Lanjarón, the Gate of the Alpujarra - Main Attractions, Museums, Spa and Where to Eat

Lanjarón welcomes you to this magical region as you arrive on the A-348 road from Granada, earning its reputation as the gateway to the Alpujarra

During the golden age of its famous spa, this village held significant importance. It has evolved around the main road, where illustrious visitors would gather to enjoy the cool breeze on summer evenings.

Luxury hotels adorned this main street with their elegant terraces.

Basic Information

Lanjarón is situated on the border between the Lecrín Valley and the Alpujarra, on the southern slopes of Sierra Nevada.

With an ideal location, Lanjaron sits 45km to the south of Granada and 40km from the Costa Tropical. Despite its small size, the town boasts just over 4000 inhabitants.

Undoubtedly, the name might ring a bell due to the mineral water bottled here and distributed across Spain.

The town's name is believed to originate from the Arabic word Al-lancharon, which translates to "place of fountains or springs."

It appears that the first settlers arrived in the 13th century, when a group of Berber nomads established their presence in the area.

Wicker handicrafts thrive in this village. Along the main street, one can find numerous objects crafted from this material, along with traditional carpets woven on looms from nearby highland villages.

What to See in Lanjarón, Museums, Spa and Fountains

Lanjarón Spa - one of the Main Attractions of the Town

The spa, dating back to the 17th century, stands as Andalusia's most prominent and one of the town's main attractions.

The spa rose to global prominence in the 19th century, experiencing its peak until the first half of the 20th century.

Royal families would stay here, and it served as a meeting place for the great intellectuals of the era: Virginia Wolf, Bertrand Russell, Manuel de Falla and Federico García Lorca, among others.

If you wish to take advantage of the opportunity for relaxation or detoxification, the spa offers several ideal services for rheumatism, osteoarthritis, obesity, insomnia, stress, and other conditions.

The Fountains of Lanjarón

Throughout the town, there are many fountains and springs that attract visitors to drink their water and fill bottles to take home.

The Adelfas Fountain is particularly popular. It is located at the town's entrance (coming from Granada) and shortly after passing the Mirador de La Cañona, where the town's old cannon, employed during the war against the French troops, is situated.

Visit the Pilarillo Vuelto or the Cuatro Esquinas fountain, the only one that retains its original design, which is the most famous and beloved by the town's residents.

Its water possesses a robust flavor, owing to its richness in chloride, sodium, calcium, and iron, making it highly beneficial for individuals with gastrointestinal and liver issues.

You will soon discover that in Lanjarón, water carries a musical and poetic resonance. It's quite common to encounter verses from the poets and writers of Granada, such as Federico García Lorca, Pedro Antonio de Alarcón and Elena Martín Vivaldi, inscribed in ceramic on its pillars, a charming detail that often captures our hearts.

The Honey Museum of Lanjarón

Lanjarón also boasts a fascinating Honey Museum, given that beekeeping is a traditional activity in the area.

The museum covers a vast area, located in the Berta Wilhelmi Farm, where the Beekeeping Interpretation Center for the Conservation of Biodiversity is also located.

This establishment is named after a prominent 19th-century businesswoman who had a fondness for beekeeping.

It features several interactive rooms and organizes educational itineraries and other activities for both young and old alike.

Here, visitors can witness the entire process of honey production, from collection to every aspect related to the world of bees.

Among the many attractions in Lanjarón, a visit to the Honey Museum is essential and can be enjoyed as a family, as numerous activities are tailored for children.

It's worth noting that Honey from Granada holds a designation of origin, with approximately 40,000 hives scattered across the valleys, plains of Granada, the coast, and the high peaks of Sierra Nevada.

It's the best place to buy honey in the Alpujarra (closed on Sundays); it's tested and ensures quality. We always purchase it here. There are at least five varieties of honey, each with very distinctive tastes. You can try each honey before buying.

Lanjarón Castle and the Tinaos

Lanjarón offers numerous attractions to explore. A stroll through its historic center unveils many charming corners waiting to be discovered.

In the oldest neighborhood of the town, Barrio Hondillo, you will encounter beautiful houses adorned with architectural elements typical of the area, such as tinaos.

Another characteristic feature includes the niches in the walls dedicated to various saints and embellished with flowers, alongside the wooden-beamed ceilings, fountains, and pillars.

The landscape is dominated by its ancient castle, which, despite its ruins, continues to captivate travelers with its commanding presence.

The remains of the castle that visitors can explore today belong to a Christian castle constructed in the 16th century atop the ruins of a larger Arab castle from the 12th century.

Its mission was to guard the roads linking Granada with the coast, and they were assisted in this task by the castle in Vélez de Benaudalla.

