Vegas del Genil was formed in 1976 with the union of three villages: Ambroz, Belicena and Purchil. Vegas del Genil is a municipality in the Vega de Granada, located just west of the city of Granada. One of the most attractive natural environments in Vegas del Genil is Camino de Cantarranas, located between Ambroz and Purchil, amongst lush poplar groves and tobacco dryers. It has a population of around 6,600.
History
The first inhabitants of Vegas del Genil were likely the Turduli (ancient pre-Roman people of the southwestern Iberian Peninsula), close relatives of the Turdetani who lived north of the province of Granada. Later, the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, and Romans arrived; the latter established a permanent agricultural settlement, as shown by a Roman villa known as Bellicium, the present-day site of Belicena. More>
Things to see in Vegas de Genil
In this section, we highlight points of interest according to the village where they are located.
Things to see in Ambroz
Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios (Ambroz)
The Church of Our Lady of the Remedies is Ambroz’s parish church and is a modern building, dating to the 1980s, built when the growing population required a larger parish church. More>
Ermita de los Marqueses de las Torres de Orán (Ambroz)
The Ermita de los Marqueses de las Torres de Orán, also known as the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios was built on the Marquises’ property during the 18th century. More>
Things to see in Belicena
Centro de Interpretación de la Vega
The visitor centre serves as both a symbol of the region’s agricultural heritage and a gateway to exploring Vega de Granada’s cultural and natural history and attractions. More>
Iglesia del Santísimo Cristo de la Misericordia (Belicena) The Church of the Holy Christ of Mercy was recognised as Belicena's independent parish church in 1956; historically, the parish was linked to Purchil, and both belonged to the parish of Santa Fé. More>
Things to see in Purchil
Iglesia de San José (Purchil)
Today, the Church of San José remains one of the most important historic and cultural landmarks in Vegas del Genil. Located on Calle Real. More>
Things to see in Vegas de Genil mnicipal district
Puente Francés
The Puente Francés (French Bridge) is a small but historically significant stone bridge that sits on the border between Vegas del Genil and Granada city. The bridge dates to the early 19th century, spans an old channel of the Genil River, and is considered part of Granada's historic heritage. Representative of French architecture, it is constructed from dressed stone masonry with a segmental flattened arch and was built by Napoleonic troops during the occupation of Granada. It is scheduled for restoration. Located on Camino de Granada
Ermita del Cristo de las Cañas
The Hermitage of Christ of the Reeds chapel is a small rural chapel located within the grounds of the Cortijo de las Cañas estate, on the road to Santa Fé. The hermitage takes its name from Cristo de las Cañas, a representation of Christ where it is said that Roman soldiers mocked Jesus before the Crucifixion, placing a reed (cana) in his hand as a sceptre. The modest chapel, comprising a single rectangular nave and a bell gable, is open to the public on Good Friday at 15.00 hrs. The bell is rung, and a series of prayers are recited. Tradition holds that worshippers make three wishes, which Cristo de las Cañas then grants.
Cortijo de San Antón
The Farmstead of St Anthony is an old Moorish farmhouse that belonged to the Order of Santiago de Granada during the reign of the Catholic Monarchs. After the ecclesiastical confiscations of the 19th century, the Seijas Lozano family acquired it at public auction in 1836. The farm (cortijo) retains two cisterns and two wells, preserved in excellent condition and historically used for both agricultural and family purposes. As one of the area's oldest rural properties, the cortijo reflects the agricultural heritage and historical continuity of the Vega de Granada.
Countryside walks
Camino de Cantarranas The Camino de Cantarranas is a traditional rural path connecting Ambroz and Purchil, passing through the fertile agricultural landscape of the Vega de Granada. The route is characterised by tobacco fields, poplar groves, irrigation channels and traditional tobacco-drying sheds (secaderos), reflecting the area's agricultural heritage. Walking this path is said to be one of the most rural routes available in Granada.
Ruta de las Alquerías
As part of the Camino de Cantarranas, the Alquerías Route is a scenic walking route through the entire municipality of Vegas del Genil, linking its three population centres. The path passes through the town centre, exploring its historical heritage, and follows paths that wind through the fertile plain, revealing its rural and traditional landscape (farmhouses, hamlets, drying sheds, etc.). Along the way, visitors can discover the municipality's rich heritage, including historic farmhouses (cortijos), former Moorish hamlets (alquerías), drying sheds and other agricultural buildings that reflect centuries of rural life. The route offers an excellent introduction to the area's history, architecture and enduring agricultural traditions.
Bus Service
There is a bus service from Vegas del Genil to Granada City and Cúllar Vega. More>
Gastronomy
When visiting Vegas del Genil, try local dishes such as olla de San Antón (chickpea stew), gachas picantes (spicy savoury porridge), pimientos rellenos (stuffed peppers), conejo al limón (rabbit cooked with lemon) and habas con jamón (broad beans and ham). For something sweet, try roscos de San Antón (aniseed biscuits), flores en dulce (honey pastries), huevos moles (custard with floating islands) and leche frita (fried custard).
Festivals
Popular festivals in Vegas del Genil are Fiesta de la Virgen de los Remedios, Fiestas de la Merendica, Fiestas de San Marcos, Día de la Toma and Semana Santa. More>
Weather forecast
The weather forecast for the next few days for Vegas del Genil. More>
Tourist Office
The tourist office of Vegas del Genil is in the Town Hall. More>
Nearby Places
The neighbouring villages to Vegas del Genil are Granada City, Cúllar Vega and Santa Fé.
Those are the villages that formed Vegas del Genil: Ambroz, Belicena and Purchil.