Since 1985, the Castillo de Montejícar has been protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural; it can be visited via an entrance on the eastern slope. Together with historic buildings, recurring festivals and various routes, Montejícar offers different focal points for a stay. When looking for a hotel in Montejícar, it is worth first considering whether cultural history, a festive tradition or routes through the landscape will shape the purpose of your trip.
Discover cultural history through historic buildings
The Iglesia de San Andrés dates from the 16th century and was built over the former mosque. Its bell tower is 35 metres high. A visit therefore highlights two specific historical features: the building history of the church site and its distinctive tower. The Ermita de la Virgen de la Cabeza offers a different perspective: it includes a chapel area from the early 17th century with painted doors, as well as a 70-centimetre-high polychrome wooden figure.
The Puente Romano also connects a structure with visible traces of history: the bridge stands over the Guadahortuna River; the remains of a defensive tower and a section of wall have been preserved beside it. El Cañuelo tells the story of a shared everyday tradition. Built in 1930, the washhouse reopened in 2008 after a restoration project and illustrates how people used to wash together.
Another historical connection is the Camino de los Arrieros: the ancient Roman road linked Cástulo, near Linares, with Cartago Nova, near Cartagena. Some sections of this transport infrastructure have survived to this day. This sets the road apart from the individual buildings in Montejícar: its historical context extends between the two cities mentioned, while only parts of the former infrastructure remain.
Compare walking routes by their character and destination
The Ruta Camino Histórico is an approximately 12-kilometre circular route that can be travelled on foot. It is intended for both ecotourism and cultural tourism. The Ruta Patrimonial has a different focus: it is a walking route for visitors through natural areas, archaeological sites and monumental and ethnological heritage sites. Unlike the Camino Histórico, whose length is specified, the Ruta Patrimonial is defined above all by the variety of its natural and cultural sites.
For the Ruta Alta Coloma, both the starting point and destination are specified: it begins in the municipal area of Montejícar and leads to the summit of Alta Coloma, at an altitude of 1,696 metres. This makes it an option for travellers who want to base their choice on a specific summit destination. The Ruta Fuentes, by contrast, runs mainly along signposted paths. Most sections are suitable for walking or cycling. The routes therefore differ in the features explicitly mentioned: a circular route and approximate length, a variety of natural and cultural areas, a summit destination, or the activities possible on most sections.
At Fuente Cabra, a spring is connected with its surroundings, an amphitheatre and the start of the ascent path to the Castillo Árabe. These features give the place a distinct connection to water, built space and an uphill route. They add another specific landscape and cultural highlight to the clearly defined route options.
Festivals as points of reference in the calendar
At the beginning of August, Montejícar hosts a traditional performance of Moros y Cristianos in honour of the Virgen de la Cabeza, the town's patron saint. It is described as the only performance of its kind in the comarca. Another set date is the Romería de San Isidro, held on 15 May in the Eras Altas. The Día de la Torta includes family gatherings in the countryside. The beginning of August and 15 May thus offer two specific dates to plan your stay around if you wish to attend one of these recurring traditions. If your trip depends on a particular date, check the exact event dates before booking.
Discover more destinations: Alfacar, Velilla-Taramay, Salobreña, Diezma, Freila, Jerez Del Marquesado, Montefrío, Purullena.
For the main travel overview: Granada.
