Zafarraya
Zafarraya is a village in the western part of Granada province, in the comarca (group of neighbouring towns or villages that share historical, cultural, economic, or administrative links) of Alhama, near the border with Málaga province. Situated at 893m above sea level in the Llano de Zafarraya, a fertile plain surrounded by mountains, the municipality covers 57.8 km² and has 2,297 inhabitants (2025). Zafarraya is popular with hikers because of its location in the Boquete de Zafarraya, a natural mountain pass that marks the transition between the Axarquía de Málaga and the Sierra de Alhama; a natural path between western Granada and the coast.
History
According to most historians, the name Zafarraya comes from the Arabic, Faha-al-ra iyya, meaning 'field of shepherds'. Others argue that it originates from Saiarraya, which translates to 'limit of the territory'. More>
Things to see
Pilar de Zafarraya
The Pilar de Zafarraya is one of the village's most distinctive historic landmarks. It was built after the disastrous 1884 earthquake. (Location)
Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción
The Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción (Church of the Immaculate Conception) is Zafarraya's parish church, built in 1884 after the devastating Andalucían earthquake that destroyed much of the village. (Location)
Iglesia Vieja de Zafarraya
The Iglesia Vieja de Zafarraya (The Old Church of Zafarraya) is a 19th century Neoclassical church built at the request of General Ramón María Narváez, a prominent Spanish soldier and politician from nearby Loja. (Location)
Ermita del Santo Cristo de las Tres Marías
The Hermitage of the Holy Christ of the Three Marys is a small chapel dedicated to Zafarraya's patron, the Señor de las Tres Marías. (Location)
Things to see outside the town
Torre del Almendral
The Tower of Almendral is a medieval Islamic watchtower located on the eastern slope of Cerro de la Mina, about 1.5km east of the village of El Almendral in the municipality of Zafarraya.It formed part of a network of defensive towers and castles that protected the historic route linking Málaga, Vélez, Zafarraya, Alhama and Granada during the Muslim period. Archaeological records indicate it was an Islamic-period circular watchtower built of masonry; however, all that remains is a pile of rubble forming an artificial mound, 80cm high, on the edge of a ravine, so its diameter cannot be measured. It is also listed as a Bien de Interés Cultural (BIC), reflecting its historical importance.
Torre del Moro
The Tower of the Moor is the remains of an Andalucían watchtower near the Cortijo Palique and Cerro del Moro. It formed part of the medieval defensive network protecting the historic route between Málaga and Granada, with nearby routes connecting Zafarraya to Alfarnate and Loja. Built in a cylindrical shape and a circular plan, 4.95m in diameter, it rises on a levelling platform with an apparent claw, with its greatest height of 1.20m in the west. Built of large and medium-sized stones set in lime mortar, it retains a height of 50cm around its perimeter. To the north, a masonry wall emerges from it, of which 3m in length is preserved. Located on a small hill at about 2,700m north of the town. The tower has been protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural since 1985.
Countryside walks
Zafarraya is an ideal municipality for hiking among natural areas such as Las Parideras (a popular starting point for hiking routes and views across the plain), El Refugio and, above all, El Boquete, a natural mountain pass linking Granada with the Málaga coast. The routes cross limestone terrain and connect the Llano de Zafarraya, a large, flat limestone basin known as a polje, surrounded by mountains and used extensively for agriculture.
Bus Services
There are bus services from Zafarraya to Granada City, El Almendral and Torre del Mar. More>
Gastronomy
Local dishes to try in Zafarraya are choto al ajillo (stewed young goat with garlic) and huevos revueltos con alcachofas (scrambled eggs with artichokes). Resol, a locally made sweet coffee liqueur, is highly recommended.
Handicrafts
Their craftsmanship is worth highlighting, especially the woodwork.
Festivals
Popular festivals in Zafarraya are Fiestas en Honor al Señor de las Tres Marías y Día de la Cruz, La Candelaria, San Marcos and Feria Grande. More>
Weather forecast
The weather forecast for the next few days for Zafarraya. More>
Tourist Office
The tourist office of Zafarraya is in the Town Hall. More>
Villages Nearby
The neighbouring villages to Zafarraya are Alhama de Granada and Riofrío.