Free walking tours in Otívar and what to see

Must-sees

Otívar is a white village on Granada's Costa Tropical, a few kilometres inland from Almuñécar, in the valley of the river Verde. Its slopes are covered with terraces of subtropical crops such as avocados and custard apples, which contrast with the surrounding mountains. In the centre is the 16th-century parish church of San José, on the Plaza de la Constitución, and next to the town hall the Vista Verde viewpoint, with wide views over the valley.

The village is the gateway to the road that climbs towards Granada through the Sierra de Almijara, known as the Carretera de la Cabra, with bends and spectacular viewpoints over the coast and the mountains. To the north, at the Junta de los Ríos, several ravines meet to form the river Verde, a spot of pools and rock walls much loved for hiking and canyoning. Other routes climb Cerro Lopera or lead towards Cázulas.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no free walking tours in Otívar. The best-known guided activity is canyoning in the river Verde, a descent of jumps, natural slides and crystal-clear pools, done with a guide, wetsuit and helmet. You do not need a guide for the village and viewpoints. Hiking trips through the mountains and the valley also leave from Almuñécar and other spots on the Costa Tropical.

How long to spend

The village and the viewpoint can be seen in an hour or two. Canyoning takes half a day, and if you add the Carretera de la Cabra with stops at the viewpoints, you have a full day. With two days you can combine the river Verde with a hike and an afternoon on the beach in Almuñécar. For the canyon, the best season is late spring to early autumn.

Where to stay

Otívar has few beds, mostly rural houses and farmhouses spread across the valley, ideal if you want peace among subtropical orchards. From there you can set off early to the river without taking the coast road. If you prefer more services and a beach, Almuñécar, fifteen minutes away by car, has the widest choice in the area, and Jete is also very close.