Sierra Tejeda, Almijara y Alahama.
National Parks in Granada.

Sierra Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama

The Northern and Eastern slopes of the National Park of the Sierras of Tejada, Almijara and Alhama include five municipalities which all pertain to the province of Granada. Their most noticeable characteristic, except in the case of Otivar, is the severity of the winters due to their position on the northern slopes of the mountains. Otivar on the other hand is situated in the interior of the Tropical Coast, where it receives the warm winds from the South.

Alhama de Granada is the town furthest from the limits of the park, though at the same time, the richest in monuments. The principal singularity of this pretty town is its situation on the topmost edge of spectacular ravine, above the river of the same name.

Strategically situated viewpoints in various spots provide the opportunity of enjoying some truly marvellous views. Alhama possesses many historic monuments, particularly its Moorish Castle, The ancient Posito (XII C.) the Hospital of the Queen (XV C), the churches of the Incarnation and of the Carmen, its Roman bridge, hot springs from Moorish times (now converted into health spans), and many more.

From Alhama, In a south-easterly direction, the road runs through flat lands below the foothills of the National Park, with large expanses of agricultural cultivation and with the Sierra of the Almihara as a unique backdrop. Along this route, we come across a series of villages, all with strong rural flavour. If we turn off towards Jatar, we arrive at localities such as Arenas del Rey, Fornes and Jayena, all three in the vicinity of the Bermejales reservoir. Here we discover an ancient Roman Foundry, evidence of the great interest shown by the romans in the mineral wealth of this region.

Along a steep, winding road leading down to the tropical Coast, we come across the village of Otivar. Just before the entrance to the village, we find the turn-off to the Green River (Río Verde) route, one of the most beautiful routes through the park due to its exuberant vegetation.