Guejar Sierra: Mountain Trails, Cultural Heritage and the Genil

Mountains, Water and Trails

In the Sierra Nevada area, Güéjar-Sierra encompasses the Genil catchment area from its upper course to the foothills in the Vega de Granada. At the foot of the Sierra Nevada, the municipality is home to the Embalse de Canales, which collects the waters of the Genil River. The Sendero Sulayr also begins and ends within the municipality of Güéjar-Sierra. This combination of high mountains, a river course and distinctive starting points gives trip planning a clear thematic direction. The course of the Genil and the location of the reservoir make different landscapes within the municipality visible.

Culture Between Church and Mountain Tradition

The Iglesia Parroquial de Nuestra Señora del Rosario was built in the 17th century in the Renaissance style. It is known for a wooden Mudéjar coffered ceiling and high-quality carved work. The construction period and preserved details offer two perspectives: on the one hand, the church represents the Renaissance style; on the other, its artistic craftsmanship gives it its distinctive character. The church combines Renaissance elements, a Mudéjar ceiling and carved work in a single building.

The remains of a historic fortress can be found on the Cerro del Castillejo. The Ermita de Nuestra Señora de las Nieves is part of Güéjar-Sierra's cultural heritage, as is the Fuente de los Dieciséis Caños. Güéjar-Sierra also preserves traditional tinaos as part of its mountain character. In this way, religious buildings, historical traces and traditional forms come together in a close thematic relationship.

Routes with Different Starting Points

The Vía Verde de Sierra Nevada begins in Güéjar-Sierra itself and follows the Genil River for 6 kilometres to the Barranco de San Juan. The Verea de la Estrella begins at the Barranco de San Juan and ends at the Cueva Secreta. It was formerly the route to the La Estrella mines. At six kilometres, the Vía Verde is clearly defined. The route along the Genil to the Barranco de San Juan can be planned as a separate section; this is where the Verea de la Estrella begins.

Festivals, Cherries and Local Traditions

The Gastronomic Cherry Days of Güéjar-Sierra celebrate Güejareña cherries at an established summer event. The Feria in August takes place in honour of San Roque, while the celebrations in honour of the Virgen del Rosario take place in October. Horse ribbon races are a characteristic tradition of Güéjar-Sierra's patron-saint festivities. Culinary themes and festive customs thus complement the area's scenic and historical motifs. The Feria takes place in August, and the celebrations of the Virgen del Rosario take place in October. The Cherry Days are a summer event in the area.

Getting There on Route 390

Route 390 can be taken from Paseo de los Basilios, near the Escolapios church, to Güéjar-Sierra.

More places for your trip through Andalusia: Alfornón, Cástaras, Deifontes, Trevélez, Fuente Vaqueros, Los Balcones, Loja and Los Carriones.

For the broader travel overview: Granada.