Atarfe: Archaeological Heritage and Routes in the Sierra Elvira

Atarfe combines archaeological history with circular routes that take in the town centre and the Sierra Elvira. Two aspects are particularly relevant when planning your trip: the town’s historic landmarks and the different ways to explore the surrounding area on foot or by mountain bike. If you are looking for a hotel in Atarfe, you can start by considering which of these aspects will shape your trip.

Archaeological History and Church Architecture

Madinat Ilbira, also known as Medina Elvira, preserves the remains of the most important city in the Vega de Granada from the 7th to the 10th century. Significant Roman and late antique remains add to this historical span. As an archaeological zone, Madinat Ilbira is a protected cultural asset of special interest, a Bien de Interés Cultural. The site covers 332 hectares and lies within the municipalities of Atarfe and Pinos Puente; it was granted protected status in 2004. The site brings together different historical periods, so its history is not limited to the medieval city.

The churches in Atarfe also offer a variety of historical and architectural points of interest. The Ermita de los Tres Juanes stands on Cerro del Castillejo in the Sierra Elvira. Built in 1941, it was named after Saint John the Evangelist, Saint John the Baptist and Saint John of God. The hermitage houses a natural science museum.

The Ermita de Santa Ana is notable for its square Mudéjar wooden structure above the presbytery. In the centre of the ceiling is a geometric pattern with eight points. The hermitage’s first construction phase dates from the last quarter of the 16th century to the first quarter of the 17th century. Based on their stylistic features, the altarpiece and additional sculptures can be dated to the 18th century. The parish church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación in Atarfe was built between 1617 and 1623. Together, these buildings offer different points of interest for a cultural and historical stay.

Circular Routes Around Atarfe

The Ruta Atarfe Cultura y Entorno is a circular route around the old town in the centre of Atarfe and includes the ascent to the Ermita de los Tres Juanes. The approximately 8-kilometre route starts and ends at the Ciudad Deportiva de Atarfe, where parking is available. Its difficulty is rated as moderate. The distance, circular route and start and end points provide practical guidance for planning your own outing.

Another circular route starts at the Paseo de Santa Ana and follows the Sendero de la Canterilla to the Ermita de los Tres Juanes, passing several viewpoints along the way. The longest circular route in the network also starts and ends at the Paseo de Santa Ana. It passes the La Moleona recreation area, the golf course and the outlet of the Embalse del Cubillas, and comes close to the Llanos de Silva trenches. By comparison, the Ruta Atarfe Cultura y Entorno combines its approximate distance with the ascent to the hermitage, while the longest loop is defined by the stops mentioned above.

A pleasant circular mountain bike route is described that starts at Atarfe’s sports facilities, crosses the Sierra Elvira and passes, among other places, the La Moleona recreation area, the Tres Juanes area and a golf course. Another loop starts in the town centre, follows a cycle path for several kilometres and leads to the Alameda de la Vega Granadina. This loop has neither climbs nor technical difficulties.

A circular route from the Ermita de los Tres Juanes through a pine forest to the La Moleona recreation area is designated as suitable for families; the return follows a parallel path. The routes described therefore differ not only by activity, but also by starting point and course. When choosing a hotel in Atarfe, it helps to first prioritise the places and routes you want to include in your trip, then compare the location of each specific offer.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Caparacena, El Ventorrillo, Caniles, Fuente Vaqueros, Nigüelas, Benalúa De Guadix, Baza, Salar.

For the main travel overview: Granada.