The Lecrin Valley is a beautiful swathe of country side below the Sierra Nevadas in the Granada province of Spain.. The Valley is planted with a variety of fruit trees such as lemon, olive, orange and almond trees and is situated between Granada and Motril, in the foothills of the Alpujarras. A beautiful and unspoiled valley, with very little tourism or industry to spoil its quiet charm.

There is a substantial difference in the landscape giving The Alpujarras a wealth of flora and fauna, the region has the largest number of unique botanical species in Europe. Herds of mountain goats, wild boar and Ibex roam the land, whilst eagles, goshawks, hoopoes and larks inhabit the skies. The area has been declared a Natural Park by the Government of Andalucia.
The snow capped Sierra Nevada is the home of Europe's most southerly ski resort, site of the 1996 World Championships. From December to February a 30 minute drive will take you to the resort where you can enjoy over 85km of piste! To the south, there is a spectacular 30 minute drive to the Mediterranean Sea, passing through stunning mountain scenery and incredible gorges.

At the heart of the valley is a fresh water lake (Lake Beznar), that provides many picnic spots and walks. The lake also offers good fishing for carp, barbel and bass but you wont be disturbed by speed boats and jet skis. This is planned for the nearby Rules damn reservoir when it is filled in two years time.

At sunset, the Riff Mountains of Morocco are sometimes clearly visible 125 miles away, across the Mediterranean and the views over to the Alpujarras and Sierra Nevadas is incredible , especially in Spring when the peaks are covered in snow. 

Here is a brief description of some of the villages in the area.

PINOS DEL VALLE  (705m above sea level) Traditional Spanish village dotted with orange and lemon groves, up on the hillside overlooking Beznar Embalse. The village is divided into the Upper and Lower barrios with a church in each. There is a bank, bakery, supermarket, pharmacy and bars, some offering free tapas.

MELEGIS (557m) At the heart of the fruit growing area. With a lovely plaza, bank, shops, 2 restaurants, Los Naranjos with terrace and stunning views, interesting 16th century church which has undergone restoration.

CHITE (637m) Popular with British 'expats' with typical narrow streets and Spanish traditional cottages. A small shop and antiques shop. Within walking distance of Lecrin.

LECRIN (TALARÁ) (709m) 18th century church, bank, shops, petrol station, bank, restaurants, olive oil mill.

MONDÚJAR (738m)  Close to Lecrin. Traditional village with nearby ruins of Moorish castle where the royals of Granada were buried. 16th century church.

NIGUELAS (931m) Overlooking a dramatic gorge, some people say this is one of the prettiest villages in the area, with traditional townhouses, a few shops and bars, 16th century town hall and an oil and corn museum.

DURCAL (782m) A typical Spanish working town, with excellent supermarkets, bakeries, bars, night clubs, market selling fresh local produce. 24 hour health centre, farmacias. Other attractions include thermal springs and a famous iron train bridge.

RESTÁBAL (538m) Bank, few shops and bars on the western side of the lake, traditional white village, views up to snow-capped Sierra Nevada.

MURCHAS (663m) A couple of shops and bars, ideal to get away from it all in a quaint Spanish village.

CONCHAR (679m) There are no shops only a local bakery, but local vans visit with their produce and there is a small restaurant on the outskirts

ALBUŃUELAS (730m) An old village with stunning views across the gorge. A little more away from it all yet with 2 large supermarkets and bakeries, also banks, farmacias, doctor. Excellent location for some stunning walks if you can get away from your sun terrace!

ACEQUIAS (867m) On the opposite side of the barranco to Niguelas, a small village and as the meaning of the name implies, plenty of springs and streams.

BEZNAR (576m) Easy access to the motorway, it runs along the side of the lake named after it, with opportunities to fish, walk or just enjoy the scenery as the light sparkles on the water!

IZBOR (359m) Many winding alleys in this quaint traditional village- designed for mules- leave your car at the entrance to the village! a few bars/restaurants and shops, a pleasant climate as the village is protected by the valley.

SALERES (560m) Next to Restábal, surrounded by oranges very pretty village. Just one bar and local traders bring their produce in vans for your convenience.

COZVIJAR (746m) A few shops and bars, excellent access to the autovia, traditional Spanish feel.