Arenas del Rey: Nature, Water and History

In the heart of the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama Natural Park, on its Granada side, lies the La Resinera information point. The information point is located in the former chapel and former school of the factory site. La Resinera was formerly a resin distillation factory and became one of Spain’s largest turpentine production facilities. In Arenas del Rey, the Cueva del Linarejo is considered a nature reserve and tourist attraction. Visitors can explore formations of stalactites and stalagmites there.

Trip planning

When booking a holiday apartment in Arenas del Rey, you can compare travel dates, room categories and cancellation policies on the offers page. Relate this information to your own travel period while considering nature, water and culture as separate themes for your planning. The accommodation decision and the selection of the destinations described remain distinct aspects: Practical details concern the holiday apartment, while the three themes organise the possible impressions on site. This allows the trip planning to be structured objectively according to stay dates and personal areas of interest.

Nature

The Ruta de los Tajos de los Bermejales uses suspension bridges to overcome sections with difficult terrain. Along the river, it features rock formations shaped by erosion, pools, waterfalls and cascades. The route along the Río Cebollón follows the riverbed mostly through the water and leads through an almost untouched natural landscape. The Pantano de los Bermejales circular route includes a section from the dam towards Arenas del Rey. Various water birds can be observed in their natural habitat on the Pantano de los Bermejales circular route.

For your day planning, you can compare the paths according to terrain, connection with water and observation theme. The options described can likewise be organised by type of activity: suspension bridges, watercourse, circular route, cave and birdwatching each offer a different focus.

Culture

The ruins of the former settlement of Arenas del Rey preserve the remains of the cemetery and the foundations of its parish church, San Sebastián. The Church of San Sebastián is a basilica-style temple dating from the late 19th century. The megalithic dolmen beside the reservoir was moved and rebuilt stone by stone to prevent it from sinking into the reservoir’s water. The Poblado del Embalse was built beside the dam in the 1960s and is a unique example of functional architecture integrated into the landscape. The Ermita de San Isidro is surrounded by lush gardens.

The cultural sites can be distinguished according to religious history, megalithic culture and functional architecture. Different periods and architectural forms give the historic sites their own thematic character.

Water

The clear waters at the Poblado del Embalse invite visitors to swim, fish and enjoy water sports. The three activities mentioned represent different ways of using the water, without narrowing the connection with water to a single activity.

Further destinations: Fornes, Huétor - Santillán, Armilla, La Ermita, Alhendín, Cástaras, Bácor, Monachil

For the overarching travel overview: Granada.