Abrucena: Sierra Nevada panoramas, cultural heritage and trails

The section of the Sendero Sulayr that runs through Abrucena passes through a rugged Sierra Nevada landscape with expansive panoramas.

Nature

The signposted Camino de las Moriscas-Castillejo is a circular route of approximately 5 km that starts and ends at Plaza de Andalucía. It follows the medieval Acequia de la Jairola irrigation channel and leads to the Mirador de la Jairola, offering views of the Sierra Nevada and El Castillejo.

Route C: Abrucena - La Polarda leads from Abrucena to La Polarda and offers views of El Buitre, Peña Horadada and La Polarda, as well as lower terraces with dry-farmed almond trees and holm oak stands.

Trails and getting there

La Roza lies at the end of the paved road leading up from Abrucena towards the Sierra; it has a recreational area and a controlled camping zone. Near La Roza, the Sendero Sulayr follows a forest track through pine woodland and stands of centuries-old holm oaks. The La Roza recreational area on the PR-A 15 offers a place to rest and drinking water.

The PR-A 15 El Encinar hiking trail can be reached from Abrucena by following the signs to La Roza; after passing through the village, the marked starting point is approximately 2.5 km away along a forest track. Abrucena can be reached via the A-92, exit 336, following the signs for Abrucena/Abla/Escúllar. The Aula de Naturaleza Paredes can be reached via the A-92, exit 336, the AL-3404 and then a three-kilometre forest track.

Culture

El Castillejo preserves Arab ruins dating from approximately the 12th to 13th centuries, which served as a defensive fortification. Parts of the wall and a cistern remain; remains of Neolithic pottery were found there in 1982. El Castillejo can be reached via a path suitable for walking.

The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Anunciación dates from the 16th to 17th centuries, is designed in the Mudéjar style and was converted from an Arab mosque into a Christian temple. It is located at Plaza de la Iglesia, is open during worship times and can be visited free of charge.

The mill on Calle del Agua dates from 1580 and is still regularly in operation.

Education and activities

The former Cortijo Paredes was restored by the Junta de Andalucía and subsequently converted into an environmental education centre under the name Aula de Naturaleza Paredes. The Aula de Naturaleza Paredes offers environmental education activities, routes, workshops, sports activities and cooperative games for school groups, families and other groups.

The cycling routes through Abrucena are freely accessible and can be used by both beginners and experienced cyclists.

Cuisine

Traditional dishes and baked goods in Abrucena include migas, fritá de conejo, gurullos, fried roscos, roscos de vino y aguardiente and hornazos. In Abrucena's restaurants and shops, you can taste pipirrana, gachas, migas, fried rabbit and artisan desserts prepared with traditional recipes and local ingredients.

More destination pages

Velefique, Pechina, Laroya, Pulpí, Gérgal, Mojácar, Arboleas, Alcontar

For the overarching travel overview: Almeria.