Cástaras: Cultural Heritage, Hiking Trails and Landscape

Culture and History

The Torre e Iglesia de Cástaras is included in the protected historic complex of La Alpujarra Media Granadina y La Tahá. 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 tangible evidence of a historic network of baths associated with early medieval ways of life that made use of local waters and their properties.

The Minas de Mancilla in Cástaras are designated as a heritage area within the protected historic complex. The Acequia de Cástaras is listed as Area 11 in the register of cultural heritage areas of the protected historic complex. The Ermita de la Virgen de Fátima de Cástaras is carved into limestone. The Lavadero del Barrio Alto is a rectangular washbasin with two rows of washing troughs.

Discover more destinations here: Gualchos, Bérchules, Churriana De La Vega, Los Tablones, Huéscar, Brácana, Caniles, Huétor Vega.

Hiking Trails

The Ruta Medieval is a hiking trail whose route is documented in 16th-century survey books. Via the medieval Camino Real de Cástaras a Trevélez, it reaches the Barrio Alto of Cástaras. Section 2 of the Ruta Medieval is a 4.2-kilometre linear route with a stated duration of 1 hour and 45 minutes. As a linear route, this section is not described as a circular trail.

The Caminillo Viejo begins in the Barrio Medio of Cástaras and connects Cástaras with Nieles. The trail offers views of the Sierra Contraviesa. The Cástaras–Lobras route offers a short detour to the remains of the Acueducto de los Arcos, a heritage asset of special interest. The Senda de la Alpujarra GR-142 connects villages and passes through Nieles.

Landscape

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 passes through stands of pine, chestnut and holm oak. The trail therefore links the flow of the Acequia Real with the aforementioned woodland and landscape areas.

In the section near the town, the Barranco del Gayumbar is also known as the Barranco de los Menores; in official cartography, it is called the Barranco de la Fuente Medina or Solís. Below the Fuente Caliente, it flows into the Barranco de la Alberquilla and, together with it, forms the Rambla de Cástaras.

Regional Cuisine

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

For the overarching travel overview: Granada.