Lentejí
Written by Paz Rosado, translated by Emma Cattle
Like its neighbouring villages Jete and Otivar, Lentejí is located inland from the Costa Tropical, tucked away in the southern part of the Sierra de Almijara mountains and protected by the river Verde. It is a popular destination for lovers of rural tourism and adventure sports such as canyoning and caving.
In its centre, amongst narrow, steep streets, the most important building is the Iglesia de la Virgen del Rosario, a Mudejar-style chapel from the 16th century. Facing this building is a small yet attractive plaza.
Near to Lentejí you can find mountainous landscape with areas such as Entrecierra, Guardajamas, la Cortijada de Aguas Blanquillas and the recreational area known as El Sequero, dominated by pine forests. Hikers can take one of two routes which lead to these places: the climb up to Entrecierras, where you can take in the views over the Valle de los Guájares with Sierra Nevada as the backdrop; and the walk to Guardajamas, passing by various country estates along the way.
GASTRONOMY
The gastronomy of Lentejí is full of home-grown products such as nísperos (loquats), cherimoyas (custard apples), almendras (almonds), and aceitunas (olives), the main ingredient of the tastiest dishes. The most traditional dishes are puchero de hinojos (fennel stew) and choto (veal).
FIESTAS
The most important celebration in Lentejí takes place between 25and 27December: the patron saint's festival in honour of la Virgen del Rosario. Other fiestas usually take place in August.
DIRECTIONS
Lentejí is 64km from Granada city. Take the A-44 (direction Motril) and leave at exit 139 for Otura-La Malatía to join up with the A-4050, and at the outskirts of Otívar, take the GR-SO-20 directly to the centre of Lentejí.
