Area Guide Los Guájares
| Los Guájares |
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Nestled deep in the heart of The Costa Tropical is an autonomous region of made up of three, as yet relatively undiscovered villages; Guájar Fondón, Guájar Faragüit and Guájar Alto. The area, collectively known as Los Guájares, is situated in a narrow valley, formed by the river Toba, historically known as the River of Blood. This name came from the somewhat ferocious and bloody battles fought between Moors and Christians on the banks of the river beneath Sierra de Los Guájares and Sierra de Río Verde.
The three villages of Los Guájares are surrounded by beautiful countryside, and enjoy a climate that  is typically Meditteranean, mild in winter and hot in summer. However, due to their location, the air is less humid and much fresher than that of the coastal towns.To get to these quaintly rural Spanish villages one leaves the A-44 Granada-Motril road and climbs the winding mountainous road past almond, orange and chirimoya (custard apple) trees, and a few scattered cortijos dotted around the hillside. Driving for approximately 10 minutes one arrives at the first village, Guájar Fondón. Guájar Fondón is located 262 metres above sea level; it is surrounded by olive and almond trees and is watered by the river Toba. Although having little in the way of services, there is an excellent restaurant serving a range of tapas and sumptous meals, both at lunchtimes and in the evenings. The residents of Guájar Fondón are known locally as Los Fondoneros. The next village is well within walking distance from Guájar Fondón, however for those who prefer it, a further two minutes drive brings one to Guájar Faragüit. Sitting 281 metres above sea level, and the largest of the three 'pueblos blancos', Guájar Faragüit is home to the town hall (ayuntamiento) and municipal services. The local population, known as Los Faragüleros, enjoy facilities such as the bar in the main street, a chemist, a bank and a small supermarket. The school serving all three villages is also here, as is the medical centre.  What is particularly interesting about Guájar Faragüit is that it has a well preserved old fortified town, believed to have been built by the Almohad dynasty during their rule of Moorish Spain, somewhere between the end of the XII century and the start of the XIII century.Exiting Guájar Faragüit, a further ten minute drive through some spectacular scenery reveals the highest of the three villages, Guájar Alto. At 457 metres above sea level the views are breathtaking; the Moors called the village 'Paradise on Earth' and it is easy to see why. Guájar Alto is unspoiled, peaceful and is the epitomy of a genuine Spanish community. Just outside the village there is an area where, at the beginning of July, the locals, Los Guajareńos, dam the river Toba, thus creating a natural pool of cool, crystal clear water where families gather for picnics. During the warmer weather, particularly at the weekends, Guájar Alto receives many visitors wishing to while away an afternoon at one of the three bars. Two of the bars have indoor and outdoor eating areas and serve a full Spanish menu as well as tapas. In addition Guájar Alto has a well stocked supermarket, selling a range of popular brand foods as well as locally produced fresh produce and meat. The residents of all three villages are also served well by local tradesmen who visit on either a daily or weekly basis, ranging from bakers, fishmongers, fresh fruit and vegetable sellers, clothing and household items. For non-drivers there is local public transport, with a daily service to Granada City leaving Guájar Alto early in the morning and returning approximately 8.30 in the evening. There is also a twice daily service to Motril, which, after it has picked up any passengers from Guájar Fondón, is non-stop. A frequent sight is local people walking the mountain road between the villages; many of whom walk purely for exercise. However, it is not unusual for drivers to be flagged down to give a lift to one or other of the villages on their route. As in all Spain, Andalucíans love to party, and the residents of Los Guájares are no exception. There are two main fiestas held in the villages. The first is a cultural week, emcompassing music, gastronomy and creativity. This annual fiesta is held in mid to late April, in each village in rotation; the rotation, with effect from April 2008, is Guájar Faragüit, Guájar Fondón, Guájar Alto.  The second, and probably the most important, fiesta is held throughout August each year. Starting in Guájar Fondón over the first weekend in August, the celebrations move to Guájar Faragüit the following week and end in Guájar Alto on the morning of the 17th August. Be prepared to enjoy a variety of fun-filled events including music, dancing, plays, games and competitions, processions, and spectacular firework displays. |
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