Huétor - Santillán: Nature Park, Hiking Trails and Cultural Heritage

Huétor Santillán is part of Sierra de Huétor Nature Park, which was designated on 28 July 1989. The Majalijar hiking trail leads to the 1,878-metre-high summit of Majalijar, the highest mountain in the nature park.

Nature and Trails

The summit of Majalijar offers views over large parts of Sierra de Huétor Nature Park and the neighbouring Sierra Arana; it may be possible to spot booted eagles, golden eagles or griffon vultures there.

In Huétor Santillán, hiking and interesting cycling routes are offered as leisure activities in a natural setting. The Las Mimbres hiking trail follows the Acequia de Fardes through various areas of Mediterranean vegetation; willows grow along the route and were traditionally used by local craftspeople.

The Huétor Santillán–Prado Negro route is more than 55 kilometres long and passes through characteristic forest landscapes in the heart of the nature park. It begins in the centre of Huétor Santillán.

The starting point of the Cañada del Sereno hiking trail can be reached from Granada via the A-92 towards Guadix; take the Parque Natural Sierra de Huétor exit and continue to the Los Peñoncillos forest ranger station.

The Qaryat-Al-Watá route begins at Plaza de la Fortaleza, which is also called Fuentecilla. Different lengths and starting points provide specific reference points for comparing the described routes when planning your own itinerary.

A holiday apartment in Huétor-Santillán can be considered for your own travel planning based on travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions. Compare these three criteria separately for your travel planning.

More destinations

Other destinations in this selection are Dílar, La Calahorra, Fuensanta, Juviles, Iznalloz, Sorvilán, Moraleda De Zafayona and Albuñuelas.

Culture and History

The parish church Iglesia Parroquial de la Encarnación was built in the 16th century and renovated in the 18th century. Inside, there is an ornate Mudéjar wooden ceiling and several sculptures from the 18th century.

At the entrance to the old town of Huétor Santillán, in Colonia del Río, there is an original bridge over the Darro. The old town is characterised by narrow streets with an urban layout described as typically Muslim.

The Valle del Darro is protected as an Asset of Cultural Interest (Bien de Interés Cultural, BIC) in the Zona Patrimonial category and lies partly within the municipality of Huétor Santillán. It stretches from the river's headwaters in Huétor Santillán to the urban area of Granada and contains settlement remains from various civilisations dating from Roman times to the present day.

Festivals and Local Flavours

At the beginning of August, Huétor Santillán celebrates its patron saint festivities in honour of San Sebastián.

The Quesos La Vieja Buchaca cheese dairy was founded in Huétor Santillán, Granada. It offers tours of its facilities and tastings of its products.

To the higher-level travel overview: Granada.