Otívar, on the glistening Costa Tropical

otívar

Written by Paz Rosado, translated by Emma Cattle

There are two main attractions to this village located between the Baja Alpujarra and the Costa Tropical: its natural environment, ideal for outdoor sports; and its village centre, in typical andaluz style with many interesting buildings. For this reason, Otívar has become a popular destination.

Apartments

Although Otívar is considered a part of the Costa Tropical, the village is set slightly inland but still just a short drive from the coast. Whether you stay in a hotel or rent a holiday apartment… More →

Map

If you are considering visiting Otívar you may find our maps a useful tool, we provide three maps, one of the region of Andalucia with Otívar highlighted. The second handcrafted map gives the… More →

History

Some say that the origins of this village lie in the route taken by fishermen from Almuñecar to Granada, and that calle Venta is where the merchants rested, and calle Cargadero is where the goods were unloaded from the pack animals. Whether this is true or not, the village centre has a typically Arab feel, with narrow, winding streets, and whitewashed houses with balconies and windows adorned with flowers.

Hotels in Otivar

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Villa Otivar

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Situated in Otívar and with Balcony of Europe reachable within 36 km, Villa Otivar features express check-in and check-out, non-smoking rooms, a shared lounge, free WiFi throughout the property and a terrace. Some rooms at the property have a balcony with a mountain view.

Palacete de Cazulas

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Palacete de Cazulas has a restaurant, seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a bar and shared lounge in Otívar. Among the various facilities are a garden and a terrace. The hotel features family rooms.

At the hotel the rooms include a wardrobe and a private bathroom.

Things to see

There are three important buildings: the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción, from the 18^th century; the Iglesia parroquial de San José, from the 16^th century and with an interesting mudéjar framework; and the Casa Principal de Cázulas, also known as the Casa de la Marquesa, an Arab mansion which was once a stately home.

It is also worth visiting the Mirador Vista Verde viewpoint, located next to the Ayuntamiento, offering a great panoramic view over the río Verde valley. Alos worth finding is the Tío Caridad monument. This is to commemorate Juan Fernández Cañas, who was mayor of the village in 1810-1812, and is very well known for his exploits against the occupying Napoleonic troops during the War of Independence.

Countryside

Otívar, situated at the foot of the Sierra de Cázulas and Almijara, on the banks of the river Verde, offers a spectacular landscape, ideal for hiking, canyoning and hang-gliding. One of the best places for hiking is the Junta de los Ríos.

GASTRONOMY

Those who wish to try the most typical delicacies of Otívar should ask for morcilla (black pudding), chicharrones (pork scratchings), longaniza (spicy pork sausage), carne a la brasa (barbecued meat) and arroz del carbonero (a rice-based dish).

FIESTAS

Otívar has three main celebrations: the patron saint's festival in honour of the Virgen de la Inmaculada on 6- 9December; el día de San José (19 March); and Noche de San Juan, which takes place on the night of 24 June.

DIRECTIONS

Otívar is 60km from Granada city. Take the A-44 (direction Motril) and leave at exit 139 to join with the A-4050, which takes you directly to Otívar.

Hover the cursor over Otívar to see bigger map and click to go to the maps page.

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Otívar