Free walking tours in Castril and what to see

Must-sees

Castril is a village in north-east Granada, in the Huéscar area, and the gateway to the Sierra de Castril Nature Park, which borders the Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas park. It's dominated by the Peña de Castril, a huge rock where the castle stood, Moorish in origin and restored in recent years. From the top there are great views over the white village and the valley. In the centre, the church of Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles dates from the 16th century.

The most popular walk is the Cerrada del río Castril, a short, easy route with wooden walkways, tunnels and a suspension bridge over the water. In the village you can also see the Centro del Vidrio, which recalls the local glassmaking tradition, and look out over the El Portillo reservoir.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no free walking tours in Castril. The best-known activity is canyoning in the mountain gorges, with a guide and equipment included, a different way to get to know the river. The castle on the Peña is visited with a guide, and the nature park offers accompanied hikes. You don't need a guide for the village and the Cerrada: the trails are well signposted.

How long to spend

Allow a day for the village, the Peña and the river gorge. With two days you can add a mountain route, such as the one to the source of the Castril river, or a canyoning outing. If you have more time, combine the visit with Huéscar and other corners of the Granada high plateau.

Where to stay

The most convenient option is to stay in Castril itself, near the centre or by the river, where there are rural houses and apartments. In the farmhouses around it you'll find more isolated rural accommodation, ideal for switching off deep in the mountains. If there's no room, Huéscar is about twenty minutes' drive away and has more on offer.