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La Fabrica de la Luz (the light factory) does not sound like the perfect spot for a picnic. Nevertheless, this little corner of the Sierras, just 5 minutes drive from Canillas de Albaida, is a lovely spot to stop and spend an afternoon. Set just inside the National Park it is near the ruin of an old factory or workshop, the walls of which are now only a few feet high, and the floor is a weedy field of wildflowers. |
Just past this crumbling ruin is a parking area. Draw up and you’ll see that the dirt track leads to a ford over a shallow stream, which has gurgled downhill, smoothing the rocks into strange patterns on its way, before creating the ford and turning a corner to bubble past on your left. Ahead, to the right of the ford is a white building used, I think, by park staff. There is (handily) a set of basic but decent toilets if you make your way to the back of this building. But on this side, to your right there’ a good number of picnic tables and barbecue grills, set off from the track by a few steps and some wooden fencing.
None of that really gives a picture of what a peaceful and beautiful spot this is. It is normally even free of the endemic sounds of Spain: the barking of small dogs, the roar and rattle of motorbikes and the clank and crash of construction. The pine trees shade the tables, the sound of water soothes the ear, and the noise of the wind in the pines underscores the peace and quiet.
We’ve enjoyed many picnics here. In good spring and autumn weather, the Fabrica is ideal as the stop off from, or start of, a walk. You could simply walk there and back again from Santa Ana at the top of Canillas; it is only about a half hour stroll, along the track. Alternatively, cross the stream and head on into the wilderness!
Walking may not appeal in the full heat of summer, but then it has the great advantage of offering plenty of cool shade: perfect for a summer family fiesta. My parents once saw a Spanish party, having a party, right on the river’s edge. “There must have been about twenty of them. One of them had a guitar; they were actually singing flamenco, and one of the girls was dancing in the stream!” my Mother told me. Then she added, with approval, “It looked like they were having great fun.” Don’t worry, though, you are very unlikely to be crowded out by hordes of flamenco-ravers. There are sometimes families there on Sundays in summer, but go mid-week and you’ll have the place to yourself. The only downside to a summer visit is that the barbecues are out of use, because of the fire risk. To be honest, though, I’m happy tucking into sandwiches, fruit and wine while my daughter chases her ball about, my brother sets off on one of his marathon walks, and my parents wander down to see the stream.
Getting there is a doddle: head to Canillas de Albaida (just beyond Cómpeta and above Archez); head uphill till you reach Santa Ana (the church at the top of the town) and take the road leading away from the town into the natural park. It is sign posted, and you really can’t miss it.
