Nívar is a great destination for lovers of rural tourism, sports or photography. It forms part of the Natural Park of Sierra de Huétor; its village centre is 1000 metres above sea level. As a result, it offers amazing views over Peñón de la Mata, Cogollos de la Vega and over nearby Granada City.
One of the best places to enjoy these wonderful panoramic vistas is from Mirador de Granada. From here you can see the Alhambra and Sierra Nevada as well as the Balcón de Nívar.
In the village centre, it’s worth visiting la Plaza de la Iglesia. Here you can find La Parroquia del Santo Cristo de la Salud, the parish church. This is a neoclassical style church built on the ruins of the previous temple, which was destroyed in the famous Lisbon earthquake. Close to the centre is an archaeological site known as la Peña de Bartolo: the remains of a Mozarabic fortress located at Cerro del Castillejo which features burial sites and walls.
The natural surroundings of Nívar make it an ideal place for hiking, mountain biking or paragliding.
GASTRONOMY
To experience the typical diet of the niveros, you should try the following dishes: olla de San Antón (a traditional hotpot); migas (a dish made with breadcrumbs, garlic, olive oil and other ingredients); gachas (oatmeal porridge); and patatas a lo pobre (potatoes and garlic fried in olive oil).
You will also find delicious desserts and sweets in Nívar, such as: tortas de manteca (butter tarts); bollos de aceite (olive oil cakes); pestiños (pastries glazed with honey or sugar); and roscos de vino (wine flavoured donuts).
FIESTAS
El Día de la Cruz, celebrated on the 3rd of May, is one of Nívar’s most important fiestas. It’s the perfect opportunity to spend a day in the countryside and take part in different sporting activities and competitions.
DIRECTIONS
Nívar is 14km from Granada city. From there take the GR-NE-55 until you reach Güevéjar, then join the GR-NE-42 until you reach Nívar.
