Huétor Tájar: Torre Alquería, Festivals and Trails

The Torre Alquería of Huétor Tájar is a Nasrid tower from the 14th century, a defensive complex of Islamic origin, and designated as an Asset of Cultural Interest (BIC).

Culture

The Torre Alquería has four floors and a terrace. The complex also includes an administrative building from the 16th and 17th centuries and a large courtyard intended to be used as an event venue. Visits to the center can be arranged through its social media channels, where the schedule of activities can also be viewed.

The Bertos family brickworks on the Genil operated continuously from the beginning of the 19th century until January 7, 1963. El Tejar is a traditional pre-industrial production complex where roof tiles, bricks, and adobe bricks were made. Two updraft kilns, also known as Arab kilns, were found at the Bertos family brickworks.

Festivals and Traditions

For Día de la Candelaria, groups of friends and families in Huétor Tájar traditionally gather around bonfires on the evening of February 2 to eat and drink; ring-shaped bread and chocolate are also traditionally served on this occasion as a snack or breakfast.

Carnival includes festive events attended by locals and visitors in costume, as well as a parade and municipal costume competitions on Saturday. During Semana Santa, representations of Jesus, the Virgin Mary, and other saints are traditionally carried through the town’s streets.

On April 25, spending the day in the countryside is traditionally part of the San Marcos festival in Huétor Tájar, where families and friends gather to eat and enjoy time together. On Día de la Cruz, crosses are set up in shop windows, homes, as well as on the town’s squares and streets; many of them have a food and drinks stall.

The Feria in honor of San Isidro usually lasts four days and includes leisure, cultural, and sporting events for all age groups.

Gastronomy

More than twenty local businesses took part in the 6th Ruta de la Tapa del Espárrago. Local chefs developed innovative dishes focused on Triguero asparagus; the 6th Ruta de la Tapa del Espárrago took place from May 8 to 10.

Trails and Nature

The circular route from Huétor Tájar via Villanueva Mesía and back passes through the Vega del Genil before returning to Huétor Tájar. A circular hike organized with the Asociación de Mujeres con Cáncer – ATENEA leads from Huétor-Tájar to Villanueva Mesía and runs in particular along sections of the Genil and Cacín rivers.

The trail from Paseo Norte leads to the historic settlement of El Cárcamo, where it branches into three routes. At the Aula de la Naturaleza Cerro Beylar, workshops on agroecology and animal care are held, along with routes for exploring the surrounding area.

Water and Agriculture

The “Legado del Agua y la Tierra” Interpretation Center presents representative water infrastructure from the region, highlighting Roman and Arab traditions as well as later contemporary developments. A visit to the “Legado del Agua y la Tierra” provides insight into Huétor Tájar’s agricultural historical and cultural heritage and the changes in crops over the course of history.

Other places: Guadix, Castillo De Tajarja, Cájar, Moclin, Melegís, Deifontes, Jerez Del Marquesado, Gualchos

To the main travel overview: Granada.