Yegen lies on a gentle mountainside crossed by small streams. Fruit trees and poplars shape the village landscape; on clear days, views stretch across the Sierra de LĂşjar and the Contraviesa all the way to the sea. Literary history and trails with a variety of route types add to the picture.
Hillside Setting, Nature and Views
The trails around Yegen also pass through densely vegetated areas. Wild berries and centuries-old chestnut trees grow there, and numerous bird species live in the area. For those who want to take in the landscape as well as follow the trail while hiking, there are specific natural features here to focus on. The mountain views add to the scenery: on clear days, you can even see the sea from Yegen.
Choose Hiking Trails by Route Type
The routes differ in their course and destination. Ruta G is a circular route that starts and ends in Yegen and reaches the boundary of Sierra Nevada National Park. Sendero Las Encinas follows a different route: it connects Mecina Bombarón and Yegen along a five-kilometre trail through the Sierra landscape. You can choose according to the type of route you prefer—a loop that starts and ends in Yegen, or a route connecting two villages.
Sendero de las Acequias begins in the upper part of Yegen, near the Plaza Vieja neighbourhood, passes the Balsa del Castillo reservoir and heads towards CastañĂas. Sendero Gerald Brenan starts at the writer’s former home, passes through Yegen and ends at Fuente Camellona. Each route’s waypoints give it a distinct connection to the village: one to a neighbourhood and a reservoir, the other to the writer’s former home and a spring.
Literature, Irrigation and Local History
The English writer Gerald Brenan lived in Yegen for seven years and wrote “Al Sur de Granada”. The trail named after him brings this literary connection to life in the village landscape, without requiring you to plan a full day around it. Yegen has also preserved the traditional acequia irrigation system, which has been maintained here for almost 800 years. The hiking routes and irrigation system are distinct themes alongside the views and village history.
Another historical site is Peñón del Fuerte, an 11th-century fortress. The last Moriscos of Yegen sought refuge there. This connects the site to a specific historical account and adds a much older point of reference to the literary history.
Alpujarran Architecture and Photography
Traditional Alpujarran houses with two or three storeys shape Yegen’s village landscape. Their features include flat launa roofs, roof terraces and tinaos. Despite several alterations, an intricately crafted Mudéjar wooden structure with corbels of varied designs has been preserved at Iglesia del Dulce Nombre del Niño Jesús. Those interested in architecture can consider the traditional house style and this specific church detail as two different aspects of the village landscape.
Museo Fotográfico de Van Hannsen in Yegen contains numerous photographs showing only the village and its residents. The images document Yegen’s history from 1959 to 1989. If you would like to plan a visit to the museum, check current visiting arrangements in advance.
Getting Around and Directions
The municipality’s trail network is signposted and, according to the description, easy to follow. The road route to Yegen passes through Laroles, Mairena, Mecina Alfahar and Válor. Check your navigation before setting off.
More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Mecina-BombarĂłn.
Return to the main travel overview: Alpujarra De La Sierra.
