Vineyards, orange trees, pomegranates, almond trees, olive trees, lemon trees… It is the exuberant landscape that welcomes us in Cónchar, an ideal village to take a break by rural tourism.
It is one of the municipalities of Villamena, together with Cozvijar, and is in the heart of the Lecrín Valley, which the Arabs called the Alegría Valley. Located between the foothills of the Sierra de Albuñuelas and the course of the Dúrcal River, where the landscape is really beautiful. Its location is perfect for mountain fans, both for the hiking trails and for its proximity to the Sierra Nevada ski resort.
Before telling you about the things you can see in Cónchar, we are going to tell you a little about its history, of which we have already given you a hint at the beginning.
And it is that, those who left the most prominent mark on this Granada town were the Arabs, under whose mandate it grew, leaving behind part of their heritage, especially that of culture.
Now let’s get to the important matter… so what can you see in Cónchar? The passage of time has taken its toll and part of its heritage has been lost, but even so, we can still enjoy some of its monuments or points of interest.
The main monument, as in most rural towns, is the church, dedicated to San Pedro, which was built in the seventeenth century with brick and masonry walls that give it a beautiful picture, while its interior houses two neoclassical altarpieces.
The oldest preserved is the Atalaya de Cónchar, on the outskirts of the urban area, which served as a surveillance area for the Lecrín Valley for the Arabs and which, for the most part, still stands and is listed as Asset of Cultural Interest.
There are many points of interest that are integrated into nature, such as a small spring The Acequia de los Arcos or the Fuente que Ríe, that can be reached on foot from the urban area and not forgetting the Arroyo Alcazar Waterfall
At this point, after touring all of the town, your energy might be spent, so what better way to recharge your batteries with the gastronomic specialties of Cónchar?
In addition to the traditional dishes of Granada's cuisine, in this town the conchúo soak, an orange-based salad, is the star.
When it comes to desserts, the almond puff pastry known as manchegos or pomegranates, have a special reputation in the province, and will be the ones to that add the perfect finishing sweet touch.
Its various festivities are spread throughout the year, with special mention to the patron saint festivities, in honour of San Roque, which are celebrated on August 16, as well as on July 25 a pilgrimage dedicated to Santiago Apóstol runs through the streets.
It is worth mentioning a popular tradition such as the Fiesta del Mosto, which takes place on January 6, where locals and travelers can taste the conchúo must.
Traditionally, Cónchar has been dedicated to agriculture, with crops of cereals and fruit trees, and to a lesser extent its livestock.
In recent times, rural tourism has become a source of income for the town, since there are many who seek the tranquillity of the rural environment in the middle of nature.