- Region: Andalucia
- Province: Granada
- Declared a Natural Park: 1989
- Park surface area: 12,428 hectares
- Villages and Towns in the area: Cogollos Vega, Beas de Granada, Huétor Santillán, Víznar, Alfacar, Nívar, Diezma.
Points of interest
Situated just north east of Granada on a main arterial route the natural park area of Huétor is limestone mountain terrain with typical features such as steep sided ravines, mixed woodland and Mediterranean scrub. Altitude in the park is between 1,000 and 1,600meters above sea level so this area offers fantastic views across to Sierra Nevada from the viewpoint Mirador Buena Vista.
There are several caves and fresh water springs in the area. Usage of this water source can still be seen today in the form of the Aynadamar canal built by the Moors to take spring water from the Fuente Grande in Alfácar into Granada city itself. This water is still channelled to the gardens and fountains of the Alhambra.
Find a hotel Close to the Huétor Natural Park
I had a great stay at VESCI FAVENTIA in Huétor Tájar. The rooms were comfortable, quiet, and well-equipped with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and modern amenities.
Flora
The plant life here has an interesting mix of influences, from central Europe, North Africa and the normal types for southern Spain with some endemics from the area of Granada.
The forested area has a wide variety of trees many of which have been introduced through planting schemes. Aleppo pine, Austrian pine, Maritime pine, Cedars and Abies pinsapo or Spanish fir. Holm oaks and some Gall oaks of the original forest also exist, along with smaller Acers.
Of the 800 plus plant species noted in the park the endemics can be divided as follows; 75 endemic to Iberia, 54 from the southern Iberian peninsular and 42 to Iberia and North Africa.
Some of the more noteworthy are Crocus nevadensis, Centaurea funkii, Evax nevadensis, Centaurea montícola, Cotoneaster granatensis and Adonis vernalis subsp Granatensis.
Fauna
Raptors include, Golden eagle, Booted eagle, Goshawk, Sparrow hawk, Buzzard, Little owl, Tawny owl and Eagle owl.
Mammals in the park are red deer, wild boar, spanish ibex, fox, genet, least weasel, wild cat, badger, beech martin and dormouse (Eliomys quercinus).
Several different small lizards, ladder and grass snake plus Lataste’s viper are some of the reptiles.
There is a recovery centre for endangered animals at Las Mimbres. (Ask about it in the visitor centre – See below)
Discovered first in la Sierra de Alfácar, Huetor park, is a small bright blue butterfly, Lysandra bellargus ssp alfacariensis (Family- Lycaenidae, also listed under the name Polyommatus bellargus-Adonis blue, subsp alfacariensis)
Also in the area
- There are (or were) well preserved Arab baths in Cogollos Vega. But I have heard that they were altered in such a way that did not respect the value of the archaeological site.
- The lovely woodland walk to the Cueva del Agua (Water cave), although the cave entrance has been closed off to preserve it, there are good views of the Sierra Nevada mountains. La Cueva del Agua is situated on the slopes of the peak As Cabezo in the Sierra Arana. Currently, access is via two forest roads, from Vega, and from “Sotillo” Iznalloz.
Granada tours and excursions
Information/Visitors Centers
Puerto Lobo Visitor Centre. (On the Viznar to Puerto Lobo road km 43.)
Near the recreational area of the same name and to several signposted walking routes of interest, you’ll find the Puerto Lobo Visitor Centre which lies within the Sierra de Huétor Nature Reserve.
The exhibition inside provides visitors with information on the natural heritage of this mountain range, composed of limestone and where the water has gradually moulded a karst system with caves, galleries and stalactites. That same water which enters the rock subsequently emerges as crystalline springs which since the Muslim period have been channelled through dykes like that of Aynadamar, which supplied the city of Granada with drinking water.
However, this park has many other attractions apart from its valuable natural resources since it is a place with a rich historic and cultural past, particularly interesting is its Moorish legacy and that it was a key witness to what was to become the Spanish Civil War.
In the reception area the centre also has a comprehensive shop selling attractive products, both local and those of the Andalusian Network of Natural Areas (RENPA). Finally, at the entrance to the building there is a beautiful botanic garden where you can discover some of the species endemic to the park.
Huétor Natural Park: Visitor FAQs and Travel Tips
Huétor Natural Park lies northeast of Granada in Andalucia, Spain. Covering 12,428 hectares, the park stretches across limestone mountains with ravines, caves, and springs. Villages such as Beas de Granada, Víznar, and Cogollos Vega are nearby, making it easy to combine nature walks with cultural visits. More detail about its history and layout is shared in the main article.
The park is only a short drive from Granada, making it ideal for day trips. Visitors can hike among Mediterranean woodland in the morning, then explore the Alhambra by afternoon. Staying in nearby towns like Huétor Tájar means you enjoy rural tranquillity while remaining close to city highlights. Hotels such as VESCI FAVENTIA make this balance easy.
Wildlife is one of the park’s main attractions. Birdwatchers often see raptors like golden eagles, booted eagles, and eagle owls. Mammals include wild boar, red deer, and the Spanish ibex, while smaller creatures such as foxes, martens, and dormice thrive in woodland. There’s also a wildlife recovery centre at Las Mimbres. Some reptiles, including Lataste’s viper, are also present.
Over 800 plant species have been recorded here, with a fascinating mix of Iberian and North African influences. Rare examples include Crocus nevadensis and Centaurea funkii. Many visitors are surprised by the variety of introduced pines alongside Holm and Gall oaks. To fully appreciate the park’s flora, the Puerto Lobo Visitor Centre’s botanical garden is highly recommended.
Yes, the park is rich in cultural heritage. The Aynadamar canal, built by the Moors, still channels spring water to Granada and the Alhambra’s fountains. Visitors may also encounter remnants from the Spanish Civil War and Arab baths in Cogollos Vega. Walking to Cueva del Agua provides both scenic views and a glimpse of this layered history.
Start at the Puerto Lobo Visitor Centre, where exhibitions explain the karst landscape and its unique springs. From there, signposted walking routes lead into the park. Staying locally makes access easy; for instance, Huétor Tájar offers good accommodation options. With its mix of trails, viewpoints like Mirador Buena Vista, and proximity to Granada, it’s perfect for both short and longer stays.
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!