The summer is over and it has cooled down. But the weather is still good and you may want to get a fresh swim. From La Almunia del Valle we recommend you to do “El Tranvia de Sierra Nevada” route. Located in Güejar Sierra, a small village very close to Granada.
We will use the track left by the old tram line rails that stopped its function more than forty years ago. The tram was inaugurated on March 20, 1925. Full of comfort, it was the first in Spain to use the electricity for its full operation.
The Duke of San Pedro de Galatino, also the owner of the mythical Hotel Alhambra Palace in Granada, was the precursor of the tram line. He saw a growing interest in leisure activities related to the mountains. He wanted to bring the citizens and tourists of Granada to Sierra Nevada. Above all, to show the incredibly picturesque landscapes during the journey.
The route can be done both walking and on a bike and is suitable for everybody because is flat and easy. It is very pleasant being next to the Genil river and listen to its relaxing murmur, which runs along the route.
Along the way the natural landscape that emerges is steep. You can enjoy chestnut fields that are already beginning to turn yellow at this time of year. At the old tram stations, today restaurants, you can taste typical food from Güejar Sierra.
At the restaurant "La Fabriquilla" we will leave the car and we will start taking the road on the left side of the river. Information panels of the tram history are placed on the way by the City Council of Güéjar Sierra.
We cross the first tunnel and soon we will arrive at “Maitena” station. Station converted into the most emblematic restaurant of the route for having the largest natural pools. Therefore, here we can take our first swim.
Continuing along the road we reach a point where we take a left if we go by bicycle. Walkers go right, along a path that goes closer to the river. We will find more natural pools to enjoy.
We return to the main road and at the fork we can choose to go on the left, crossing the tunnel. On the right, we will pass by “El Charcón”, another station - restaurant.
After a while on the road, we will see that there is a path on the right side of the river. This path has exciting hanging bridges, an option if you are walking. Better to continue along the road if we go cycling, crossing a bridge and a new tunnel. On both sides, we get at our destination, “El Barranco de San Juan”, the last station. The last stop where we can taste the delicious chorizo sausage topped with an “Alhambra” bier.
From here we can follow to “La Vereda de la Estrella” a beautiful and famous route of the area, but this will be another story.