The caves and crosses of the Sierra de la Alfaguara
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In the landscape of the Sierra de la Alfaguara, located in the centre of the province of Granada, several natural, beautiful and little-known caves can be found, such as the Cuevas del Gato y las Cuevas de los Mármoles.
The Sierra de la Alfaguara is part of the Natural Park of Sierra de Huétor, which is located in the centre of the province of Granada. One way to gain access is via the village of Alfacar, the recreational town of the Zirid monarchs. Fuente Grande, located at the higher part of town. The fountain, which dates from the 11th century, is one of the most important examples of Caliph architecture that still remains today.
From there, going towards Nívar, follow the road to the recreational area of Alfaguara. Here, next to a summer campsite, you can visit the Arboretum, an old forest providing the trees that were used for extensive reforestation projects carried out in these mountain ranges.
You can leave your car in the car park here before beginning the route. 326 metres after starting, you will reach the Fuente de los Pajareros. After a further 800 metres, the path opens out to a large terrace known as Alfaguarilla, from where you can see the silhouette of the Cruz de Alfacar.
After 1430 metres you arrive at a crossroads – take the footpath to the left towards the hill of La Cruz de Alfacar, which you will approach from the northern side, travelling through reforested woodland.
Once you reach the top of La Cruz de Alfacar (1548 metres) you can take in the impressive views. If it is a clear day you can see from La Vega to the Sierra Elvira as well as the Peñon de la Mata, Alfacar and the Pantano de Cubillas. The next landmark will be the Cruz de Víznar.
The most suitable path to reach the Cruz de Víznar passes over the Víznar hill. This side of the hill was destroyed a number of years ago by fire.
Having passed the Camino de la Alfaguara you reach the Cruz de Víznar. From here you follow the path that goes along the opposite side of the hill. The footpath is called the Vereda de la Umbria and takes you through a pine forest where there is a plaque in memory of a hiker who died here in 1994.
Soon you will reach the Visitor Centre de Puerto Lobo. A few metres from here, take the footpath on the right, the Camino de Fuente de la Teja, from where the path leads to the spectacular Cueva del Gato.
Returning to the Camino de Fuente de la Teja you will reach a forest track that runs along the Río Tejo leading you to the recreational area. You will find a pathway on the right that leads you to the Cuevas de los Mármoles, which are full of jagged shapes.
The vegetation of this mountain range is Mediterranean, consisting of different species of pine groves, as the area has been reforested mainly with coniferous trees. However, there are also cedars and pinesaps, which are mixed with the ‘native’ trees, such as oak trees. In terms of the fauna of the area, there are many wild boar and wild goats that can often be spotted.
This is the final landmark of the route: from here you can return to the recreations area via the path, or via the Mimbres de Prado Negro path.
ROUTE INFORMATION
Regions: Granada and its surroundings
Route length: 18 kilometres
Estimated duration: 6 hours
Altitude at departure: 1.452 m
Maximum altitude: 1.560 m
Ecosystems: Mid-level mountains
Recommended time: All year round
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