Running down from the high peaks of Sierra Nevada, a number of fertile
valleys open up which are home to a series of quaint traditional
villages. Numerous accomodation options are also available from
camp sites to rented rooms, guest houses to rural hotels.
The Genil Valley, (Valle del Genil), is of particular interest being
barely a stone's throw away from the city of Granada and yet very
much an Alpine paradise. It is a fertile, green valley owing primarily
to the Genil river whose water source originates from the Veleta
peak itself that caps the ski terrain for the winter activities.
During the spring thaw, the river flows fast providing opportunities
for kayaking.
The Canales reservoir controls the river flow during the year ensuring
there is always sufficient water to keep the river "alive" even
during the dryest months of July & August. Fishing & Water activities
also take place on the reservoir which finds itself surrounded by
sheer mountain faces and peaks. The valley basin is full of tree
and shrub growth making for excellent walking and mountain biking,
with shade.
The valley holds a sense of complete serenity, extensive trails,
unspoilt villages, local cuisine and friendly locals. Whether you
are looking for a morning stroll or a full on multiple day hike,
there is plenty of choice and opportunity for getting out and about.
Mountain biking is also a popular pasttime, whether along the multitude
of farm and mountain tracks or the winding minor roads and lanes
in this and neighbouring valleys, you will not be disappointed!!
A short car journey or a trip on the local public bus takes you
conveniently to the centre of Granada City where all commercial
needs are catered for alongside an abundance of cultural interest.
The valley is home to two villages: Pinos Genil & Güejar Sierra.
Pinos Genil
This attractive little village lines both sides of t he
river Genil at the mouth of the Genil Valley. It is conveniently
located just 7 kilometres from the city of Granada, 8 kilometres
from the next village up of Güejar Sierra and 25 kilometres from
the ski and mountain resort of Sierra Nevada. Narrow streets wind
randomly through the old village centre with its Arabic influenced
whitewashed houses.
A number of excellent bar/restaurants line the riverside  including
the very hospitable and welcoming "Taberna del Turron" and "Casa
Meson Guillermo".
Prices are exceptionally reasonable. Locals enjoy spending the evenings
here enjoying the cool atmosphere created by the river flowing by.
Additional facilities include a bank with ATM, local store, well
stocked supermarket, excellent bakery, hostal and hotel accommodation.
A river walk recently restored makes for some lovely peaceful strolls,
or bike ride, as far as Granada if you so desire.
 
Güejar Sierra
Very much a true mountain village set amidst stunning scenery including
views up to the snowcapped peaks, (during the winter and spring
months). Located just 15 kilometres from Granada, 8  kilometres
to Pinos Genil, just over 30 kilometres to the ski resort village
via the main road and about 25 kilometres to the ski village via
the steep winding trail of "El Duque".  Overlooking the mouth of
the Canales Dam, Güejar holds an ideal mountain atmosphere.
Relaxing
and welcoming, make your way through the labyrinth of tiny streets,
passageways, arches and tunnels that make up the village centre
in true Andaluz style.
This is very much a walker & mountaineer destination being set at
the entrance to the high mountains of Sierra Nevada and perhaps
the most renowned trail of the Vereda de la Estrella that leads
from the village deep into the heart of Spain's highest chain of
mountains. The village is extremely well catered for with supermarkets,
video/dvd rental, local shops, reasonably priced quality hotels,
tapas bars and plenty of restaurants.
 
  Both of the villages are served from Granada by a local bus every
hour and a half, (with a 2 hour gap during the siesta break).
The bus company name is Liñan and the stop in Granada
is located by the old "Biblioteca", (library), on the "Paseo del
Salón" in the city centre. From the main bus terminal, there are
plenty of city lines running to the centre and a taxi will probably
cost in the region of 10.00€, (check with the driver before leaving). |
