Lújar

Lújar lies in the foothills of the rugged mountains of the Sierra de Lújar. This town, 520 metres above sea level, is famous for its white silhouette from where you can see the intense blue of the sea in the direction of Alboran.

The friendly locals and the traditional streets of this town are reasons enough to visit it. Its layout is very interesting because it is set out like an amphitheatre against the shadowy, dark and impressive backdrop of the Sierra de Lújar. You can climb the mountain along a paved road that reaches the very top, and it is a walk that is well worth doing. However, be warned it is a steep and difficult climb and requires a certain level of fitness.

The town dates back to the Phoenician era, having been a centre of olive growing. Its name comes from the word ‘luxar’ meaning large stones, referring to the Sierra de Lújar. The town’s layout with its narrow streets and the structure of the houses with their typical ‘tinao’ or small portal is the legacy of the Islamic period. This town suffered severe depopulation as a result of the Reconquista. Several decades later it was partially repopulated with Christians from other areas of Spain. At that time the town belonged to the Taha of Órgiva and later fell under the jurisdiction of the Conte de Santa Coloma.

In the 18^th century Lújar’s grape growing and mining industries expanded and attracted a new influx of people.  Today Lújar is the largest of a group of four towns including Los Carlos, Venta de Lújar and Playa de Cambriles.

Migas and Choto come in many different variations. Lomo en orza is one of the most typical local specialties, together with Zalamandroña (a sardine and pumpkin stew), the Puchero de hinojos and the fig bread.