The Village of Albuñol

The charming town of Albuñol is affectionately known as La Puerta de la Alpujarra - "Doorway to the Alpujarra". It is the eastern most town of the Costa Tropical and includes its port area, La Rábita and its agricultural center, El Pozuelo. It has over 6,000 inhabitants and covers 63 km. of combined coastline and inland areas.

Albuñol's roots date back to Arab times when it was named Hins Al-Bonyul. From the early 1500s when the Moors were expelled to the latter part of the 1600s, not too much of note occurred until the land began to be worked and small farming communities came into existence. Albuñol continued to grow as an agricultural area, incorporating the customs and traditions of the Alpujarreño people as well as developing the nearby maritime trades.

By the start of the 19th century, the locally grown figs, almonds and wines produced were becoming well known nationally and internationally, thanks to their exportation via their port of La Rábita. El Pozuelo's agricultural production and international export of tender peas, kidney beans, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes are just as important in the town's economy. Altogether, this commercial success continues today, coupled with visitors' expanding interest in rural tourism, and is lending to Albuñol's growth. In addition, the local craftware of woven hemp is widely popular.

The local foods of Albuñol are influenced by the Alpujarreños but also include specialties such as chorizos, morcillas, (types of sausages) choto al ajillo (goat cooked in garlic), migas con pescado (breaded fish), fritada de matanza (hunt-of-the-day cooked to perfection), los dulces moriscos (Moorish-influenced sweets), la leche frita (custard-like fried milk), and roscos (similar to donuts). From La Rábita come specialty seafood dishes such as boquerones encañados (sardines cooked on the spit), pulpo seco (dried squid), fideos con caballas (tiny pasta and fish), gachas colorás con sardinas (sauteéd cornmeal with sardines) or arroz a la marinera (seafood and rice). Typical desserts include roscos fritos de azúcar (donut-like sweet fritters), las torrijas (sweet milky bread), and pestiños (sweet squares).

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Where is Albuñol located?

Albuñol, in the Granada province, is another traditional small white mountain village located near the Mediterranean coast of southern Spain in the Andalucia (Andalus) region, east of the Costa Tropical. Albuñol is located at the eastern end of the Granada province, between the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains and the Mediterranean, at the base of the Las Alpujarras region. It is reasonably accessible through a mountain road connecting it to the principal Costa Tropical highway of N-340.

Getting There

Albuñol is near Malaga, Granada, and Almeria, and is readily accessible from the heart of the Costa Tropical, Almuñécar:

If coming from the west ( Malaga, Almuñécar, or Granada), Albuñol is best accessed by driving east of Motril via the coastal highway N-340. After about 30 minutes, near the town of La Rábita, look for the sign marking the road to the towns of La Marradura and Albuñol heading north into the mountains. When in Albuñol look for the signs marking the road to Albuñol. Total travel time from La Rábita to Albuñol should be about 30 minutes.

If coming from the east (Almeria), take the N-340 highway towards Motril, Almuñécar, and Malaga and once you cross into the Granada province, look for the town of La Rábita. From La Rábita, follow the directions above.

Who are we? An American expat with over 20 years of experience living and traveling in Spain, specifically in Malaga and Granada. Darsey is a seasoned explorer of Andalucia. Drawing from decades of immersive experience, she offers deep insights into this enchanting region of Spain, including off-the-beaten path destinations, the best places to stay, and the top bucket list activities to try! More...

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Albuñol on the Map