What to see in Canjayar, a wonder in the Alpujarra almeriense
Visit Canjayar, discovering this village
In this article you will find all the information you need to know about what to see in Canjayar, a village in the Alpujarra almeriense :
- A few words about Canjayar
- Where is Canjayar in Andalucia?
- The origins of Canjayar
- What to see in Canjayar
- The main annual festivities in Canjayar
- Book accommodation in Canjayar
- What to see and do around Canjayar
- Where to eat in Canjayar
- Some useful links
- The latest articles on authentic Andalucia
A few words about Canjayar
Canjáyar is a wonderful village in the province of Almería. It lies in the Andarax valley, and is one of the villages in the Almeriense Alpujarra, part of the Sierra Nevada Natural Park.
Canjayar is a must-see on any tour of the Alpujarra almeriense.
Note: when we sometimes talk about the Alpujarras, there’s a good reason for it 🙂 There are two of them: the Alpujarra granadina in the province of Granada (Pampaneira, Capileira,…) and the Alpujarra almeriense in the province of Almeria.
Where is Canjayar in Andalucia?
A little history of Canjayar
The town was first mentioned by the Arab geographer Al-Udri, a native of Dalías, a nearby village. In his writings, around the year 1040, the village is referred to as Qansayar.
During the Christian era, the village took the name Canxayar, which later became its current name: Canjáyar.
What to see in Canjayar
1 – Parish church of Santa Cruz del Voto
2 – The curious façade of Juan’s house
3 – Hill of the Hermitage of San Blas and Christ
4 – Hermitage of San Blas
5 – Statue of Christ
6 – Manuel del Águila viewpoint
7 – Cave dwellings
8 – Open-air museum
9 – The panoramas of Canjayar
10 – Picturesque village scene
Parish Church of Santa Cruz del Voto
The church was built in 1530 on the site of the village’s former mosque, and it is known that the qibla wall was at the level of the present-day entrance to the church. It has undergone major restoration work several times, including twice following earthquakes.
Its current appearance dates from the 19th century.
It can be visited free of charge from Monday to Friday between 8.00am and 2.00pm. The interior, particularly around the altarpiece, is truly beautiful, all decorated in red.
The church is home to Canjayar’s patron saint, the Santa Cruz del voto.
And here’s why – because the story deserves to be told:
- In 1611, work began on the church following a vision by the sacristan Juan Matías de Peralta. The vision showed angels carrying a cross from the altar to the baptistery.
- On 19 April 1611, during work on the baptistery…. a cross appeared in the walls!
- Then in 1681, the Brotherhood of the Holy Cross was created to venerate this sacred relic.
- This Holy Cross of the Vow – Santa Cruz del voto – later became the patron saint of Canjayar.
Historical explanation of the Holy Cross found in this wall: it is assumed that a pilgrim brought it back from the Holy Land and hid it in the baptistery to prevent it being desecrated during the Alpujarra uprisings in the 1570s.
The curious façade of Juan’s house
On the way to the San Blas hermitage, I met an extraordinary man just outside his house. His name is Juan.
The front of his house is decorated in a very unusual way:
But above all, it was meeting Juan that was a marvellous moment. And as he was sitting on the ground in front of his house, I did the same and we chatted for maybe half an hour, sitting opposite each other in the street. A delight. Give him my best if you see him.
Here’s a video extract of our exchange – the sound quality is average, it was a bit windy
Cerro de la Ermita de San Blas y el Cristo – Hill of the Hermitage of San Blas and the Christ –
This is a magnificent place to see in Canjayar. At the top of a hill there is a beautiful little church and a surprising statue of Christ.
You can get there by taking the street with the troglodyte houses.
Hermitage of San Blas
This hermitage, a small church, stands on the site of the old Moorish castle. From here you can enjoy breathtaking views of Canjayar and the surrounding area.
Located on the hill in the neighbourhood of the same name, it was built in the 19th century. The Cerro de San Blas is also the highest point in Canjayar.
Every year on 20 April, a procession with the Holy Cross goes up to bless the fields. After the procession, there is usually an opportunity to share a meal with typical local produce.
The statue of Christ
This is just a few metres from the San Blas hermitage.
This statue overlooks the village and seems to protect its inhabitants. It’s a curious sight. You can also enjoy a beautiful view of the village.
Manuel del Águila viewpoint
This viewpoint is also located right next to the church of San Blas. The views are superb.
