Los Llanos: Historic Trails and Mining History

The Ruta Medieval Alpujarra connects several notable landscape and trail points in Los Llanos. It offers views of the greenhouses in the higher part of the town and runs along the right-hand side of the Valle del río Trevélez. Old signposts from the Antiguo Camino Bajo Trevélez recall the historic route; the trail also crosses the Barranco de los Llanos.

Trails and Landscape

Within the municipality of Busquístar, the Camino de los Llanos reaches the boundary of the public mountain area of Los Peñoncillos beside the Río Trevélez. The Busquístar–Portichuelo de Cástaras section is 4.2 km long and is designed as a linear route. Its beginning and end therefore lie at different points along the route, while the trail is clearly identified by the connection between Busquístar and Portichuelo de Cástaras. Two trails connect the settlement of Busquístar with the Minas del Conjuro.

Culture and History

The rural cultural heritage within the municipality of Busquístar includes Escarihuelas. These historic trails originated in the Middle Ages through communal work and thus represent a form of rural connection that developed over a long period. Their history complements the old signposts along the Ruta Medieval Alpujarra and the route described through the valley.

The Minas del Conjuro in Busquístar are inactive remnants of iron ore mining. They reached their greatest period of prosperity in the 1950s before closing in 1974. The former iron mines of El Conjuro lie opposite Busquístar on the other side of the Río Trevélez and can be seen from there. Two trails lead from the settlement to the mines, bringing mining history and historic trail connections together in the same surroundings.

The patron-saint festivities of Busquístar take place at the beginning of May. Traditional events include horse races with ribbons; there are also evening events featuring musical groups from the region. The beginning of May is therefore one of the clearly defined dates in the local festival calendar.

Other Places

Other places in the same selection are Alhama De Granada, Vélez de Benaudalla, Lecrín, Escoznar, La Zubia, Puerto Lope, Freila and Purullena.

Nature

The nearby Barranco del Tesoro lies northwest of Los Llanos. Its vegetation includes riverside vegetation, holm oaks, chestnut trees, broom and esparto grass. The nearby Cañón del Río Trevélez is home to remarkable birdlife; its gallery forest includes numerous poplars. The nearby Barranco del Tesoro is considered suitable for sporting activities.

Large greenhouse cultivation areas are located on the slopes descending from Los Llanos, in the higher sections. These areas are among the landscape features viewed from the Ruta Medieval Alpujarra, while the Cañón del Río Trevélez, with its birdlife and gallery forest, forms a distinct natural area.

For the broader travel overview: Granada.