Los Romanes: Spectacular Lake Vinuela Views

Los Romanes has an enviable position overlooking the crystal clear waters of Lake Vinuela. Combine this with its close proximity to the coast and Los Romanes really does offer the best of both worlds: sea and scenery.

Take the left turn approximately 15km out of Torre Del Mar on the A354 and head up the steep, winding but well surfaced road up to Los Romanes and be amazed at the beauty of this small settlement as well as its breathtaking vistas of Lake Vinuela. Beyond the Lake is the backdrop of the Sierra Tejeda mountains. This is a photographer’s dream location and, whatever the season, the colour, reflection and light are an inspiration.

Stunning views of Lake Vinuela

This is a tiny settlement of around 600 that increases slightly every summer with the arrival of visitors to their holiday homes or rentals but it always retains the charm of a small village with character and warmth. Despite its small size, Los Romanes is full of life and activity, especially in the summer months with the light, warm evenings leading into long balmy nights.

There are three main festivals along with numerous smaller festivals and celebrations. Firstly, during the first weekend in May, there’s a Romeria, which is a 4km procession following the scenic route down to the lake. Refreshments and tapas are provided freely to the ‘pilgrims’ along the way. This three-day event ends beside the lake with camping, BBQs, picnics, beer tents, horse shows and is truly a sight to be seen.

Fiestas galore 

In June, another fiesta takes place on the market square with flamenco music and dancing, food and wine are free flowing. The main town feria is in mid-August when there is a range of live music plus flamenco and huge pans of paella are cooked and shared. One focal point for the town celebrations is The Kiosk, a tiny hut of the type throughout the area that normally sell sweets, drinks and newspapers. This one has been revamped and is now a thriving local bar which, despite the limited seating, is a popular place to share a beer and listen to live music.  https://www.facebook.com/KioscoLaAlegriaDeLaAldea

In complete contrast in size, Venta El Charco, once a traditional bar for farmers arriving on horseback,  https://www.facebook.com/RestauranteVentaelCharco/ is a vast restaurant that many state is the best steak restaurant in the region with its huge slabs of meat cooked traditionally over charcoal. It also boasts a large terrace overlooking Lake Vinuela. In summer months this terrace hosts a varied range of live music and entertainment from across the South of Spain. Tribute bands, blues music, rock and roll as well as traditional flamenco all play to a lively audience ready to dance and enjoy.

Los Romanes is a great place to live or visit. It’s an ideal holiday destination especially if you prefer a less crowded environment in the high summer season. Whatever the season, this tiny but well placed village has a great deal to offer.