Discover Algarinejo: Olive Groves, Gorges and Traces of History

Algarinejo can be read through its landscapes and traces of history: the Ruta del olivar y el aceite leads through extensive, ancient groves of Picual olive trees, while the streams of Zurreón in the Sierra de Algarinejo shape a very rugged limestone landscape of Jurassic origin, with deep gorges, erosion channels, waterfalls and pools.

By prior arrangement, visitors can tour the Aceites Algarinejo cooperative, follow the olive oil production process and taste the Orodeal or Oro de Algarinejo oil.

If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Algarinejo, you can compare travel dates, room categories and cancellation policies on accommodation listing pages.

Nature

Several hiking trails of cultural, historical and ethnological interest run throughout the municipality of Algarinejo. The tourist office provides visitors with information about ten routes they can take in the municipality.

The Ruta de los ríos y sus habitats follows the Río Pesquera through a karst landscape between steep hills and elevations; the Río Pesquera has numerous pools in its riverbed, as well as springs and small tributaries. For planning purposes, the trails can be distinguished by their main themes: olive growing, river and karst landscapes, and cultural, historical and ethnological topics.

Culture and History

The Museo de La Cueva uses interactive exhibits to explain the significance caves have had and continue to have as habitats, places of refuge and prayer, modern homes, leisure venues and settings for sporting activities. The traditional Romería de San Isidro holds particular social and cultural significance for Algarinejo. The Romería de San Isidro Labrador is listed as a cultural heritage entry in the Atlas of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Andalusia.

The Ermita del Santo Cristo is an 18th-century Baroque chapel built in 1730. The Iglesia de Santa María La Mayor is located on Plaza de España and is easily accessible on foot.

The Castillo de Torre Pesquera retains a large semicircular tower made of mortared rubble stone, a rectangular tower and walled defensive areas that enclosed at least two levels of defence. In the vicinity of La Viña is the Barrio del Castillo, whose forms have remained largely original since the 16th century.

The prehistoric archaeological site of Villavieja is considered one of the best-preserved fortified complexes due to its monumental scale. A signposted, guided circular tour runs through the site. The archaeological site is accessible by car and has a wall 300 metres long, 2 metres wide and 5 metres high.

Geographical Setting

From the centre of Algarinejo, the Ermita del Santo Cristo can be reached on foot via the Vía-Crucis trail. To reach the remains of the Castillo de Cesna, take the GR-5400, which connects Fuentes De Cesna with Zagra, then continue on foot along an approximately 2-kilometre track between olive groves. Today, only the remains of three towers and sections of wall survive from the Castillo de Cesna.

Other Places

Other local pages: Gorafe, Albuñuelas, Melegís, Pórtugos, Cortes De Baza, Albolote, Guejar Sierra

For the higher-level travel overview: Granada.