This walk takes you down into the lush Dúrcal valley and up to the Atalaya de Cónchar watchtower. The landscape and vegetation are very varied: vineyards, fruit orchards, olive groves, cacti, scrubland and the village of Cónchar. From the watchtower you have great views of the Lecrin Valley and the Sierra Nevada mountains.
When to go The climb up to the watchtower is very steep, so it’s best not to do this walk in high summer, but it’s great at any other time of year.
FEBRUARY 2020 NOTE: Unfortunately, the wooden bridge across the river is no longer there. It has been replaced by a makeshift “reed bridge”, that doesn’t look very safe. It should still be possible to do the route in summer or early autumn by using stepping stones/wading across when the river is low, and hopefully the bridge will be replaced soon. Meanwhile we recommend doing our Cónchar – Atalaya del Marchal route instead.
Level While much of the route follows good paths and roads, the path near the river is rough and overgrown. There is a very steep climb up to the watchtower.
Water Fountain with drinking water in Cónchar near the end of the route.
Location: Lecrín Valley
The walk loops around Cónchar in the northern part of the Lecrín valley.
Transport
By car: From Granada take the E-902/A-44 towards Motríl. Come off at junction 153, marked Cónchar / Dúrcal / Albuñuelas. At the roundabout turn right towards Cónchar. After 1.5 km, turn left towards Cónchar.
After around 1.5 km, the road turns sharply right and then right again. Immediately after the second corner, there is a viewpoint (“Mirador”) on your left where you can park. Here you will find an information board describing the walk.
By bus: The route is not easily accessible by bus.
