Castril

A picturesque village in the region of Granada at the foot of a mountain

Granada

Max 20ºC / Min 9ºC

Granada / Andalusia

Located to the north of Granada province, Castril, which dates back almost 2,000 years, is a mixture of history, nature and tradition. Specifically, it sits at the foot of a rocky crag and harmoniously forms part of the Sierra de Castril mountain range, declared a natural park. The village with its white houses with red roof tiles and the green valley welcomes visitors in search of tranquillity. Fans of hiking and routes that include waterfalls, grottos and galleries will find Castril a great alternative.

Castril Castle, one of the most famous monuments in this region, was built to protect the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada. Today you can do a guided tour of this Moorish fortress, from which you can take in some incredible views of the mountain range. From this enclave you can see the Peña de Castril Natural Monument which rises above the municipality. You will be surprised by its majesty (also due to the presence of a large statue of Christ of the Sacred Heart on the top). Its viewpoint set at 100 metres high is a must-visit.Romans, Muslims, Moors and other cultures have left their mark on the streets of Castril. You simply need to take a stroll around the town to discover this fusion. Its old town, consisting of narrow cobbled streets, low houses with white façades, churches, little squares like El Cantón or remains of Arab walls and towers, will make you want to visit this municipality again. The 16th-century Virgen de los Ángeles Church, built in a Renaissance style is the village’s jewel in the crown.

Deep in the heart of nature

The most famous hiking path is known as La Cerrada del río Castril. It is highly recommended to take this tour that crosses a wooden walkway with vertical walls over the river in a deep canyon and allows you to pass a suspension bridge and tunnel or visit an old mill converted into a restaurant. As the trail is short and easy, it’s perfect for the whole family.The entire area of the Castril Natural Park includes the mountains ranges of Castril and Seca. Wildlife, such as the bearded vulture, hawks or mountain goats live in perfect harmony with unique plant species like the Cazorla violet. In addition, in the dry mountain range there is the Cueva del Muerto - a cave famous for its stalactites and stalagmites - and the Cueva de Don Fernando, the deepest cave in Granada.The natural park’s visitor centre is located very close to the village with a display of the area’s typical utensils which were used up until fairly recently.Castril is also a great place to be at night as the sky offers perfect conditions for a spot of astrotourism. In fact, several stargazing courses for beginners have been held at Castril Castle.

Crafts, gastronomy, and so much more

Castril also stands out for its artisan glasswork and for its traditional cuisine with local specialities such as Migas con Remojón, Maimones (mushrooms cooked with potatoes, onion, garlic, paprika, tomato, olive oil) or noodles with hare. If you want to visit the area on a special date, the best time is during the festivities honouring the Virgen de los Dolores, on the first weekend in October. And if you would like to go on another excursion from Castril, it is located very close to the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Natural Park. An interesting fact to finish on, José Saramago, the winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature 1998, is an Adoptive Son of the Municipality of Castril and there is even a library devoted to him as his wife is from here.