Activities

Four sites stand out in the archaeological area of the Orce Basin: two contain evidence of human activities as well as that of other animal species, Barranco León and Fuente Nueva 3. Fuente Nueva 1 and Venta Micena, species activities animal.

Located in the south-eastern part of the Granada region of Huéscar, Orce is one of the sanctuaries of archeology not only at the national level, but also at the European and, by extension, worldwide level. In the locality, more precisely on the neighboring site of Venta Micena (9 kilometers away, in the Salar canyon), is one of the most important palaeontological assemblages in Europe and Asia, only comparable to those in Africa. 'Olduvai (Tanzania). Evidence has been brought to light that certifies the presence of humans on Earth for over a million years.

Find out more about the archaeological sites and how to get there.

In the Geoparque de Granada, you have the possibility of relaxing in the many baths renowned for their medicinal properties. Among them we were able to try the Baths of Zújar and Alicún de las Torres. You also have the option of booking a massage session.

Complete list of Thalassotherapies

Zújar

The Zújar Spa is located in the municipality of Zújar, located in the Baza region in the province of Granada. Built on the slopes of the famous Mount Jabalcón and on the banks of the Negratín Reservoir.
The Hotel Balneario de Zújar is surrounded by nature, in an area famous for its thermal baths, and offers views of the Negratín reservoir. It has a seasonal outdoor pool and a magnificent restaurant. The hotel also houses a spacious seating area and library.
On the northern slope of Mount Jabalcón and very close to the bed of the Rio Grande or Guardal, are the hot springs of the Zújar Spa.
Since ancient times, these waters have been known for their healing properties, since in Roman times, according to Pliny, they were already known, and remains of those times were the old part of the old Spa.

Alicún de las Torres

Alicún de las Torres is a classic spa, located in a secluded spot in the midst of nature in a spectacularly beautiful and peaceful setting surrounded by megalithic remains. The latest renovations have given it a modern appearance, while its overall style is reminiscent of earlier cultures. The Reina Isabel Hotel is internally connected to the spa. It also has a complex of outdoor thermal pools open during the summer.

Andalusia is a great wine region which was quickly recognized by British society, then by the international community.

The fruit of this notoriety is due to the wines of Jerez, produced in the region of Jerez de la Frontera, to the wines of Málaga, but also to a less well-known vineyard; that of Motilla-Moriles, south of Cordoba.

Jerez white wine has conquered the hearts of the English-speaking population, making it an international aperitif and naming it cherry. Its vineyard extends over 10,000 hectares between Jerez de la Frontera, Chiclana de la Frontera, Sanlucar de Barrameda and Guadalquivir.

Málaga wine rather appeals to women; it is nicknamed "Ladies' Wine". This modest vineyard covers only 500 hectares.

The charm of these white wines is due to their particular production, made in two stages. First, we ferment the grapes so that they have a normal wine, then we add pure alcohol. This result means that the wine holds 15-20% vol. To perfect its taste, the wine undergoes aging for at least three years, according to the solera system (the wine then passes from barrels to barrels for several years, the old wine being mixed each time with younger wines). In Jerez de la Frontera, it is said that "wine is educated, it learns from ancient wines".

This region has managed to maintain the production of its wines during the five centuries of Muslim presence. During the Reconquista and as soon as land was taken back from the Andalusians, the monks hastened to replant their vines. This is why the monasteries still remain the owners of large vineyards.

These wines are to be tasted in all tapas bars in Spain and Orce!

Andalusian cuisine, colorful, displays a distinctly Mediterranean character. The very rich local products are its privileged ingredients, with a special mention for olive oil, the undisputed champion of flavor. Another star of the region's tables: the wine, made from the many Andalusian vines and celebrated all over the world, which accompanies dishes so well ...

The Arab presence has deeply marked Andalusian culture and exerted an undeniable influence on local gastronomy. New agricultural techniques based on the optimal use of water through irrigation networks developed by the Arabs allowed the cultivation of previously unexploited land. This is how the region was able to produce fruit and vegetables throughout the year. New crops have emerged (rice, eggplant, artichokes, asparagus), as have spices previously unknown to the Western world such as pepper, cinnamon or cumin.

Sopa de ajo

Garlic soup is a typical soup that mainly contains water or broth, bread (most often stale bread), paprika, bay leaf, garlic and olive oil . It is a soup of humble origin, and which, like any popular dish, has many variations, depending on the family economy and the tastes of the cook. It is common for other ingredients to be added, such as eggs, sausage, roast bacon, ham.

