Nearly 800 residents call Lúcar their home. Stunning cherry trees line many town streets. In the spring, these trees provide colour against the rows of whitewashed houses that sit within the Valley of the Almanzora.

 

Lúcar is situated approximately 130 kilometers north of the capital city Almería. The town is best reached by car. Lúcar sits within the southern slopes of the Stays Mountain range. The surrounding panorama is breathtaking and worthy of many photographs.

Evidence suggests that the area of Lúcar dates back to prehistoric times. Little is known of the cultures before the Romans, however. The existence of a large Roman bath (Baths of Watch) give proof to the Roman culture helping to shape much of the town’s early beginnings.

 

As is true in many Spanish towns, the Moors dominated the area next. They erected a single wall around their town with only one gate allowing entry. This method helped Moorish armies protect the town from invaders. White houses were erected in rows providing townspeople with ample housing, and the whitewashed appearance kept the housing cool in spite of the blistering sun.

 

In the late 1400s, Catholic kings decided to claim southern Spain for themselves. They ordered their armies to go in and rid towns of the Moors. This led to many deaths, and many towns were left unpopulated because of the Moors banishment. It would be years before Lúcar returned to its former numbers.

The Roman Baths of Watch are the area’s key attraction. This huge natural, spring-fed pool draws a large crowd every year.

 

Lúcar’s historic housing is worth viewing. Stroll down the town streets and take in the dazzling white facades with colourful window boxes of flowers adding dashes of colour from time to time.

 

The Balcony of Almanzora is another highlight. This towering arch offers views of the surrounding valley.

 

Many find the City Council building is also worthy of a few moments time. The building’s architectural details appeal to many.

 

In January, a celebration of San Sebastián draws many residents into the streets. The festivities include parades and music. Events wind down with huge bonfires after the sun sets.

Lúcar’s largest business is manufacturing. More than sixty men and women from the town are employed in these local firms. Wood mills seem to be the largest draw today and construction and wood trades hold steady. In the past fabric and metal played an important part in the town’s economy, but those businesses have seemingly died out.

 

Agriculture also plays a small part. Wheat, olives, and almonds are key crops within Lúcar’s fields. Small percentages of local residents work in the fields of Lúcar. Their jobs include harvesting crops and keeping trees healthy.

Meals within Lúcar use local ingredients and often contain dishes that can be slowly cooked while people are busy with their jobs. Potaje Blanco is a white stew usually made from a rich broth, white beans, and garlic. Cordero Estofado is a rich stew in which lamb and vegetables are slowly cooked in a broth that has a touch of vinegar.

 

Garlic plays an integral part in Lúcar’s cuisine. Garlic soup is a stunning broth containing dozens of garlic cloves and bread cubes. Definitely for the garlic lover, this soup is perfect on a cool night.

 

Gurullos is a special mixture of flour and water that is formed into small rice sized pellets. Often the mixtures are used to thicken broths. In a slight manner, they resemble German spaetzle.

 

Olla de Trigo is a delicious stew that blends the sweetness of fennel with the nuttiness of wheat berries. This dish is perfect for vegetarians! 

If you need places to visit after the sun sets, you will most likely travel to other towns. Lúcar does have a few bars, coffee shops, and a restaurant, but there are no dance clubs or theatres.

 

Many prefer to spend their evenings relaxing after a busy day by watching the sunset or enjoying the local natural springs found in the Roman Bath of the Watch.

Despite the Bath of the Watch, not a lot of tourist revenue enters Lúcar on a yearly basis. With a lack of hotels, inns, or similar establishments, visitors can stay for a few hours but often have to travel onward to find suitable lodging. This is quite sad as the municipality offers some amazing scenery.

 

When you come to Lúcar, bring a camera. Photographs of the colorful window boxes and brilliant white houses are stunning. The Bath of the Watch is equally impressive in its size and array of colours.