Discover Cástaras: History, Hiking Trails and Landscapes

In Cástaras, the first glance leads straight into history: the Torre e Iglesia de Cástaras is included in the protected historic ensemble of La Alpujarra Media Granadina y La Tahá.

Other places to include in your travel planning are Válor, Escoznar, Ogíjares, Orgiva, Nigüelas, Los Balcones, Los Carriones and Salobreña.

Culture

The Iglesia de Cástaras is an example of late-17th-century religious Mudéjar architecture. The Baños del Piojo complex includes a two-storey cortijo, an oil mill and an oven.

The Baños del Piojo are material evidence of a historic bathing network associated with early medieval ways of life, in which the local waters and their properties were used.

The Minas de Mancilla in Cástaras are designated as a heritage area within the protected historic ensemble. The Acequia de Cástaras is listed as area 11 in the list of cultural heritage areas of this ensemble.

The Ermita de la Virgen de Fátima de Cástaras is carved into limestone. The Lavadero del Barrio Alto is a rectangular wash basin with two rows of washing troughs.

Paths and Hiking

The Ruta Medieval is a hiking trail whose route is documented in 16th-century surveying books. It reaches the Barrio Alto of Cástaras via the medieval Camino Real de Cástaras a Trevélez. Section 2 of the Ruta Medieval is a 4.2-kilometre linear route with a duration of 1 hour and 45 minutes.

The Caminillo Viejo begins in the Barrio Medio of Cástaras and connects the Barrio Medio of Cástaras with Nieles; it also offers views of the Sierra Contraviesa.

The Cástaras–Lobras route offers a short detour to the remains of the Acueducto de los Arcos, a cultural asset of special interest. The Senda de la Alpujarra GR-142 connects villages and passes through Nieles.

The combination of route length and duration makes it easier for you to assess the time required for this trail.

Nature and Landscapes

A walk along the Acequia Real de Cástaras leads through the Barranco de los Castaños, with a centuries-old chestnut grove and a waterfall. The route along the Acequia Real de Cástaras also passes through stands of pine, chestnut and holm oak trees.

The Barranco del Gayumbar, also known near the village as Barranco de los Menores, is also referred to as Barranco de la Fuente Medina or Solís. Below the Fuente Caliente, it flows into the Barranco de la Alberquilla and forms the Rambla de Cástaras with it.

When comparing a holiday apartment in Cástaras, you can compare travel dates, room categories and cancellation policies on the offer pages. This allows you to assess the information according to your own plans while keeping the different focuses on historic paths, landscapes and regional cuisine in view.

Regional Cuisine

The cuisine of Cástaras includes cured meat products, particularly Jamón, Chorizo, Morcilla and Salchichón. Ajo cabañil and Remojón are among the region's typical dishes.

For the broader travel overview: Granada.