Discover Atarfe: Cultural Routes and Sierra Elvira

Madinat Ilbira, also known as Medina Elvira, is located in Atarfe and Pinos Puente. It is an archaeological site and protected heritage of special interest (Bien de Interés Cultural), covering an area of 332 hectares.

Culture and History

The site preserves the remains of the most important city in the Vega de Granada from the 7th to the 10th century. It also contains significant Roman and Late Antique remains.

The Ermita de los Tres Juanes is located on the Cerro del Castillejo in the Sierra Elvira. It was built in 1941 and named after Saint John the Evangelist, Saint John the Baptist and Saint John of God. The hermitage houses a natural sciences museum.

The Mozarabic Route of the Way of St. James passes through Atarfe. More than 1,000 pilgrims from all over the world pass through the town each year. Another testament to the town's history is the Ermita de Santa Ana: above the presbytery, it has a square Mudéjar wooden structure with a geometric pattern of eight points in the centre of the ceiling. Its first construction phase dates from the last quarter of the 16th century and the first quarter of the 17th century; based on their formal characteristics, the altarpiece and the sculptures complementing it can be dated to the 18th century. The parish church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación in Atarfe was built between 1617 and 1623.

Circular Routes and Landscape

The Ruta Atarfe Cultura y Entorno is a circular route around the historic centre of Atarfe and includes the ascent to the Ermita de los Tres Juanes. The approximately 8 km circular route has a moderate level of difficulty and starts and ends at the Ciudad Deportiva de Atarfe, where parking is available.

Another circular route starts at the Paseo de Santa Ana and leads via the Sendero de la Canterilla to the Ermita de los Tres Juanes; there are several viewpoints along the way. Work on the retaining wall along the access road to the Ermita de los Tres Juanes has been completed, improving safety and access to this area of the Sierra Elvira.

The longest circular route in the network of paths starts and ends at the Paseo de Santa Ana. It passes the La Moleona recreational area, the golf course and the outlet of the Embalse del Cubillas, as well as near the trenches of Llanos de Silva.

A pleasant mountain biking circuit starts at Atarfe's sports facilities, crosses the Sierra Elvira and passes, among other places, the La Moleona recreational area, the Tres Juanes area and a golf course. Another circular route starts in the centre of Atarfe, follows a cycle path for several kilometres and leads into the Alameda de la Vega Granadina; it has no inclines or technical difficulties. A family-friendly circular route leads from the Ermita de los Tres Juanes through a pine forest to the La Moleona recreational area and returns along a parallel path.

The various circular routes differ in length, intensity, course and type of activity; these features can be compared when planning your day.

This information helps you align your booking decision with your own circumstances; the different cultural, pilgrimage and route themes can be considered as personal priorities.

Other Places

Other local pages to discover: Caparacena, Gorafe, Güevéjar, Purullena, Yátor, Cortes De Baza, Vélez de Benaudalla and Bérchules.

For the broader travel overview: Granada.