RURAL ACCOMMODATION "EL
VALLE"
DURCAL (GRANADA - SPAIN)
MORE INFORMATION
The natural enviroment:
The Lecrin Valley is a tectonic fosse that communicates
Granada and the Mediterranean sea. The enormous unevenness in this region makes
it possible to find mountains like Cerro del Caballo with 3.019 m over the sea
level, and villages like Beznar at
500 m within only 13 km of distance. As a result there is an important climate
and ecosystem variation in which you can find all the different types of Mediterranean
flora.
The lagoon and the turf moor of Padul, within the
limits of Sierra Nevada National
Park, are important paleontological
deposits where mammoth remains and marine sedimentary fossils have been found
(both are shown at the Museum of Sciences of Granada). There is as well a major
morphological diversity: slide rocks, wind valleys, travertines etc.
The historical and cultural legacy:
There are more than 20 villages
in the Valley and many of them have a fascinating cultural and monumental heritage.
This area has been inhabited
from the Palaeolithic according to the remains found in caves in Cozvijar and
Padul.
There are remains of other cultures
too: Iberian (Padul, Cozvíjar, Murchas and Velez de Benaudalla), Roman (Padul,
Conchar, Murchas, Mondujar and Puente de Tablate), Visigothic (Albuñuelas and
Vélez), and from the Middle Age.
As far as the agriculture is concerned the traditional farming is very well preserved with
the ancient Roman or Middle Age network of irrigation ditches and paths.
Gastronomy:
The gastronomic heritage of this area is a perfect
example of the South Mediterranean cuisine: migas de harina, choto al ajillo,
tortilla de collejas, cazuela, potajes, habas con bacalao, torta de
chicharrones, roscos de canela, pipirrana, conejo campero, pestiños de Béznar y
Vélez, remojón and puchero de hinojos. And,
of course, the famous young red wines of the Valley.
Excursions and sports:
You can have a lovely walk along the Valley all over the
year, specially in springtime, with a breathtaking view of Sierra Nevada. There
is an interesting flora and wildlife in the area. The lagoon of Padul is only a
short walk away from the house. Other activities are hiking, horse riding,
cycling or fishing.
And for those who love risk: bungee jumping (in the newly
refurbished tramway bridge) , rock and ice climbing, mountain trekking, skiing,
hand-gliding ... There are plenty of options... if you dare!
Other places to visit:
Rural Accommodation ‘EL VALLE’ is located in the heart of the Lecrin Valley:
· on the way from Durcal to Cozvijar (less than 2 km from both villages).
· 10 km from Lanjaron (in the Alpujarras area) , well known because of its
mineral water, health spas and handicraft shops.
· 20 km from Granada City: Alhambra,
Generalife gardens, Albayzin
quarter, Alcaicería, Bañuelo (Arab
baths), Casa de los Pisas, Sciences
Museum, Chartreuse, Cathedral, Royal Chapel and museums (such as Lorca’s).
· 35 km from the Tropical Coast: Motril, Almuñecar, Salobreña and its tropical products such as avocado, mango, custard apple or
papaw.
· 50 km from Sierra Nevada ski resort within
the limits of an amazing National Park (more than 169.239 hectares).
It has one of the most valuable flora of Europe (more than 2.100 species, 66 of which are endemic). There is also an
enormous variety of wildlife like
vultures, mountains goats or wild
boars.