Arenas del Rey
Arenas del Rey is a village in the province of Granada that was recently formed by the merger of several smaller hamlets. It gained significant prominence during the nineteenth century due to the presence of Napoleonic troops on its land during the Peninsular War. The village has a population of around 2,200.
History
Traces of the Roman presence, as well as of the long Muslim rule and subsequent Christian repopulation following the War of Granada, can be found here. The municipality gained particular prominence in the nineteenth century due to the presence of Napoleonic troops in its territory during the Peninsular War. Carlos III granted Arenas del Rey town status by decree. More>
Things to see
Ermita de San Isidro
This newly built chapel, like the rest of the town, dates back to the nineteenth century due to the Lisbon earthquake of 25 December 1884. It is located on the outskirts of the town, on the road from Arenas del Rey to Granada. Access is gained through a small, enclosed courtyard reached by a few steps. The chapel has a rectangular floor plan with a single nave defined by load-bearing walls. More >
Iglesia de San Sebastián
The church was built in the nineteenth century, after the Lisbon earthquake of 1884. Like many other churches, it was looted during the Spanish Civil War and lost many of its religious images, although quite a few were recovered over time. The exterior features carefully crafted stepped volumes and well-considered symmetry, with a façade dominated by white walls and tiled roofs. It is located in Plaza Alfonso XII. More >
Things to see outside village
Dolmen Prehistórico
This is a burial site located next to the shore of the Bermejales reservoir. After a drop in the reservoir’s water level in the mid-twentieth century, several megalithic tombs began to appear scattered throughout the area. Almost twenty burials were discovered, of which only about half remain today. The tomb shown in the photographs, number 7, was moved from its original location and reconstructed stone by stone to prevent it from being submerged under the reservoir's waters. More>
Pantano de los Bermejales
The Los Bermejales reservoir is located 37 km from Granada and is surrounded by an attractive pine forest. The area boasts everything from ancient civilisations' remains, such as the Arenas del Rey Megalithic Group, to impressive landscapes like Los Tajos, a deep and narrow gorge through which the Cacín River flows. The gorge is more than 100 metres deep and 5 kilometres long. The Sierra de La Almijara is also home to secluded corners where species such as the Iberian ibex and wild boar are abundant. It is located north of the village. More>
Mirador de los Bermejales
This is a viewpoint overlooking the Bermejales reservoir. Although the project for its construction was part of the 1902 Hydraulic Works Plan, the reservoir did not become operational until 1958. On 11 July 1941, a decree authorised the execution of the revised reservoir project through a bidding process. Construction of the reservoir cost 160 million pesetas in total. Construction did not begin until 1947 and continued for several years. More>
La Resinera
Dating back to 1902, La Resinera was one of the most important resin production plants of the twentieth century. It is the only one remaining in Andalusia and one of the few left in Spain. Acquired by Unión Resinera Española around 1901, it focused on producing paints, varnishes and soaps until its decline began after the 1975 fire. It is located southwest of the village. More>
Countryside Walks
Tajos de los Bermejales
This trail, due to its topography, presents some difficulties, many of which are overcome by suspension bridges, so one must exercise extreme caution along the route. Efforts will be amply rewarded by the succession of shapes that erosion has formed in the rocks and the beautiful waterfalls, pools, and cascades that the river creates along its course.
Bus Service
There is a bus service from Arenas del Rey to Granada City and Jayena. More>
Handicrafts
The traditional crafts of Arenas del Rey have practically disappeared, except for the production of some basketry made with esparto grass.
Gastronomy
When visiting Arenas del Rey, try local dishes such as cazuela de habas (broad bean stew), habas fritas con jamón (broad beans with jamón), perdices con coles (partridge with cabbage), liebre al almendra (hare and almond stew), berenjenas rellenas (stuffed aubergine) and pisto de calabaza (pumpkin stew).
Festivals
Popular festivals in Arenas del Rey are Día de la Candelaría, Romería de San Isidro and Fiestas Patronales.
Weather Forecast
The weather forecast for the next few days for Arenas del Rey. More>
Tourist Office
The tourist office of Arenas del Rey is located in the Town Hall. More>
Nearby Places
The neighbouring villages to Arenas del Rey are Alhama de Granada and Jayena.