Flowers on white, mining history and water

Welcome to Lucainena de las Torres You have arrived at the village of white and flowers, declared one of the Most Beautiful Villages of Spain. From here you can walk along the Vía Verde: farmhouses, waterwheels, bridges and terraces await you along 15 km. You can also discover the mining legacy with the impressive Calcination Ovens, or follow the Water Route to El Marchal. Do not forget to stroll through the center and enjoy its flowery corners. And of course, enjoy some good tapas and rest in its rural accommodations.

Lucainena de las Torres is known for its whitewashed facades full of flowers, a tradition that embellishes streets, sidewalks and squares. Strolling among multicolored geraniums is a unique sensory experience: color, aroma and calm. Some of the most flowery streets, such as Estación de Cañadas, start from the Town Hall Square. Every May the Fiesta de las Flores is celebrated, with decorated crosses, music, gastronomy and an entire town in its maximum splendor.

Between the late nineteenth century and 1942, mining marked the pulse of Lucainena. Remains such as derricks, chimneys and the eight calcination furnaces, where the ore was reduced before transport, are still preserved. One of them has been restored and allows to understand its operation. From here starts the Mining Path SL-A062, which runs through old elements of the mining infrastructure. The whole complex is now a valuable heritage and tourist legacy.

Built around 1505 over a former mosque, the church was rebuilt after the Moorish rebellion. Of neoclassical style and fortified appearance, it has a Latin cross plan, a single vaulted nave and a dome over the transept. Its tower dominates the town. In September the festivities are held in honor of the Virgin of Montesión. San Sebastián, its other patron saint, parades with his relic brought from Rome in 2007. In front of the temple is the Mirador Poyo de la Cruz, with views of the valley and the Vía Verde.

Lucainena connects nature and history through this old mining route, today converted into a greenway. It connects the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park with the Filabres and Alhamilla Mountains. There are 15 km passable from the municipality to Venta del Pobre, ideal for hiking or cycling. Along the way there are farmhouses, waterwheels, tunnels and bridges such as La Rafaela or El Molinillo. The road, built in 1896, is today a symbol of local ecotourism.

In Lucainena, water has shaped the landscape and life. The Water Route runs through two springs born of the Rock: the Laundry La Fuente, built in 1923 by the mining company, and El Marchal, with its pond for irrigation of Andalusian orchards. From this walk there are unique views of the valley, the village and El Molinillo, an old watchtower. The route descends between terraces and connects with the Vía Verde near the Cortijo de los Baños, today rural lodging next to ferruginous waters.