Indeed water is everywhere in this town, Lanjarón, the threshold of Las Alpujarras in the province of Granada. From water to drink, in the form of the eponymous water company, to the ferruginous waters of the Spa Baths. And even wetter, the Festival of San Juan takes place this month with the party to end all parties – get well and truly soaked at the Fiesta Del Agua!
Emerging from the mists, not Avalon but Lanjarón!
More than a drop to drink
The water company located just outside town has put Lanjarón on the map. It’s mineral water is most likely to be seen on many a restaurant table throughout Spain, and you will pass the factory on the right as you make your way there from the Lecrin Valley and Orgiva. Slow winding roads, with steep drops make this a dizzy drive but worth it for the stunning views. White snow capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada, fresh clean air and lining the road are Chestnut, Walnut, and Poplar trees which form your welcoming party to the town known as the Gateway to the Western Alpujarras.
A street view of Lanjaron
Immerse yourself!
Whether you come for the views, or pass through into the rest of the Alpujarras region, make space for a visit to the Balneario de Lanjarón, or why not book a treatment? The waters are known for their curative properties, but who needs an excuse for a bit of pampering?! Here you will find no less than 6 different natural springs for medicinal bathing in the naturally iron rich waters, a host of treatments, and even a secret garden with a waterfall thermal shower….a relaxing addition to your holiday in Andalucía.
Have a look at holiday accommodation here, a fantastic base for touring this special part of Spain.
Get drenched!
Now I know you normally come to Spain NOT to get wet but..this month sees the water festival during San Juan. It runs from the 23rd until the 26th and a local resident, Kiersten Rowland, informs me that the water fight itself will be on the 23rd. I’d also like to thank her for the stunning photographs you see here.
She says: Midnight on the 23rd sees the start of the water fight, a festival that has been running since 1980 and which celebrates Midsummer Eve, in honor of San Juan Bautista – St, John the Baptist – everyone gets soaked and after a clothes change the party goes on… for days.
Locals are known to park their cars in the hope of a free car wash, and nobody escapes the buckets and hoses, the beer and local wine flow as fast and freely as the water and fireworks and dancing complete the party…so let’s see, bikini, suncream…wellies?!
Sitting beneath the snowy mountains
Sitting beneath the snowy mountains
Walk off the post party feeling!
Take a walk to the Moorish castle beside the town, it’s an Arab ruin standing tall over the Lanjarón gorge, a ruin it may be but still worth a look. Perhaps after a lunch in town, there are lots of places to eat, including the local bars which all offer good tapas, remember that in Granada province a free plate of tapas usually accompanies your drink. But on to the castle. The site of the Moors last stand against Imperial troops on the 8th March, 1500, thanks to the new walkways you can walk right up to it easily, a few years back the kids and I had to scramble, but to be honest we preferred that! The constructed walkways lose a bit of the mystery and imagination when you have a 10 yr old who want to be a Moorish King for the day! Although we cut part of the legend out, where the Moorish King throws himself from the tower rather than surrender to the troops of Fernando!
As the sun sets on your holiday....
Take a tour
Lanjarón makes a great base, tour the Alpujarras and take in the market town of Orgiva, – where there’s a really good, large market every Thursday – follow the road up to Soportujar, Pampaneira, Bubión and Capiliera and see the traditional rugs being made and sold. The traditonal flat roofed Berber houses, dizzy roads, clear air and magic light….remember the camera. Look out for the wild herbs that grow here, the altitude forces them to work harder to survive and the result makes for more powerful aromatics, in particular the Lavander and Rosemary. You should also be lucky enough to spot an Eagle or a Buzzard swooping above you, so binoculars too! Now closed for conservation reasons, the road actually goes right across the top of the Sierra Nevada – through the National Park and the reason for the closure – straight to Granada, but not in winter…as it is snowbound!
Maybe bring your skis for the way downhill!
Thank you Carol for taking me on a lovely tour. It brightened up my otherwise dull and overcast Sunday morning.
Well, thank you John! I guess if your day is brighter my work is done!! It’s a nice place, and a great point for touring from…do visit!