Otívar between the Sierra, Río Verde and Mudéjar church

Nature

The municipality of Otívar includes the Sierra de Cázulas, a largely pristine forest area; together with La Almijara, it forms a morphotectonic unit with distinctive landscape, morphological, botanical and faunal features. The forest, mountain formations, plant life and animal life all belong to the same described landscape unit. Thus, alongside the forested Sierra de Cázulas, the geological character of the mid-mountain range is also a central feature.

Water and Trails

The route to the Cascada de los Árboles Petrificados crosses the Sierra de Almijara mid-mountain range and descends to karst streams and gorges at the source of the Río Verde. The trail therefore connects the mountain landscape with the watercourses and the limestone formations at the river's source.

The Cascada de los Árboles Petrificados waterfall is also known as Chorreras de los Palos and was formed at a place where mineral-rich water mineralized old tree trunks. Its formation is therefore based on the interaction of water, limestone and the wood of the old tree trunks.

For you, the hiking trail to the Cascada de los Árboles Petrificados begins at the Collado de los Chortales, next to the concrete kilometer marker at kilometer 28.7 of the Granada–Almuñécar road. The described starting point is therefore clearly identified both by the name of the pass and by the road kilometer marker.

The limestone gorges of the Río Verde are suitable for canyoning, also known as barranquismo. In addition to the hiking route, this explicitly named activity in the gorges of the Río Verde is therefore available to you.

If you are planning to go canyoning on the Río Verde, you need specialized personnel as well as prior authorization from the Junta de Andalucía. Both requirements are part of the described access to this activity and should be taken into account when planning.

Culture and History

The Parish Church of San José was built in the 16th century and preserves a distinctive Mudéjar roof structure. Its walls bear paintings depicting the Stations of the Cross. The church thus brings together architectural history, a preserved roof structure and religious artwork.

The Termas romanas are an ancient site located in the surroundings of Otívar. The Acueducto Romano De Almuñecar Museum is also located in the surroundings of Otívar. The Museo del Bonsái is likewise located in the surroundings of Otívar. The Museo Arqueológico Cueva de Siete Palacios is also located in the surroundings of Otívar. The surrounding area therefore includes both an ancient site and several museums with different names.

Surroundings

The Mirador del Peñon del Lobo viewpoint is located in the surroundings of Otívar. The Mirador Enrique Morente viewpoint is in the same area. The Mirador del cerro gordo viewpoint is also located in the surroundings of Otívar. The Acuario de Almuñécar zoo is located in the surroundings of Otívar. In addition to the viewpoints, the zoo is therefore also one of the explicitly named places in the municipality's surroundings.

Festivals

Popular festivals in Otívar include the Fiestas Patronales en Honor a la Virgen de la Inmaculada, Día de San José and Noche de San Juan. The festival names refer to different occasions within the local annual calendar.

Further Places

Discover more places at El Ventorrillo, Fuente Vaqueros, Montejícar, Salar, Galera, Otura, Illora and Huéscar.

Landscape

At the confluence of the Nacimiento and Verde rivers, limestone rocks create a striking morphological feature of the landscape. The confluence of the two rivers is therefore another explicitly named place where the limestone formations shape the landscape.

For the overarching travel overview: Granada.