Albolote

The town of Albolote, located in a fertile area of Vega de Granada and only 6 kilometres from Granada, is a town with an agricultural tradition and a developed services sector. Surrounded by magnificent countryside, Albolote offers its visitors infinite possibilities for experiencing nature. The Sierra Elvira and the Cubillas reservoir are two perfect locations in which to soak up the magic of the surroundings.

In addition to the beautiful landscapes and botanical wealth, the town is of considerable historical and archaeological interest, as it is surrounded by a number of Roman villas and traces of its Palaeolithic past. Albolote is part of the Nasrid Route, a tourism and cultural project that highlights the area’s Arab heritage.

The first traces of settlement date back to the Palaeolithic era and near the Pantano de Cubillas there are archaeological remains of Roman houses from the 3^rd century AD. However Albolote itself was founded in the Nasrid period and its name comes from the Arab word for oak (al-Bulut), trees that grew in abundance in the surrounding area. An Arab author makes mention of a human settlement here and it is thought it may have been joined to the Cora de Elvira farmstead.

In 1431 the Battle of the Higueruela took place nearby. Juan II of Castile and Don Alvaro de Luna descended from the Sierra de Parapanda with their Castilian troops, devastating the plain. The emir Muhammad IX fought with all his strength but the fight ended in his defeat at the gates of Granada.

The battle of the Higueruela took place in the Albolote district, in 1431. Juan II of Castile and Don Alvaro de Luna leading their Castilian troops descended by the skirt of Parapanda and camped in the area of Maracena, devastating the fertile plain. The emir Muhammad IX tried to force an exit with all his army, combat that finished with the defeat at the gates of Granada.

Influences from Granada are clearly visible in the gastronomy of Albolote. The Moors left their mark on the recipes of this town too. Visitors can try the typical gachas, the different local salads, vegetables and fruits, beets, stew, soup or Granada partridges. However, you cannot leave without having tried the signature dish of Albolote: rice with rabbit, a dish that is popular in the region and all over Spain.