Cave dwellings
On the road leading to the San Blas hermitage, you will pass a number of troglodyte dwellings. They are also next to Juan’s house. Below is a photo of the entrance to an abandoned cave house.
Canjáyar Open Museum
This is a rather curious open-air museum. It consists of 22 murals depicting the history of the village, scattered around the village.
You’ll find three of them, right next to each other on the façade of the La Taha restaurant – more about that below.
The sights around Canjayar
From the village you can enjoy magnificent views of the Alpujarra almeriense, part of which is part of the Sierra Nevada Natural Park.
You can also enjoy a beautiful view of the village of Ohanes, a well-known village that is also very typical of the Alpujarra in the province of Almeria :
A picturesque scene in Canjayar
I took this photo – above – in a village street because I thought it was rather unusual. Little did I know that I would later come across the ‘bread delivery man’ on the outskirts of the village:
How do I get to Canjayar from Almeria?
If you’re coming by car from Almeria, it’s very quick, about 50 km. What’s more, you’ll find – in my opinion – one of the most beautiful roads you can take in Andalucia. Particularly between Canjayar and Gador, where the views are varied and breathtaking.
Below are 2 photos of the landscapes we pass through, but there’s still plenty to discover along the way.
Another view from the road from Almeria to the villages of the Alpujarra almeriense :
Finally, from the bus station in Almeria you’ll find 5 buses a day that stop in Canjayar.
Book accommodation in Canjayar or a nearby village
Below, you will find all the available accommodation once you have selected your dates:
The main annual festivities in Canjayar
Fiestas de la Santa Cruz
What to see and do around Canjayar?
Here are 4 ideas for visits in the surrounding area: 2 villages, the capital of the Alpujarra almeriense and Nijar. The latter is one of the ‘Pueblos más bonitos de España’ in the province of Almeria.
Fondón
Fondón is a small, very typical village in the Almerian Alpujarra.
To find out more about Fondón, here’s a link to visit Fondón (under construction).
Laujar de Andarax
Laujar de Andarax is the capital of the Alpujarra almeriense. It is also an important historical site: it was here that Boabdil – the last king of the Nasrid kingdom of Granada – lived for a few years after 1492.
PTo find out more, click on the link to visit Laujar de Andarax.
Almocita
This tiny village in Almeria’s Alpujarra is well worth a visit. This village is full of poetry, written or painted, all over its walls.
Here’s a link to a tour of Almocita.
Nijar
Nijar is a wonderful village in the province of Almeria. It is on the list of ‘Pueblos más bonitos de España’. Below is a photo of the countryside around Nijar:
Nijar is the ideal little town from which to explore the province of Almeria. You’ll also find some great things to see in Nijar.
Where to eat in Canjayar?
The La Taha restaurant on Calle Emilio Esteban Hanza is the perfect place to stop off for lunch in the village.
Canjayar’s culinary specialities are as follows:
- Migas,
- Choto al Ajillo,
- Guisao de Hinojos,
- Potaje de trigo « pelao »,
- Fritada de Conejo,
- Tortilla de Collejas
- Gurullos,
For the sweet part, you’ll find :
- Merengues de Canjáyar,
- Tortas de Chicharrones,
- Pan Dormido,
- Pan de Mosto,
- the famous Roscos de Vino
In Canjayar you’ll also find: zurrache (homemade wine), mistela (sweet wine) or grapes in brandy – a kind of -.
Canjayar olive oil
Extra virgin olive oil (AOVE) is the village’s flagship product. There are 2 olive oil production sites, including the Vega del Andarax cooperative.
However, the most famous site is located at the bottom of the village, it is the Almazara de Canjayar. A great idea to bring back a souvenir from the Alpujarra almeriense.
What to do in the province of Almeria
Below you’ll find the excursions and activities on offer in this magnificent province.
What’s more, you can book them online today (with free cancellation):
Some ideas and useful links
The links below can be very useful depending on where you are staying and what you need to do to have a wonderful time in Andalucia.
- An interactive map of Andalucia to find lots of ideas for visits around you, off the beaten track.
- link to book a rental car at Malaga airport.
- link to book a rental car anywhere else in Andalucia with the rentalcars platform.
- If you’re on the Costa del Sol and looking for ideas for excursions in Andalucia, you can use the following link to book a tour departing from Málaga, Torremolinos, Estepona or Benalmadena.
Discover more of Andalusia’s beautiful sites in the Andalucia blog pages.
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