Dílar

The municipality of Dílar is located on the western side of the Parque Natural de Sierra Nevada, 878 metres above sea level on the banks of the Río Dílar. Its natural setting and proximity to the city of Granada makes it an ideal place to go hiking, biking or riding.

Its location is one of the most privileged, with its diverse landscape and many enclaves. You have the banks of the Río Dílar with its many poplar trees on one side, and areas filled with olive groves, pine trees and oak trees on the other. The natural beauty of this place is complemented by an extensive range of leisure activities offered by the Huerto Alegre, an education and activity centre nestled in the Parque de Sierra Nevada.

Archaeological findings show that Dílar was already inhabited in the Bronze Age. The archaeologist Manuel de Góngora found the only dolmen ever to be found in the Sierra Nevada near here. Despite the enormous megalithic stones, they could not be studied because they were altered at a later date to be used in a factory.

Its fertile lands were used by the Moors, who settled there in the early days of their rule. At that time there were only three farmhouses, called the Iglesia Baja, the Barrio del Hondón and the Barrio Alto.

An important year for Dílar was 1126 when, during an expedition, the King Alfonso I occupied it and took it from the governor Temin Ben Yusuf. Later the troops of the Catholic Kings conquered the area and gave it to the man who was to become the first Marquis of Dílar.

The local speciality is rabbit in sauce accompanied by the excellent local wine. In fact, in the town the Festival del Libro y del Mosto is held, where free tastings are offered in exchange for books.

The local cuisine is also based on agricultural products, such as corn, sunflowers, apples and pears. The salads with white beans, mashed leeks or onions are other traditional recipes from Dílar, along with game and fresh water fish dishes.