This municipality is formed by the towns of Cádiar, Narila and Yátor. It is nestled between the majestic Sierra Nevada and the Sierra Contraviesa, next to the Río Guadalfeo. It is worth visiting the town to see the quaint Barrio Bajo, an example of pure La Alpujarra architectural style.
As the writer Gerald Brenan said, Cádiar is the central point of La Alpujarra, “its belly button“. In the words of British writer, is it is “…a prosperous and cheerful town” and an ideal spot for travellers to refuel. Besides having the only petrol station for many kilometres, it also has some excellent restaurants and the local winery, Barranco Oscuro, produces some of the best red and white wines in the province.
Cádiar is close to one of the most interesting types of tourist accommodation in the province of Granada. It is the Alquería de Moyrama, designed in the style of a traditional Andalusian farmhouse and named after the wife of Boabdil. It has a well-stocked library, a traditional cellar and several museum areas that house some of the region’s most interesting ethnological and archaeological pieces.
The GR-7 footpath passes through the municipality of Cádiar, a path that links Greece with the most western part of Andalucia.
Under Arab rule, Cádiar was the permanent residence of the chief judge of the Eastern Alpujarra and its name derive from the Arabic word al cadi (literally judge). In Muslim times it was made up of five neighbourhoods and two other towns. During the uprising of the Moors under Philip II, it was home to Aben-Xaguar, the uncle of the leader of the uprising, Aben-Humeya.
The first rebel leader was crowned king in a grove near Cádiar, and it was here that the conspiracy that would end its his reign, in favour of his cousin and successor Aben-Aboo, was planned. In the 15th century the village was sufficiently large and important to officially become a town. After the expulsion of the Moors there was a huge exodus of its inhabitants. Later it was repopulated with settlers from other parts of Spain.
This town is famous for its good breads, excellent stews and tasty desserts. The rice with partridge or rabbit, the barbecued meats and the traditional Moorish pastries are also delicious specialties. Local fine wines should also be tasted. Try some of the wines that Manuel Valenzuela produces in his Bodega del Barranco Oscuro.
