Lucainena de las Torres: Mining History and Vía Verde

Lucainena de las Torres brings together mining history, religious architecture, local traditions, and the Camino Natural Vía Verde. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in the town, these different features can shape your plans: the former mining railway defines the character of the route, while viewpoints, historic buildings, and regional cuisine reveal other sides of the town.

Mining History and Buildings

The calcination kilns were built in 1900 near Lucainena station by the former Compañía Minera de Sierra Alhamilla. The restored complex serves a tourist purpose for visitors to the Vía Verde. The original structure can be seen at the first kiln; a staircase leads to the top, which offers expansive views over the Lucainena valley. Check access conditions on site.

Other landmarks also bear witness to the former railway and mining industry. The former El Molinillo railway bridge has been restored with two metal walkways. Torre del Molinillo is the only watchtower to have survived the centuries on a rock on a hill near Lucainena de las Torres. At Cortijo de Las Tejas, the Camino Natural offers particularly lovely views of a private manor house, now completely in ruins and surrounded by palm trees, dating from the period when the mining railway was at its greatest extent. The waterwheel at Cortijo was once used to draw underground water for human consumption or irrigation.

Vía Verde and Hiking Trails

The Camino Natural Vía Verde de Lucainena de las Torres to Agua Amarga starts in Lucainena de las Torres and currently runs as far as Venta del Pobre in the municipality of Níjar. The route is just over 15 kilometers long and is divided into three sections of approximately five kilometers each. Along the way, hikers and cycling tourists now follow the former route of the mining railway. The Pasarela de la Rambla Honda is part of a continuous stretch of more than 15 kilometers along the former railway line, from the old station to Venta del Pobre.

The former Lucainena station has been converted into a tourist information center. Along the Camino Natural, the Mirador de El Algarrobo offers a place to rest and panoramic views. Another hiking trail is the Senda Minera de Lucainena (SL-A 62): it is short and suitable for children too. The information about the route’s length and sections provides different reference points for planning, but does not indicate a walking time. Check trail conditions locally before your trip.

El Túnel is a distinctive feature of the Camino Natural. The tunnel is approximately 85 meters long, carved into the rock, and unlined. There is no artificial lighting, but it is not needed to pass through. At the Mirador del Garruchete, panoramic views open up over Lucainena de las Torres and the folds of the surrounding mountains.

Viewpoints and Local History

The El Poyo de la Cruz viewpoint is located at the main entrance. From there, panoramic views extend over the town and the old Molinillo. Together with the Mirador del Garruchete and the viewpoint at the first restored kiln, it offers different perspectives of the town, the mountains, and the valley. The parish church of Nuestra Señora de Montesión is an 18th-century neoclassical building with a fortified appearance and a square tower. Lucainena’s first church was founded in 1505 on the site of a former mosque and destroyed during the Morisco uprising.

The townscape also features white limewashed buildings, with flowerpots and geraniums on the façades and in the streets. The traditional public washhouse, Lavadero de la Fuente, uses springs from the Peñón and is still in use. These buildings and traditions add insights into the town’s religious and everyday history to its mining heritage.

Festivals and Local Cuisine

The Día de las Flores features a choreography performed in the Refajona, the traditional costume typical of the town. The festival in honor of Saint Sebastian takes place on January 20. It includes a procession through the streets and roscos, which are thrown from balconies as an offering; the exact program may vary.

Traditional dishes from Lucainena de las Torres include Gurullos de conejo, Pelotas de maíz, Potaje de trigo, Choto al ajillo, and Pimentón or Caldo colorao. Local sweets include Roscos, Bollos de nata, Hojaldres, Alfajores de almendra, and Cuajao de almendras. Alongside its buildings and trails, festivals and regional dishes are further themes to explore during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Balerma, Alcontar, Caserío Santopétar, Taberno, Cantoria, Los Escullos, El Hijate, Berja

For the broader travel overview: Almeria.