Atarfe combines a large archaeological zone with religious buildings and circular routes that lead from the town centre to the Ermita de los Tres Juanes. You can choose from a range of themes when planning your visit: cultural history, a circular route of around eight kilometres with a moderate level of difficulty, a flat route and a mountain-biking circuit. This allows you to tailor your stay to the subjects and activities that interest you most.

Archaeology and architectural history

The Madinat Ilbira archaeological zone, also known as Medina Elvira, covers 332 hectares and lies within the municipalities of Atarfe and Pinos Puente. Since 2004, it has been classified as an Asset of Cultural Interest (Bien de Interés Cultural). Madinat Ilbira preserves the remains of the most important city in the Vega de Granada from the 7th to the 10th century, as well as Roman and Late Antique remains. The name Medina Elvira refers to the same archaeological zone.

At the Ermita de Santa Ana, architectural history can be explored through its design details. Its first construction phase dates from the last quarter of the 16th century to the first quarter of the 17th century. Above the presbytery is a square Mudéjar wooden structure, with an eight-pointed geometric pattern in the centre of the ceiling. The altarpiece and its accompanying sculptures can be dated to the 18th century based on their formal characteristics. The parish church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación in Atarfe was built between 1617 and 1623. Together, these buildings offer insights into different periods of architectural history.

The Ermita de los Tres Juanes stands on Cerro del Castillejo in the Sierra Elvira. Built in 1941, it was named after Saint John the Evangelist, Saint John the Baptist and Saint John of God. The hermitage houses a natural science museum. The Mozarabic Route of the Camino de Santiago also passes through Atarfe. According to the municipal tourism information for 2025, more than 1,000 pilgrims from around the world pass through the town each year.

Circular routes and trail profiles

The Ruta Atarfe Cultura y Entorno is a circular route around the old town in the centre of Atarfe and includes the climb to the Ermita de los Tres Juanes. It is around 8 km long and of moderate difficulty. The start and finish are at the Ciudad Deportiva de Atarfe, where parking is available. This gives you the approximate distance, difficulty level, start and finish points for this route.

One circular route starts at Paseo de Santa Ana and follows the Sendero de la Canterilla to the Ermita de los Tres Juanes. It passes several viewpoints along the way. The longest circular route in the trail network also starts and finishes at Paseo de Santa Ana. It passes the La Moleona recreation area, the golf course and the outlet of the Embalse del Cubillas, and goes near the trenches of Llanos de Silva.

There is a pleasant mountain-biking circuit that starts at Atarfe’s sports facilities and runs through the Sierra Elvira. Along the way, it passes, among other places, the La Moleona recreation area, the Tres Juanes area and a golf course. Another circular route starts in the town centre of Atarfe, follows a cycle path for several kilometres and leads to the Alameda de la Vega Granadina; it has no gradients or technical difficulties. A family-friendly loop runs from the Ermita de los Tres Juanes through a pine forest to the La Moleona recreation area, then returns along a parallel path. The different profiles can help you choose between a climb, a flat route, a mountain-biking circuit and a family-friendly trail.

Work on the retaining wall along the access road to the Ermita de los Tres Juanes has been completed, improving safety and access to this area of the Sierra Elvira.

Discover more destinations: Caparacena, Moraleda De Zafayona, Trevélez, Sorvilán, Cáñar, Otura, Salar, Lújar.

View the main travel guide: Granada.