Castril, Granada Geopark - Natural Paradise
Castril Rock
This fairytale white Andalusian village is otherwise known as Castril de la Peña (Castril on the Rock).
This 995m high rock has been an important strategic outpost since Roman times when it was a military camp.
In 2002, Castril was classified as Natural Monument of Andalusia, thanks to its eco-cultural importance.
Castril welcomes visitors to enjoy this natural paradise……
LOCAL EXCURSIONS
Pasarelas river gorge walk
A great idea for an hour ´s walk before tasting some delicious tapas in a local bar, is have a unique walking experience along the river next to the village. Enjoy a leisurely stroll over the picturesque suspended walkway that juts out from the rock next to the cascading river where trout and fisher birds play. Continue along the river bank and have fun crossing a quaint hanging bridge, then venture through a tunnel in the rock next to steep waterfalls. Finally, continue your stroll through beautiful orchard gardens, or alternatively turn left and return to the village, completing a circular route.
Castril Castle visit
Visit the 11th century Nasrid Castril Castle, that looks over Granada Geopark with breathtaking 360º panoramic views of orchard gardens, Sierra de Castril mountains, Portillo lake, and Castril Nature Park.
Right in the middle, stands the 3 metre high Sacred Heart of Jesus statue, emblem of Castril.
This castle is a magnificent example of Islamic architecture. Many battles took place here in attempts to control this Muslim military fortress, until it was eventually conquered by Ferdinand and Isabel in 1488.
In 1490, the Catholic Kings handed over this small fortress-town to Hernando de Zafra as a tribute to his military participation in the victorious war that reconquered Granada from the Moors.
Nowadays, the fascinating castle ruins have been lovingly restored and must be visited.
Opening hours:
Castril Castle visit: 11-13.30; 18.00 – 20.00), Thurs – Sunday (closed on Wednesday).
Amazing 15th Century Church
Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles church was originally built around the end of the 15th century and the beginning of the next, just after the Catholic Kings received permission from Pope Innocent VIII to start erecting religious places of worship. The Kings´ secretary, Hernando de Zafra promoted its construction in mainly Renaissance style.
The church was partially destroyed in a fire provoked by French invading troops in 1810 and then lovingly restored.
Beautiful gardens surround this magestic building, los jardines de la Lonja. Well worth a visit!
Stroll through the Old Town
Deep in the heart of authentic Andalusia, Castril still conserves its traditional lifestyle intact.
A special charm emanates from the old town´s narrow cobbled streets and whitewashed houses.
Enjoy the outstanding panoramic views from the Cantón, the Villa, the Chorro and the Vasarillos.
Famous bulls festival (2nd weekend in October)
As part of the village patron saint´s celebrations which starts on the first Sunday of October, bulls have been brought down from the mountain pastures and released in Castril main square since the XVI century for the youngsters to energetically play. These famous traditional festivities are celebrated on the 2nd Friday to Sunday of October by families and friends alike!
CASTRIL NATURE RESERVE
This astoundingly beautiful Castril nature reserve has a spectacular rugged landscape of imposing escarpments, ravines, waterfalls and valleys, chasms, caves and galleries.
The mountain range, whose highest peaks exceed 2,000 m, is crossed by Castril River.
Ideal for mountaineering, canyoning, hiking, trail running, mountain biking, caving etc.
MAGDALENA FOUNTAIN WALK
Just past the campsite, ¨Los Cortijillos¨ is a beautiful route for all the family through a pine forest (around an hour there and back at a relaxed pace). Follow the path up to the Magdalena Fountain, of outstanding beauty, and have a dip in its rejuvenating pool.
RIVER SOURCE WALK
One perfect outing for everybody is a visit to Castril river source in the heart of this nature reserve, an awesome one and a half hour hike following the river till you discover its source, deep in the entrails of Sierra de Castril Nature Park. When the wind blows, the river swells and rises in a most spectacular way
FLORA AND FAUNA
On the highest peaks of this stunning nature reserve, the salgareño pine stands out, along with creeping junipers.
Holm oaks, gall oaks and maples can be found at the Tunez and La Magdalena ravines.
Deer, mouflon and mountain goat inhabit the peaks together with many birds of prey such as the griffon vulture, peregrine falcon and Egyptian vulture which nest on the limestone walls and share the vast Andalusian skies with the golden eagle, short-toed eagle or booted eagle.
The rivers and fluvial groves are home to riverside dwellers: otters, gray herons, wagtails, dippers and robins…
The amazing bearded vulture was reintroduced to this region in 1986 thanks to a captive breeding programme and nowadays many of these birds enjoy Castril as their home.
Download pdf of the Castril Sierra map here.
Go to the Visitor´s window of Castril Nature Reserve for more information
To see more challenging hiking trails OFFLINE, please click here.
Car rental to and from the airports of Alicante, Malaga, Granada and Murcia airports is cheap, with good roads and no tolls.
The drive up to Castril is extremely picturesque and easy!
