The Lecrin Valley is known locally as the 'Happy Valley", as with good reason. Not only is that the literal translation of the place name, but for some years now it has been a location that has brought a few British who have made their homes here. It is a very important region in Spain and steeped in history. Coming from the North, Padul is the entrance to the "Valley of Lecrin". Many of the villages have views of the towering Sierra Nevada mountains including Niguelas. The climate is great.
All the villages are still very Spanish and very peaceful and the culture and history of Granada is on your doorstep. Mules are commonplace on the roads, most of the surrounding countryside has trees laden with lemons, oranges, olives and almonds. You will also see the Spanish women taking long walks on the country roads, usually in their slippers.
The Lecrin Valley is an ideal location for walkers, hikers and cyclists who love the sheer variety of scenery the valley has to offer. The most southern villages of Lecrin are only 35 kilometres from the coastal towns of Motril, Almunecar and Solobrena, where you will find plenty of historical locations to explore while visiting. Durcal is the main town in the valley, its hub are the villages of Talara and Lecrin. There you will find a handful of bars and excellent restaurants for your enjoyment. A roundtrip from Lecrin through villages such as Pinos del Valle, Restabal and Albunuelas will ensure that you take in some of the most breathtaking scenery in the area.
Happiness is indeed a valley called Lecrin !
