Cástaras

Visitors to Cástaras might think that in this village, time has stood still. Its privileged location offers impressive panoramic views over the alpujarra granadina. The village is of Arabic origin, and has conserved much of its historical remains remains. La Ermita de la Virgen de Fátima; constructed with excavated limestone rock and the Iglesia Parroquial de San Miguel are top of the list of monuments to visit. Also conserved are the ruins of the thermal baths, El Piojo, which date from the 12th – 14th century.

One of the most charming areas of this village are las Minas del Conjuro, a spectacular archaeological site previously used for the extraction of iron, now open to visitors. Another interesting site, perhaps just for their peculiarity, are the tinaos; gangways that link up the houses at the upper floors.

The natural environment of Cástaras makes it an ideal destination for hikers or rural tourists, with the mountains of the Sierra Nevada national park nearby. The area is served by a network of springs which rise here and then continue on to the river Guadalfeo.

As with the rest of the Alpujarra region, pottery and ceramics are the local craft.

GASTRONOMY

Those who wish to try the typical diet of Cástaras should ask for los embutidos (cured meats), in particular jamón (ham), chorizo and morcilla (black pudding). For dessert, try the famous potaje de castañas (chestnut stew).

FIESTAS

Residents of Cástaras celebrate fiestas in honour of San Blas, la Virgen de Fátima and los Chiscos de San Antón. On this day, bonfires are lit in the village streets.

DIRECTIONS

Cástaras is 92km from Granada city. Take the A-44 (direction Lanjarón) once you pass Lanjarón, take the A-346 and after the A-348, take the GR-413 towards Cástaras.

castaras
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