PADUL
Padul, also known as El Padul, is an ideal destination for nature and adrenaline sports lovers. The area offers visitors activities such as hiking, horse riding, mountain biking, paragliding and hang gliding. Padul also has the advantage of being very close to Granada, the capital city of Andalucia. It has a population of around 7,900.
HISTORY
The name El Padul originates from the Latin words palus and dis, meaning 'lagoon' or 'pond'. During the Arab period, the name was transformed into Al Badul, which over time became El Padul. Due to its location as an obligatory passage between the Granada plain, the coast, La Alpujarra and the Sierra Nevada, many settlers have left their mark on Padul, as evidenced by the numerous archaeological sites found in the surrounding area. More>
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THINGS TO SEE
Iglesia Santa María la Mayor
Dating to the sixteenth century, the church has undergone several modifications and restorations. The main nave's configuration corresponds to the original design, with the apse and two side naves being added later. More>
Estación del Tranvía (Oficina de Turismo)
The Padul tram station, which is now home to the Lecrín Valley Tourist Office, witnessed the inauguration of the important transport link between Granada and the south of the province on 10 February 1923. The original plan was to connect Granada city to Motril, with intermediate stations in Padul and Dúrcal, for both passenger and goods. More>
Ermita de San Sebastián
The chapel houses a sculpture of the town’s patron saint, San Sebastián. It was built thanks to local donations. Construction of the eighteenth-century chapel was prompted by a plague that devastated the Lecrín Valley but spared Padul itself. More>
Casa Grande
Also known as the Castillo-Palacio de los Condes de Padul, or simply El Castillo, this 16th-century civil palace was built on the site of a fortified house. Its severe Baroque architecture, devoid of decorative embellishments, is notable for its elegant proportions, balanced construction, and the simple interplay of volumes at different levels, culminating in its pointed ends. More>
Cruces
Since ancient times, seventeen crosses have been placed along the streets of Padul to symbolise the religious faith of its inhabitants. More>
Fuente de los Cinco Caños
Also known as the 'Lavadero de San Joaquín y Santa Ana' during the first three quarters of the twentieth century, this laundry area was the social centre of the town as it was where all the women met to do their washing. More>
Escuelas de San Isidoro
The school buildings are named after the Count of Padul, who ordered their construction: 'San Isidoro' and 'Don Isidoro'. More>
COUNTRYSIDE WALKS
Ruta del Mamut
The Mammoth Route is a footpath around the largest lagoon in the province of Granada, which is considered to be the area's most important wetland. The lagoon has the second largest reed beds in Andalusia after Doñana National Park. Consisting of marshy areas around two peat mines, the lagoon is all that remains of a much larger ancient lagoon system. The Padul wetland, which spans approximately 300 hectares, is now a nature reserve protected by the Sierra Nevada National Park and designated a Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA). Due to its biological diversity, the wetland is also included in the 1971 RAMSAR Convention relating to Wetlands of International Importance, particularly as a habitat for waterfowl. The discovery of mammoth remains in the municipality of Padul inspired the name of this circular path, which is easily accessible to all via a boardwalk. Visitors can stop at the Mirador del Mamut viewpoint and explore several bird observatories.
Ruta del Tigre de Diente de Sable
The Sabretooth Tiger Route is slightly more challenging at 10 km. It offers spectacular views.
Ruta del Rinoceronte Lanudo
The 9.2 km Woolly Rhinoceros Route runs through varied landscapes, allowing visitors to discover more about the area's prehistoric fauna. The route passes the Ibero-Roman road that connected Granada with the Costa Tropical.
HANDICRAFTS
Lovers of traditional crafts will enjoy the handmade glass products made in the village.
BUS SERVICE
There is a bus service from Padul to Granada. More>
GASTRONOMY
Typical dishes to try in Padul are choto al ajillo (garlic stewed goat), chuletas adobadas (marinated pork chops), migas (fried breadcrumbs with pork), embutidos (cured meats) and tortilla de collejas (wild thistle omlette). If you want something sweet, try mantecados de almendra (almond lard cakes), roscos de vino (aniseed biscuits) and rosetas (sweet pastries with honey).
FESTIVALS
Popular festivals in Padul are Festividad de San Sebastián, Semana Santa, Real Feria de Ganado y Fiestas Populares and Feria Agroalimentaria, del Turismo y la Artesanía del Valle de Lecrín, Temple y Costa Interior. More>
WEATHER FORECAST
The weather forecast for the next few days for Padul. More>
TOURIST OFFICE
The tourist office of Padul is located on Avenida de Andalucía. More>