Festivities and Festivals in Lanjarón

If you're wondering what to do in Lanjarón, we highly recommend participating in one of its popular festivals.

The most emblematic festival of Lanjarón is the Water and Ham Festival, which commences on the eve of San Juan (the night of June 23). During this festival, people fill the streets and enjoy pouring water from the fountains and springs instead of making bonfires, as it is the tradition.

The complement to the festival is the mountain ham, which is savored at the subsequent celebration the following day in the Salao Park, where they also prepare a delicious traditional paella.

At the beginning of November, for All Saints' Day, a Castañada ("castaña" is chestnut) is celebrated, as in other towns of the Alpujarra.

Chestnuts from the area are roasted and enjoyed with anise and the traditional saints' porridge. All of this is accompanied by lively dance and music.

The ancient chestnut trees of Lanjarón are an integral part of its landscape and cultural heritage.

Where to Eat in Lanjarón - the Best Restaurants

Here is a list of restaurants in Lanjarón highly recommended by locals for their excellent food, scenic locations, and inviting atmosphere.

Opening hours can change frequently, so it's recommended to call the restaurant before your visit to verify if it's open and to confirm its operating hours and any restrictions.

Alcadima Restaurant in Lanjarón

This lovely restaurant is quiet and filled with plants. It offers local and eco-friendly products, and its terrace provides stunning mountain views.

The dining room is very nice, with large tables and comfortable armchairs. They offer both traditional dishes and modern, innovative options.

The portions are abundant, and the food offers excellent value for money. They use top-quality products. It's a great place to enjoy a beer in their garden.

Why Choose This Restaurant?

Opening Hours and Contact Information

: Open every day, continuously from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

: Address: Restaurante Alcadima, Francisco Tarrega 3, 18420 Lanjarón. Telephone: 958 770 809.

Asador Parque Restaurant in Lanjarón

It is located next to the Lanjarón spa, offering panoramic mountain views and its own parking.

It is a good choice for dinner or lunch. It's a bright and inviting place, with a cozy fireplace in the dining room.

They offer a balanced and innovative menu, primarily focused on meat but also including fish options. The portions are just the right size.

While the menu isn't extensive, the food is of top quality. The atmosphere is family-friendly and peaceful. The waitstaff is attentive, providing fast service.

Highlights include: black rice paella and vegetable paella, Galician beef tenderloin, tuna tataki, grilled beef tenderloin, and garlic soup.

Why Choose This Restaurant?

Opening Hours and Contact Information

: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday from Friday 12:30 to 17:00, Friday and Saturday from 12:30 to 17:00 and from 20:00 to 24:00: 00. Closed on Wednesdays.

: Address: Restaurante Asador Parque, Avda. de la Alpujarra 44, 18420 Lanjarón. Telephone: 674 247 933.

Noe's Ark Restaurant in Lanjarón

A humble restaurant with a small terrace situated in the heart of Lanjarón. It's a cozy spot, perfect for enjoying a beer and sampling the local sausage.

The tapas and portions are mostly served cold, yet they are very tasty and of good quality.

Excellent selection of locally produced wines, tomato salad from the garden.

They offer a wide selection of beer brands and boast a very good homemade vermouth. The prices are reasonable.
Recommended dishes include the beef tenderloin, monkfish with prawns and sticky rice, and mango and salmon carpaccio. The desserts are also excellent.

Why Choose This Restaurant?

Opening Hours and Contact Information

: open from 10:00 to 15:30 and from 19:00 to 23:00. Sunday from 10:00 to 15:00. Tuesday closed.

: Address: Restaurante Arca de Noe, Avda. de Andalucia 38, 18420 Lanjarón. Telephone: 958 770 027.

How to Get to Lanjarón

The average travel time between Granada and Lanjaronby car is 40 minutes, while by bus, it ranges between 55 minutes and 1 hour and 30 minutes.

How to Get There by Car

Take exit 164 on the A-44 and follow the A-348 road towards Lanjaron.

Both coming from Granada and the the coast, the A-348 and A-346 roads connect both areas with Lanjarón.

How to Get There by Bus

5 daily buses connect Granada and Lanjarón from early in the morning until 4:00 p.m.

The departure is from Granada Bus Station.

The buses make a stop in Lanjarón and other villages, with the final destination being Trevélez. They have the following stops in Granada, Lecrín Valley and in the villages of the Alpujarra:

Other Villages of the Alpujarra

Here you can find information about other villages and towns of the Alpujarra: Soportújar, Bubion, Capileira, La Taha and Pitres, Pampaneira, Trevélez.

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