Discover Zafarraya

Zafarraya combines a distinctive karst basin with rural trails and a local tradition associated with San Marcos. This gives you a choice of different themes to focus on when planning your trip: scenery, walking and cultural history. The following points of interest can help you connect your search for a hotel in Zafarraya with the things you’d like to explore during your stay.

The polje and its viewpoint

The Polje de Zafarraya is a closed, flat-floored karst depression. It stretches about 10 km from east to west and 3.5 km from north to south. Water in the polje drains through one or more ponors, or natural sinkholes. The shape of the basin and the way it drains are two geological features that define the character of this landscape.

From the Mirador del Polje de Zafarraya, the view extends southwest across the karst basin. The viewpoint therefore offers a specific viewing direction across the vast landscape of the polje.

Trails in El Llano and hiking

The municipal route “Paseos por el Llano” follows a dense network of rural paths that provide access to different parts of El Llano. The Camino de Lucena is part of this circular walk. You can visit the Pozo de los Muertos on the way to the Zafarraya cemetery. This gives you several points of interest to choose from when planning: a network of paths through parts of El Llano, a named circular route and a point of interest along the cemetery road.

Nature in the Sierra de Loja protected area

The Sierra de Loja protected area, designated as a ZEC, extends across the municipalities of Loja, Salar, Alhama de Granada and Zafarraya. Hiking is one of the activities available in the area. The area’s boundaries are useful to bear in mind when considering its natural attractions: the protected area covers several municipalities, not just Zafarraya. Wildlife is also part of the picture; up to seven bat species can be found in the area. Hiking, scenery and a closer look at local wildlife are different ways to enjoy its natural attractions.

Earthquake history and traditions

The Centro de Interpretación del Terremoto del Poniente shows the impact of the major earthquake in the Poniente de Granada. It occurred on December 25, 1884, at 9:08 p.m. While the polje focuses on the area’s geological landscape, this centre explores a single historical event and its impact on the region.

San Marcos also offers a specific cultural connection. The celebration on April 25 includes a communal outdoor lunch attended by the residents of El Llano. Hornazo and Roscos de San Marcos are typical foods for the occasion. The date, communal meal and traditional dishes give the custom both a seasonal and a culinary connection.

Practical information

There is a car park and an information board about the Polje de Zafarraya at the Mirador. Access to the Sumidero Antoñico is open and free of charge; the sinkhole is next to a local paved road. The exterior of the Iglesia Vieja is also freely accessible. Check locally for the current condition of the facilities and access routes before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Gójar, Salar, Cúllar, Colomera, Benalúa De Las Villas, Graena, Hernán-Valle, Cájar

For the broader travel overview: Granada.