What to Do on Holiday in the Lecrín Valley
Situated at 560 m above sea level, the small village of Saleres lies just up river from Restábal on the banks of the River Santo. The River Santo, or Holy River, is so named locally because it always has water even if it’s just a trickle in the height of summer.
The Salereños call their river the Albuñuelas after the village it comes from. It flows under the trees past the old water mill, just below the village on it’s way to Restábal. Where, in turn, it’s known as the River Saleres!
The River Santo or Albuñuelas in Saleres
About 165 souls live here, amiable and hard working people, dedicated mainly to the cultivation of citrus fruits, almonds and olives. Some also offer charming houses to tourists from all over the world. The village’s Arab past is proudly present in its narrow, steep streets and alley ways. Follow these to the upper part of the village to enjoy splendid views over the river valley.
A tranquil place with no shops, just one small bar, however, in my opinion, this just adds to its special charm. Look out for the interior patios, some of them boasting interesting agricultural and domestic artefacts inherited from the owners’ ancestors.
What to See in Saleres
The village is situated at the foot of the sierra offering excellent routes for walkers, trails to places like the Spring of the Seven Years. Visit the village church, dedicated to the Apostle Santiago – St. James. Built in Mudéjar style with the tower decorated in tiles, like the church in Melegís. A village with deep rooted and singular customs, where, even today, locals still use words that have their own significance. Words such as “entangarillao, prevelicao or tapirojo”! One has to ask a Salereño/a what they really mean.
The church of the Apostle Santiago in Saleres
Another interesting monument, the Saleres Watchtower stands witness to the Valley’s history at an altitude of 1.011 metres. Find it near the road that runs from Albuñuelas to Cozvijar. Built during the Nasrid dynasty it used to connect visually with a similar tower in Cónchar as well as the castles in Restábal, Murchas, Mondujar and the Venta (Inn) de la Cebada on the coastal road. Forming a veritable chain of defence against marauders and invaders.
Saleres seen from the path to Albuñuelas
Nature
For a really special, summer hike, why not try the Barranco de Luna. Very close to Saleres and Restábal, the walk takes you through a narrow gorge. A certain amount of scrambling is necessary to overcome the fallen boulders but it’s a refreshing route for summer with water running through the canyon. Remember to take plenty of drinking water, a hat, sound boots or shoes and preferably a stick. And don’t mind getting wet! A short, circular route, 2,5 km but it is classed as difficult due to the slippery rocks one has to clamber over. Watch the weather forecast, this is not a route to take after heavy rain or the snow melt. We should always recognise our limitations when walking in this area. After all there’s no hurry, you’re on holiday.
One of our memebers, Fernando, organises guided tours to Barranco Luna. More information here: Aqua Trekking Valle de Lecrín He's planning more routes, look out for more information on his page on this website.
The Barranco Luna Gorge
Fiestas in Saleres
The Saleres Function (last weekend in October). The village's patron saint festivities, which include religious celebrations, fireworks, popular foods and musical verbena (street party).
The Patron Saint is Santiago Apóstol - St. James (last Sunday in October), when the images of Santiago Apóstol, the Virgin of the Rosary and the Sacred Heart of Jesus are taken out in procession through the streets.
Charming Saleres
From Restábal to Saleres is about 5 minutes by car. On foot, take the path leaving from the upper part of the village, passing through the terraced fields and arriving in Saleres down by the river. This takes about 25 minutes. A pleasant saunter with a prize on arrival – one of the most charming villages in the Lecrín Valley.
For more information visit: El Valle - Saleres
Post y photos by Susan Walker
For the best holiday in the Lecrín Valley, remember that on the Lecrín Valley Tourism website you can book your accommodation, your activities or your restaurant directly with the owners. Who better to help you plan everything? And without any commissions!
GO TO BLOG