This mountain, with its highest point at 1836 metres, stands out for its gorges and beautiful views. The mountain is partially surrounded by the river Guadalfeo and includes the municipalities of Orgiva, Velez de Benaudalla, and Lujar within its territory.
This town is located at the foot of the mountain, and from there you can walk up a steep hill to the very summit of Sierra de Lujar. The town dates back to the Phoenicians, with olive trees that have endured over time. In Lujar, you can enjoy typical narrow streets with a Moorish layout.
The name Lujar comes from the Arabic word "luxar," which means great stones, referring to the Lujar Mountain range. The town's urban framework, with its narrow streets and houses featuring the classic "tinao" or small vestibule, reflects its Moorish heritage. During the 18th century, Lujar saw significant development in grape cultivation and mining.
Historically, Lujar was a small town known as Luxal during the time of the Catholic Monarchs' conquest. It gained some prominence when the mines in the Sierra were exploited. The town experienced depopulation after the Reconquista, but it was partially repopulated several decades later. In the 19th century, Lujar continued to develop, with a focus on agriculture and mining.
Orgiva is a vibrant town that attracts tourists with its rich history and beautiful landscapes. The town features a mix of traditional and modern architecture, with narrow streets and whitewashed houses reflecting its Moorish heritage. A large market is held every Thursday, offering a variety of local products and crafts.
Velez de Benaudalla is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy hiking, cycling, and exploring the natural beauty of the Sierra de Lujar. The town also hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year, celebrating its rich heritage and traditions.
During our tours, it is quite likely that we will find some old abandoned mines, such as San Jose, where lead was extracted until 1989. There are a variety of lovely hiking trails in the area, some of the recommended ones are:
Description: This scenic route begins in the quaint village of Lujar and takes you to the peaceful hamlet of Lagos. The trail is approximately 12 km long and is suitable for hikers with moderate experience. The path winds through varied landscapes, including dense forests, open meadows, and rocky terrains. Along the way, you'll enjoy stunning views of the Sierra de Lujar and the surrounding valleys.
Highlights:
Starting Point: The hike starts at the village of Lujar. From here, head towards the Santo Cristo de Cabrilla Church and begin ascending the steep streets until you reach the Lujar viewpoint.
Route Details:
The name of this tour comes from the large number of mines situated along the path. The trail starts simple and well-marked, but gradually becomes a small path that eventually disappears. We will reach a point where we have to climb a steep slope of stones where it is easy to skid. Finally, we arrive at the summit, a distance of about 10 kilometres with a height of 1,500 metres.
Sierra de Lujar has numerous ravines and places with hiking trails that allow us to enjoy all the nature that surrounds the area. Some notable ravines include:
Tips:
To reach Lujar from Malaga, take the A-7 motorway towards Nerja, passing by Motril and its Yacht Club. Be careful as the place where we change direction to Las Ventillas doesn’t have any signposting. On the road GR-5209, take the road to Lujar and follow it towards our destination.
In the map below, you can see the route in more detail. You can rent a car in Malaga if you need a transport means at the airport on arrival.
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