Where is Lanjaron?
Lanjaron lies in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains and acts as the gateway to the Alpujarra region in the province of Granada in southern Spain. Malaga Airport is situated approximately 94 kilometres to the south west.
What kind of place is Lanjaron?
Lanjaron is a small spa town which offers spectacular views of the Alpujarra mountains and has a population of around 5,000. Recognised by the World Health Organisation as being one of the places on earth with the greatest longevity, the water, the climate, the clean mountain air and the Mediterranean diet are all, no doubt, contributory factors.
The town itself, in keeping with many others in southern Spain, features whitewashed buildings and a Moorish influence, and is well cared-for by its local residents. Its architecture is designed to take into account the rugged terrain on which is sits and the visitor can expect to find narrow, winding streets with delights around every corner.
Lanjaron has gained it notoriety, largely from the successful marketing of its local water, which originates in the Sierra Nevada. The water is bottled and sold across the whole of Spain and indeed there are five natural springs in the town itself.
What is there to do and see in Lanjaron?
A lively little town, Lanjaron welcomes a great number of visitors who come here to benefit from its healing waters. The natural springs contain iron salts and the chalybeate baths (which are the only ones in Spain) are said to help those who suffer from rheumatism, digestive and respiratory complaints, stress and nervous disorders. A whole range of treatments is on offer, including jacuzzi baths, underwater massage, steam and mud baths and reflexology. Testament to its importance in days gone by, the Spa itself has a large ballroom hung with impressive chandeliers.
As well as its water-related activities, Lanjaron also offers a number of historical sites of interest, including the remains of an Arab castle which guards the entrance to the Lanjaron gorge and a 16th century parish church.
There is plenty of accommodation available in the town, at hotels, hostels and villas, as well as a variety of local shops. Mountain cured ham, cheeses and fortified wine are the specialities of the region and you can buy these at many of the shops in the town. In addition, you will find banks, supermarkets, a chemist and a petrol station.
Visitors to Lanjaron should be aware that on the stroke of midnight on the 23rd June, the town celebrates its annual Water and Ham Festival in honour of Saint John the Baptist and it is then that the most almighty water fight breaks out. Don’t expect to stay dry!
What is there to do and see in the area generally?
The lovely city of Granada lies just 35kilometres from Lanjaron and should not be missed during your stay. As the town is sandwiched between the ski resorts of the Sierra Nevada and the Spanish coast, the whole area offers a multitude of different experiences, from lazing on the beach to hiking, horse riding or cycling.