- A Walk Through History: From Prehistoric Man to the Andalusian Industrial Revolution
- What to See in Benalúa: Much More Than a Pretty Town
- Flavors of Benalúa: when gastronomy tells stories
- Festivals and Traditions: when Benalúa dresses up
- Routes and Nature: the Most Active Benalúa
- Practical Information for Your Visit
- A village that deserves much more than a quick visit
Can you imagine a town where caves are not only homes but also museums that preserve the memory of an entire community? Welcome to Benalúa, a magical corner of Granada that seems to have stopped in time at just the perfect moment.
Just 61 kilometers from the capital of Granada, this town of just over 3,000 inhabitants is like that friend who doesn’t talk much but when they do, they leave you speechless.
Nestled in the Hoya de Guadix, Benalúa appears to travelers as a true oasis. And I’m not exaggerating. Its location in a valley surrounded by clayey lands gives it that particular look that makes you feel like you’ve discovered something special as soon as you arrive.
A Walk Through History: From Prehistoric Man to the Andalusian Industrial Revolution
The history of Benalúa is like those series that start quietly and suddenly hook you. The archaeological remains found in the area tell us that our prehistoric ancestors were already here, probably attracted by the fertility of these lands bathed by the Guadix and Fardes rivers.
But the real plot twist came at the beginning of the 20th century. Thanks to Manuel Fernández-Fígares, a visionary engineer and landowner, Benalúa experienced its own industrial revolution. In 1913, the Our Lady of Carmen sugar factory was inaugurated, bringing with it an entire industrial network that would forever change the town’s landscape.
The Industrial Boom That Changed Everything
Imagine the scene: a traditional agricultural town that suddenly sees huge industrial chimneys rise. After the sugar factory came:
- The esparto paste factory Our Lady of Sorrows
- The flour mill Benalúa with its ovens
- The oil mill El Carmelo
- A spirits factory
- And even a soap factory
The result was spectacular: the population quadrupled in just a few decades. The town grew, the caves expanded taking advantage of the clayey terrain, and Benalúa became an important industrial center in the province.
What to See in Benalúa: Much More Than a Pretty Town
#1. The Cave Museum: Where the Past Comes to Life
If you could only see one thing in Benalúa (although I hope you have time for more), let it be the People’s Museum. Located in what is known as the “Cave of the Center”, this space is pure magic. And it has a story that gives you goosebumps: this cave was hand-dug by the workers themselves during the Second Republic to have a place to meet and debate.
The museum features three rooms equipped with modern audiovisual resources where you can take a journey through time exploring the history of the town. The undisputed protagonist is the train, that invention which connected Benalúa with the world and enabled industrial development.
Hours: Sundays from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Price: 2,50€
#2. Church of Our Lady of Carmen
The patron saint of the town has her home in this church which, although not the oldest (it was built when the sugar factory was already operating), is the religious heart of Benalúa. Interestingly, the Virgin of the Assumption was previously worshipped, but with the arrival of the sugar factory, the Virgin of Carmen took over.
#3. Cerro Kabila Viewpoint
For lovers of panoramic views (and who isn’t?), the Cerro Kabila is a must-stop. From up here, the views of the valley are simply spectacular. It’s the perfect place to understand why this territory has attracted so many civilizations throughout history.
#4. The Inhabited Caves
One of the great attractions of Benalúa is its cave architecture. These dwellings carved into the rock are not an artificial tourist attraction; people genuinely live in caves here, maintaining a tradition that dates back centuries. Walking through the cave neighborhoods is like entering another world, where the temperature is constant all year round and the white chimneys dot the landscape like mushrooms after the rain.
Flavors of Benalúa: when gastronomy tells stories
Peaches that Conquer Palates
If you visit Benalúa in the summer, you can’t leave without trying its famous peaches. The combination of the climate and the Arab-origin irrigation system produces juicy and sweet fruits that are the envy of half the province.
Tapas with Soul
The bars in Benalúa have that authenticity that travelers seek. Here you won’t find deconstructed gourmet tapas, but you will find generous portions of homemade food that reconcile you with the world. The locals boast, and rightly so, of their bars where the tapa still comes included with the drink.
Festivals and Traditions: when Benalúa dresses up
Festivities of the Virgin of Carmen (July 16th)
Summer in Benalúa smells like gunpowder and sounds like music. The patron saint festivities in honor of the Virgen del Carmen are the time of year when the town shows its most festive side. For several days, the streets are filled with:
- Religious processions
- Parties until dawn
- Traditional games
- Exhibitions
- The traditional fireworks display
San Antón (January 17)
Winter also has its moment of glory with the celebration of San Antón, when bonfires light up the cold January nights and the town gathers around the fire.
Benarock Festival
For rock enthusiasts, August brings Benarock, a festival held at La Azucarera venue that attracts bands and audiences from all over the province.
Routes and Nature: the Most Active Benalúa
Hiking enthusiasts will find in Benalúa a perfect starting point to explore the region. The contrast between the irrigated fields of the valley and the more arid surrounding areas offers routes for all tastes and levels.
A highly recommended route is the one that goes from the Mirador del Cerro Kabila to the Murcia road, passing through ancient paths that farmers have used for centuries.
Practical Information for Your Visit
How to Get There
- By car: Via the A-92 to Guadix, then the A-4005
- By bus: Regular lines from Granada
- GPS Coordinates: 37.35453, -3.15839
Best Time to Visit
- Spring: ideal temperatures and blooming fields
- Summer: hot, but perfect for enjoying peaches and parties
- Autumn: spectacular colors in the landscape
- Winter: cold, but the caves maintain a constant temperature
A village that deserves much more than a quick visit
Benalúa is one of those places that shows you don’t have to go far to find treasures. It’s a village that has managed to reinvent itself without losing its essence, where industrial chimneys coexist with cave chimneys, where history is not only in museums but on every corner.
If you’re planning a route through the province of Granada, set aside at least half a day for Benalúa. I assure you, you won’t regret it. And who knows, like many visitors before you, this little Granadian oasis might just steal a piece of your heart.
Have you already visited Benalúa? Did you know about this industrial corner of Granada? Tell us about your experience in the comments!
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