Designated a natural park in 1989, the 12,128ha Sierra de Huétor is only a few kilometres northeast of the provincial capital of Granada, so it is a popular weekend destination for city dwellers. The mountainous area has dramatic geological features characteristic of limestone areas, with narrow ravines, steep cliffs, springs and caves, such as the Cueva del Agua.

This town in the Sierra de Alfaguara, just outside Granada itself, is the highest in the area, at an altitude of 1050m. Its cooler climate and proximity to the regional capital has made it a favourite location for summer residences of Granada's well-heeled.