Otívar
by Saskia Mier
Take me to Otívar Apartments page.
Otívar has a natural environment ideal for outdoor sports and a village centre in typical andaluz style with many interesting buildings. For this reason, Otívar has become a popular destination. It has about 1030 inhabitants.
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 →
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, whilst 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.
During the War of Independence, the French troops of General Sebastiani burned the town in retaliation for the actions of Mayor Juan Fernández Cañas, the leader of a party that brought the invading troops into the area during the occupation period, with actions in La Alpujarra, the Lecrín Valley, the Cázulas mountain range and the coast of Almuñécar.
The possibility of settlements during the pre-Roman era is attested by the etymology of the name Otívar, composed of the Latin, “ot” and the Iberian “ibar” for River.
Hotels in Otivar
Book Hotels in Otivar
Things to see
Iglesia Parroquial de San José
During the fourteenth century, after the fall of the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada, the ecclesiastical complex was installed in the new territory. The church was built in 1560 by the bricklayer, Francisco Fernández. During the eighteenth century, and especially during the latter half, due to the economic improvement and the consequent increase in population, the archbishopric of Granada drew up a plan of visits to the various parishes and temples to specify their status and establish the works and improvements necessary in each case. In the visit carried out between 1754 and 1755, it was noted that the parish of Otívar lacked an altarpiece. In 1780, the construction of a pulpit and the gilding of the altarpiece were commissioned. In the middle of the nineteenth century, Madoz, in his description of the term states that the parish church is dedicated to the Virgen de la Concepción, which contradicts the traditional and current dedication of the church to San José. On the altar, donated through the mediation of Father Don Javier Alaminos in 1986, there are images of San José, the Inmaculada Concepción and Cristo. The carvings in the church are reproductions of those destroyed during the Spanish Civil War. Located in Plaza de la Constitución.
Things to see outside the town
Casa Principal de Cázulas
Also known as the Casa de la Marquesa, an Arab mansion which was once a stately home. Currently it is a rural hotel. Located west of Otívar.
Mirador Vista Verde
The viewpoint is situated next to the Ayuntamiento, offering a great panoramic view over the Río Verde valley. Located on Avenida Alcalde Caridad.
Monumento al Tío Caridad
This monument was designed 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. Located on Avenida Alcalde Caridad.
Countryside Walks
For hiking lovers, Otívar is the starting point for different walking routes, the main one being those of the Junta de los Ríos, which descend to the depths of the valley, where the Topera and Chopera ravines join, to give rise to the Río Verde. It offers a spectacular landscape, ideal for hiking, canyoning and hang-gliding.
Other routes include Ruta Moratilla-Malagueña-Molineta-Otívar, Ruta Otívar-Palacete de Cázulas and Ruta Subida al Cerro Lopera.
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).
Festivals
Popular festivals in Otívar are Fiestas Patronales en Honor a la Virgen de la Inmaculada, Día de San José and Noche de San Juan. More>
Bus Service
There is a bus service from Otívar to Almuñecar and Granada. More>
Weather Forecast
The weather forecast for the next few days for Otívar. More>
Tourist Office
The tourist office of Otívar is located in the Town Hall. More>
Nearby Places
The neighbouring villages to Otívar are Jete and Ítrabo.
