Discover Albolote: Sierra Elvira, Culture and Water

The Sierra Elvira is geologically interesting. Its clearly defined stratigraphic sequence dates from the Lower Jurassic and contains numerous fossils. At the same time, the Sierra Elvira is home to the endemic snail Iberus Gualtierianus. Its native woodland includes holm oaks, kermes oaks, and Portuguese oaks. Around 90 migratory bird species have been recorded at the Cubillas Reservoir.

Activities

Routes for hiking and cycling are available in Albolote. The network comprises seven routes. Five start at Granja La Cartuja and two at the Cubillas Reservoir. A circular route designed as a mountain-biking trail leads through the Sierra Elvira and the municipality of Albolote. Numerous water sports activities are possible at the Cubillas Reservoir. The Club Náutico Universitario is located there.

Seven routes are spread between Granja La Cartuja and the Cubillas Reservoir; the guided cultural route dedicated to Francisco Carvajal is approximately one kilometre long and takes one and a half hours. Two trained tourist guides accompany it. The Club Náutico Universitario is located at the Cubillas Reservoir.

Other places in Andalusia: Laroles, Melegís, La Calahorra, Dúdar, Los Tablones, Soportújar, Loja and Colomera.

Culture

The Torreón is a 13th-century watchtower at Collado de los Pinos. Known as the Torreón de Albolote, it is a Nasrid watchtower and has been recognised as a Bien de Interés Cultural. The Torreón is incorporated into several hiking routes.

The Iglesia de la Encarnación is an outstanding example of Granada's Mudéjar architecture. In 1981, it was declared a national historic-artistic monument. It was built between 1583 and 1597 in place of the earlier church. The earlier church, in turn, stood on the site of a former mosque.

The tourist-cultural route dedicated to Francisco Carvajal is a guided route. It is approximately one kilometre long and takes one and a half hours. Two trained tourist guides accompany it. Albolote is one of the final stops on the Ruta de los Nazaríes, along with Maracena and Granada.

Events

Every year on 19 April, Albolote holds a procession in honour of Cristo de la Salud. The annual Candelaria gathering takes place at the Torreón and at Placeta de la Reina in the Sierra Elvira. The Fiestas Populares de Albolote take place during the first week of August. They include gastronomic competitions, music events, children's activities, and sports activities.

The Fiesta de la Cerveza is one of the long-established events. It was scheduled to take place from 21 to 23 November in the Metropolitano park-and-ride car park.

History

The Battle of La Higueruela took place on 1 July 1431 in the municipality of Albolote. The Parque Infantil de Tráfico “Albolut” features around ten replicas of notable buildings in Albolote. These include the town hall, the church, and the market. Along with Armilla, Albolote is one of the two terminal stops of the Granada Metropolitano.

To the main travel overview: Granada.