Habas con jamón

Beans with ham are one of the typical dishes of Granada, but also many other corners of the country. They are prepared by making a sauce and simmering it in a casserole dish with a few cubes of ham.
Then beans are added, which are covered with beef, chicken and vegetable broth. Let everything cook for about 15 minutes and it's ready. It is a very tasty dish.

Tortilla del Sacromonte

The Sacromonte omelet is the typical omelette from Granada, as its name suggests, from the inhabitants of Sacromonte. It is an omelet made from different types of offal, especially mutton brains and criadillas, and very frequently breadcrumbs, peas and nuts are also added. Like so many other traditional recipes, there are many variations, and many people also make this by adding potatoes, chorizo, and Trevélez ham. One variation is to make the omelette with the lamb gizzards, in which case it is called "pomegranate omelette". On February 1, the feast of San Cecilio, patron saint of Granada, the authorities visit the Abadía del Sacromonte, the date on which this particular omelet is offered to them.

Remojón Granadino

Remojón is a dish of Arab origin, very popular in Granada, but also in Cordoba and Jaén. It consists of a salad made with peeled and chopped oranges with oil. There are some variations of the dish, in which other products such as cod, olives, eggs, onion or chives, garlic, vinegar, paprika, potatoes or tomato are added. . Sugar is also sometimes added, making it a nutritious snack for kids.

Ensalada Zalamandroña

Zalamandroña salad is a typical food from the region of Guadix, in the province of Granada, very popular especially in the municipality of Huéneja. This dish, of Andalusian origin, consists of a salad made with vegetables previously sun-dried, usually pumpkin, sun-dried tomato, zucchini and roasted and dried pepper. Black olives and flaked cod are also added. Then everything is mixed with abundant pine nuts and chopped onions, black pepper and oregano vinaigrette. It is eaten cold.

Sardinas Moraga

The sardine moraga is a typical seafood dish of Granada cuisine made with sardines from Motril.
For its preparation, the sardines are placed in a clay pot, bathed in white wine, virgin olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, parsley and salt. After all the ingredients have been put, it is put on the fire for about 10 minutes until they are ready to be eaten.

Berengenas al miel de caña

The recipe for aubergines with cane honey is of Arab origin and is very typical throughout Andalusia, although it is more popular in Granada and Cordoba, where it can be found in many bars and restaurants.
To make this dish, the eggplants are cut, either in slices or in sticks, and salt is put on them, waiting half an hour for the bitterness to dissipate. Then we dry and flour them, fry them in a pan with plenty of olive oil, very hot, until golden brown. We let them drain and, when ready to serve, without waiting for them to cool or lose their crunchiness, we raise them with one or more cane honey fillets.
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Tapas a Granada

One of the essential "dishes" of Granada gastronomy are its famous tapas that we can taste in most of its bars, where when you order a drink, they will put a more than generous tapa and in some bars you can choose the tapas you want. . Among the best known tapas areas in Granada are Navas Street, the Cathedral Quarter, Elvira Street, the Plaza de Toros, the Albaicín or the Plaza de la Trinidad.

Olla de San Antón

The pot of San Antón is a very popular dish in Granada, although it is also typical of other regions of the country, such as Murcia or Jaén. It is a stew of dried beans and broad beans, to which are added various meat products from the slaughter of pork, such as spine, mask, ear, tail and lean ham.

The territory of the Geopark of Granada, with 4,722 km2, its 47 municipalities belonging to the regions of Guadix, Baza, Huéscar and Montes, includes the river valleys that appeared during the Quaternary in the north of the Province of Granada, as well as a large part of the Guadix-Baza basin and part of the mountains that delimit it. This territory is traditionally known, from a geographical point of view, as the depressions or “chasms” of Guadix and Baza. It complements with its geological peculiarities aspects not cataloged in other geoparks of the UNESCO World Network.

Once the declaration of the UNESCO Global Geopark (July 10, 2020) has been made, through the International Program of Earth Sciences and Geoparks, this territory - and in particular its population - has a unique opportunity to slow down the process of constant depopulation to which it is subject, as well as public awareness of the importance of natural, cultural and ethnographic heritage, all with a responsible attitude towards the environment.

All the activities of the Geopark of Granada can be found at this address: https://www.geoparquedegranada.com/.

It is a "real concentrate" of cultural programs, museums, tourist points, trails, recognized by UNESCO

The choice is so vast that you will have to take the time to consult what the neighboring municipalities and cities have to offer.

Links to tourist offices indicated at the bottom of the page.

The program of annual festivals to which are added exceptional exhibitions or events. It is preferable to approach the tourist office to find out the location as well as the opening days and times.