The Ruta del olivar y el aceite runs through extensive, old Picual olive groves; the Ruta de los ríos y sus habitats follows the Río Pesquera through a karst landscape between steep hills and heights. These two routes alone reveal different sides of Algarinejo: olive growing on one hand, and terrain shaped by the river and karst on the other. There are also walking trails of cultural, historical and ethnological interest, as well as churches, castle ruins and a prehistoric site.

Olive Oil and Routes in Algarinejo

The Algarinejo tourist office provides visitors with information about ten routes they can take in the municipality. Several walking trails run throughout the municipality and offer different cultural, historical and ethnological points of interest. The Ruta del olivar y el aceite passes through old Picual groves; the route along the Río Pesquera is defined by the river and the karst landscape. Those interested in olive oil production can, by prior arrangement, visit the Aceites Algarinejo cooperative, follow the production process and taste Orodeal or Oro de Algarinejo.

The landscape of the Sierra de Algarinejo is also varied. The Zurreón streams shape a very rugged limestone landscape of Jurassic origin. Deep gorges and erosion gullies are part of the scenery, along with waterfalls and pools. Together with the olive groves and the Río Pesquera, they offer a range of landscape themes that can guide your choice of activities.

Churches and Historic Sites

There are two easily distinguishable places to visit in the town centre: the Iglesia de Santa María La Mayor is located in the Plaza de España and is easy to reach on foot. The Ermita del Santo Cristo is a Baroque chapel built in 1730. From the town centre, the Vía-Crucis trail leads to it on foot. This offers two different starting points for a walk: a town square and a trail leading to the chapel.

Several architectural features remain from the Castillo de Torre Pesquera: a large semicircular tower made of mortared rubble stone, a rectangular tower and walled defensive areas that enclosed at least two levels of defence. The Castillo de Cesna also survives as a ruin. Sections of three towers and parts of the walls remain. The ruins can be reached on foot from the GR-5400, which connects Fuentes de Cesna with Zagra, via a track of about two kilometres through olive groves.

The prehistoric site of Villavieja combines a signposted, guided walking tour with a monumental, well-preserved fortified complex. One wall at the site is 300 metres long, 2 metres wide and 5 metres high. Villavieja is accessible by car; check the current access conditions before your visit.

Culture and Local Tradition

The Museo de La Cueva offers an interactive introduction to the importance of caves as places to live, seek refuge, pray, make a contemporary home, enjoy leisure time and take part in sporting activities, both in the past and today. This look at caves as spaces for different aspects of life adds another theme in the town’s history to the historic buildings.

Near La Viña is the Barrio del Castillo, with largely original features dating from the 16th century. Another side of cultural life is the traditional Romería de San Isidro, which holds particular social and cultural significance for Algarinejo. Historic sites, the landscape and this local tradition offer different ways to shape your travel plans without having to combine them into a single itinerary.

Discover more destinations: Fuentes de Cesna, Lobras, Murtas, Ferreira, Cúllar Vega, Cenes De La Vega, Murchas, Picena.

For the broader travel overview: Granada.