Sierra de Huétor & the Secret Spain north of Granada
Puerto de la Ragua 'Nordic' Ski Station - Far less well known than the downhill ski resort at Pradollano, is the pristine and uncrowded cross-country ski station of Puerto de la Ragua. Straddling the
Sierra Nevada where the provinces of Granada and Almeria meet, Puerto de la Ragua is a mountain pass between two very different regions, each of which have maintained their own distinct customs, traditions and lifestyle over the centuries. Just 15 km to the south you will find all the Moorish charm of the Alpujarra region. To the north, the stately majesty of the Marquesado del Zenete plateau. Tourist information & booking -
Puerto de la Ragua Consortium
Summer in the Sierra de Huétor National Park -Here, where the Sierra Nevada and Sierra de Huétor National Parks converge is a pristine and little known area of vast forests, clear rivers, snow-capped peaks and temperate valleys - an unspoilt natural wonderland for activities such as hiking, horse-riding, archery, cycling, canyoning and paragliding.
Designated a national park in 1989, the western end of the Sierra de Huétor is only a few kilometers northeast of the provincial capital of Granada. The mountainous area has the dramatic geological features characteristic of limestone areas, with narrow ravines, steep cliffs, springs and caves, such as the Cueva del Agua. The most famous spring is the Fuente Grande in Alfácar, cleverly used by the Moors as a source of water for the Albaicín in Granada city and transported via an irrigation channel called Aynadamar.
With an altitude ranging from around 1,100m to 2,000m and a marked climate variation within the park, the Sierra de Huétor has a pronounced biodiviersity. It is noted for its botanical importance, with numerous endemic and rare plants growing here on its dolomitic sands, and the presence of the threatened wild cat. There is a visitors' centre in Puerto de Lobo near Víznar with information on the park, a picnic area and signposted walks. It is located on the road from Víznar to Puerto Lobo at Km 253. Next to the centre is an area with birds and animals, such as mountain goats and stags, from the park The park has superb views south to the nearby Sierra Nevada National Park. The viewpoints (miradores) in Víznar and Huétor-Santillán are some of the best places to visit. Flora & FaunaMore than 800 species of flowering plants have been recorded in the park, and in 2002 it was also declared a special protection area for birds (ZEPA). The park has a significant raptor population, such as golden and booted eagles, buzzards, goshawks, sparrowhawks, eagle, little and tawny owls. In the woodland areas are tits, robins and chaffinches, while in the higher, rockier areas are warblers and rock buntings.
The diversity of habitats in the park mean that there is a wide variety of mammals, such as foxes, rabbits, wild boar, ibex, genets, badgers, weasels, beech martens, mountain goats and wild cats. In Las Mimbres there is a recovery centre for endangered animals in the park. An endemic species of butterfly is the blue lysandra bellargus ssp alfacariensis, which was first discovered in the Sierra de Huétor. Walks
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Puerto de la Ragua - Resort Overview
DiezmaHere within the stunning environs of the Sierra de Huétor and overlooking the dramatic peaks of the more distant Sierra Nevada, lies the quiet farming town of Diezma - known by the locals as the 'mirador' or viewpoint of the Sierra Nevada.
Diezma’s origin goes back to the Roman Empire, when it provided accommodation for travellers who went by the Via Augusta linking the important Roman towns of Acci [now Guadix] and Iliberis. During Arab times it became a farming community. Its name is related to the term diezmo, a religious tax that the villagers paid to the church. Though this quiet town has witnessed the march of history, conquered in turn by Visigoths, Romans, Moors, Ziries and finally the Catholic Monarchs, in the 21st century it seems far removed from its bloody past. Today it is best known for its fine anis - in which sweet local cherries are preserved. Nearby sights include the castle/palace of La Calahorra, Guadix and the Barrio de las Cuevas (the biggest concentration of cave dwellings in Europe), and the Embalse de Francisco Abellan.
Wandering the quiets streets of this tidy little town, one finds odd gems, such as the 16C Palace-House of the Marquis of Diezma, built around a Moorish watchtower and the fine Neo-Mudéjar style tower on the parish church. On the outskirts, a thermal water spring, called Los Bañuelos, is very popular amongst the locals, and the Cave of the Water, a natural grotto with stalactites and stalagmites, can be seen.
GastronomyThe local gastronomy is marked by Moorish traditions and gachas, roast lamb and gazpacho are typical dishes. Diezma is famous for its partridges, in sauce or marinated in vinegar, as well as its homemade cheeses, the spirits that are distilled in the village and - combining two local products - cherries in anis. Distances
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