Albuñuelas

Albuñuelas is the largest municipality in the Lecrin Valley. Its privileged enclave allows its inhabitants to enjoy beautiful views all the way down the valley. Natural springs and streams surround the area, unusually flowing all year round, making this particular area especially verdant and full of birdlife. In the old quarter, the streets are narrow and picturequse. Every street is has it's own secret passageways and entrances which are adorned with flowers and pretty plant pots. As you amble along the cool passages sheltering from a hot sun, you can almost hear a thousand stories whispering from the walls of Albuñuelas' long history.  

Previously named 'Las Burnielas', meaning “the land of vineyards”, the village has had humans settling on its land since prehistoric times. Several remains have been discovered in caves a few hundred meters from the village along with cave drawings. It is impossible to say exactly when the village originated. However, as the Greeks introduced Spain to better cultivation techniques for growing both vines and olives, it suggests that the village probably existed before the Romans arrived. 

The present-day name 'Albuñuelas' is derived from the Arabic “beautiful thing” or "abundance" and is a result of the Arabic influences after the Moors invaded Andalucia in 711 AD. Centuries ago, Arab traders would pass through Albuñuelas on mules, taking merchandise to the Mediterranean coast. 

Nowadays the village is still known for its agriculture and in April, the entire valley is filled with the scent of orange blossom following the harvest in February. It's heavenly. Daily life moves at a slow pace here and much of life is conducted in a traditional way. There are mules and lots of tiny, well-maintained private vegetable gardens used to feed households. The balconies that are overflowing with flowers in the springtime, are later laden with drying pimientos tied on with  long cascading strings. Sausages can be seen curing in the eaves of houses, as many still do not have glass. The old craft of plaiting esparto grass into baskets or catapaults is still practiced, hay for horses is delivered in the square and harvested canes for making chairs are often left on the pavement while their owners have a quick drink in the bar. Albuñuelas is also serviced by different trucks each day for bread, fish and meat, catering to locals who don't own a car, or who prefer to use a service that they have always used. We also have a market on Thursday mornings selling clothes, fruits, vegetables, oilves, nuts, flowers and shoes. Thursdays are always a hive of activity!