Discover Cenes de la Vega: Gold History, Trails and Nature

Cenes de la Vega is part of the Ruta de Münzer, also known as the Camino Real, which connected Almería with Granada via the inland route. In Cenes de la Vega, four hiking trails explore the history of gold mining along the Río Genil and combine walking with an experience of nature.

Culture and History

The four circular routes of Los Caminos del Oro begin at the former Apeadero del Tranvía de la Sierra. The routes of Los Caminos del Oro are currently not physically signposted; route maps are available via Google My Maps and Wikiloc. Hoyo de la Campana contains the largest and clearest remains of intensive Roman gold mining in the Río Genil valley.

The Canal de los Franceses is approximately 16 km long and runs through the Río Aguas Blancas valley, with sections consisting of tunnels, siphons and open channels. It was built at the end of the 19th century by a French company to wash gold-bearing sands from Cerro del Oro.

The Iglesia de la Virgen del Rosario is a 16th-century church with a Mudéjar roof structure and a three-part tower. It was built over an older hermitage dedicated to San Bartolomé; a carved figure of the saint can be found inside.

Nature and Trails

Fuente de la Pita is located on an island in the riverbed of the Río Genil and is bordered by the Sendero Granada-Cenes-Pinos Genil. The restored hydraulic structure is ideal for walking and relaxation. It lies in peaceful surroundings with forests of pine, chestnut and walnut trees, as well as fruit trees, and offers views of the Sierra Nevada.

A path runs along the banks of the Río Genil in Cenes de la Vega and is used daily by walkers and cyclists.

For planning your own day, the available routes can be distinguished by route format, usage information and length. Circular routes, a riverside path and an approximately 16 km-long canal route represent different types of trails; the thematic structure separates the Ruta de Münzer, gold mining, hydraulic structures and the church. This keeps the historic route, riverbank, gold mining and structure recognisable as distinct focal points without conflating the different ways of getting around.

The information about the route maps and the lack of physical signposting belongs to a separate orientation level. The four circular routes, the riverside path and the canal route can therefore be considered separately, while the church forms an independent cultural point of reference. Together, history, hydraulic engineering, the riverscape and trails stand side by side in Cenes de la Vega.

Current Status

Aquaola Parque Acuático was permanently closed in 2022.

More local pages: Cuevas Del Campo, Ítrabo, Los Llanos, Ogíjares, Güevéjar, Durcal, Campotéjar, Víznar

To the overarching travel overview: Granada.