The Village of Lentejí

Lentejí is a small village of around 400 residents located on the ancient and scenic mountain road connecting Almuñécar with Granada, called Sospiro de los Moros or "sigh of the Moors", named after the exit route of the ruling Muslim or Moorish leader Boabdil after the final conquest of Spain by the Christians in 1492.

Located in the southern end of the majestic Sierra de Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama mountain range, Lentejí is only 20 minutes away from the coast at Almuñécar and just minutes from another similar but larger town, Otivar. What makes Lentejí truly special are the spectacular views of the Almijara mountains; the view is perhaps the most stunning of the Costa Tropical villages and perhaps among the most stunning of whole of the Andalucia (Andalus) region. Sunset over the Almijara mountains is especially breathtaking.

History

Lentejí was inhabited by the Phoenicians and the Romans, although its first inhabitants go much further back in time. There is an archaeological site in Lentejí which dates from the Neolithic period, in a place called Los Caserones. During the times of Arab or Moorish domination Lentejí and surrounding areas of the Costa Tropical gained prosperity that finished with the conquest by the Christian monarchs at the end of the XV century, the rebellion of the moriscos (Muslims who had nominally converted to Christianity) in the XVI century and their expulsion, with the consequent depopulation in the Costa Tropical, Granada, and Andalucia (Andalus) region and the later repopulation with Christians settlers during the reign of Felipe II.

Local Food and Wine

One of the Costa Tropical's largest industries is wine making. Grapes thrive in the climate of Lentejí. One large winery, Horacio Calvente Cellars, creates the most delicious wines. Horacio Calvente Cellars specializes in merlot, cabernet sauvignon, muscatel, and many white wines.

Mangos, figs, chirimoyas, and avocados also thrive in Lentejí warm Costa Tropical climate.

Typical dishes of Lentejí include sausages and rice, choto al ajillo (livers, onion, fried bread cubes, and garlic), and potaje de hinojos (fennel stew.) As Lentejí is near the sea, fish is often served a few times a week. Loaves of fresh bread are staples of the Lentejireños diet and served along with meals.

For dessert, fig bread, fried dough, garrapiñadas (sugar coated almonds), fresh fruit, and cakes are sure to please. Relax with a glass of locally made wine.

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Where is Lentejí located?

Lentejí, or Lentegí, of the Costa Tropical in the Granada province is a traditional small mountain village located near the Mediterranean coast of Spain in the Andalucia (Andalus) region. Lentejí is very close to the Costa Tropical town of Otivar and can be considered a higher altitude adjunct of Otivar. The nearest large town is Almuñécar, about 20 minutes away. Lentejí is reasonably accessible by paved smaller roads that connect with a major highway.

Getting There

Lentejí is located about a 65 minutes drive south of the city of Granada and Granada airport. Driving from Granada and down the main N323 highway to the coast, take a right turn at Salobreña onto the coastal highway N340 heading west in the direction of Almuñécar and Málaga. Take N340 east to Almuñécar. Once in Almuñécar and at the main roundabouts, Otivar is clearly marked. Take the road to Otivar and very soon (one to two minutes driving) past Otivar, there is a sign on the right hand side of the road that marks the way to Lentejí, straight up the mountain. The road from Almuñécar to Otivar and Lentejí is called Sospiro de los Moros.

From Malaga, take the N-340 highway east towards the cities of Almuñécar, Motril, and Almería. In just under an hour upon reaching Almuñécar, drive to the center of town to the main roundabout and follow the directions described above.

The nearest coast is at Almuñécar. In addition to the highway access, Lentejí is also accessible from Granada city via Sospiro de los Moros from the other direction, a stunning drive through winding mountain passes when approaching from Granada.

Who are we? An American expat with over 20 years of experience living and traveling in Spain, specifically in Malaga and Granada. Darsey is a seasoned explorer of Andalucia. Drawing from decades of immersive experience, she offers deep insights into this enchanting region of Spain, including off-the-beaten path destinations, the best places to stay, and the top bucket list activities to try! More...

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