Free walking tours in Laujar de Andarax and what to see

Must-sees

Laujar de Andarax is in the Almería Alpujarra, on the southern slope of Sierra Nevada, and is known for its abundant water. Its main monument is the church of La Encarnación, Mudéjar with Baroque additions, called the cathedral of the Alpujarra for its size. The streets are dotted with fountains and drinking troughs, such as San Antonio and Barandilla, and from the town's viewpoints you can see the valley. The poet Francisco Villaespesa was born here, and the town is linked to the history of the end of the Nasrid kingdom and Boabdil.

A few kilometres away is El Nacimiento, where the Andarax river rises, with shady areas and trails leading into the Sierra Nevada Nature Park. Laujar is also vineyard country, one of the few in Almería province, and its wines are made in wineries in the town and around it.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free walking tours in Laujar de Andarax. The most common activity is a winery visit with a tasting, where you learn about Alpujarra wines and high-altitude vine growing. The rest you can do on your own: the walk past the town's fountains and the trails from El Nacimiento are well signposted.

How long to spend

Allow half a day for the town, the church and the fountains. If you add a winery visit and a walk to El Nacimiento, give it a full day. With two days you can do a Sierra Nevada route or visit other villages in the Almería Alpujarra, such as Fondón.

Where to stay

The best option is to stay in Laujar itself, in the town near the square and the church, or in the rural houses and farmhouses nearby, surrounded by vines and vegetable plots. That way you can head out walking without the car. Accommodation is limited, so book ahead. As an alternative, Fondón is very close and Almería is a little over an hour away.