Sorvilán: Melicena Beach, Tower and Traditions

Coast

Melicena Beach is located within the municipality of Sorvilán and is 500 metres long and 40 metres wide. It has dark sand and calm bathing waters. The beach can be reached on foot or by car. Its size, the colour of its sand and its calm bathing waters give the beach a clearly defined profile within the municipality of Sorvilán.

Culture and History

The Torre de Melicena was part of the Nasrid system of coastal watchtowers. It served to monitor and protect the coast of Sorvilán. Within the municipality of Sorvilán, a path approximately half a kilometre long leads to the Torre de Melicena; the path slopes upwards and has an earthen surface. It is well demarcated and has a good surface. Several narrow stairway sections form part of its route. Rest areas with benches and viewpoints are located along this path. The uphill earthen path is difficult for people with reduced mobility and is not accessible to wheelchairs.

Access to the Torre thus combines the historic function of the coastal watchtower with an uphill earthen path approximately half a kilometre long. In addition to its demarcated route and good surface, the path features narrow stairway sections as well as rest areas with benches and viewpoints.

The Fuente Alta de Sorvilán is located on Calle Fuente Alta. It consists of an elongated, rectangular water basin made of rendered masonry. Inside, the basin is divided into two sections and has two water outlets. The Fuente Alta de Sorvilán may date from the 18th century. The address and construction form are directly connected at this site: the basin is divided internally, made of rendered masonry and equipped with two water outlets.

The Museo de costumbres y tradiciones “Mujer, mar y Montaña” is located in the former town hall of Sorvilán. It is an interpretation centre for wine as well as for traditional culture, customs and heritage. The museum focuses particularly on the role of women in the Contraviesa district and in the municipality of Sorvilán. In the former town hall, wine, inherited customs and traditional culture are therefore presented alongside a special portrayal of the role of women in the Contraviesa district and in Sorvilán.

Other Places

Other places: Bácor, Algarinejo, Cádiar, El Ventorrillo, Escoznar, Benalúa De Guadix, Huétor - Santillán, Trevélez

Festivals and Cuisine

The Festividad de San Cayetano takes place in the first week of August. It includes an extensive programme of cultural and sporting activities. The festival includes food tastings, particularly of Migas and Choto. Cultural and sporting events are accompanied by food tastings, with Migas and Choto receiving particular emphasis.

For the overarching travel overview: Granada.