjoins a whitewashed wall. It has a round arch, side entrances and a continuous central basin.
Preparations for the Corpus Christi procession
In connection with the Corpus Christi procession in Albuñuelas, residents gather aromatic plants to scatter along the procession route. On the eve of the procession, they set up decorated altars for the procession of the monstrance. Buñuelos with chocolate are usually eaten on the night before the procession.
El Cañuelo: a stay surrounded by nature
The El Cañuelo area is a few kilometres from Albuñuelas. The designated camping area is in the mid-mountain Sierra de Albuñuelas, among small terraced orchards and in the heart of the Valle de Lecrín region. For a stay surrounded by nature, it offers tables, barbecue areas, a natural spring and toilets. Check availability and any required permits before travelling.
Discover more destinations
La Calahorra, Montejícar, Lojilla, Lecrín, Bácor, Vélez de Benaudalla, Gualchos, Torvizcon
For the main travel overview: Granada.
