The Humedales y Turberas de Padul combine a distinctive landscape with trails of varying lengths. The wetland covers 327.40 hectares and is the only endorheic wetland in the province of Granada, as well as the largest peat bog in Southern Europe. More than 150 waterbird species have been recorded here. The area serves many species as a wintering site, a stopover during migration or a breeding ground. Mammoth remains have also been found in its peat layers; mammoths lived here 30,000 to 40,000 years ago.

Trails around the wetlands

The Aula de Naturaleza El Aguadero, near Padul, offers four routes in the area surrounding the wetland. They are rated as easy and can be walked at any time of year. Before setting out, check the local trail details and current access conditions.

The Ruta del Mamut is a 2.9-kilometre circular trail that starts at the Aula de Naturaleza El Aguadero. The 7-kilometre Ruta Los Quinientos follows the Iberian-Roman road. For a longer walk, the 8.5-kilometre Ruta Ojo Oscuro follows the Camino de los Molinos and leads into the wetland. The Ruta del Agia is 9.2 kilometres long and runs along the entire edge of the wetland.

The prehistoric routes offer their own highlights. The 9.2-kilometre Ruta del Rinoceronte Lanudo crosses the landscape of the Vega de Padul to a simple wooden walkway in the lagoon area. Another route, the 10-kilometre Ruta del Tigre de Diente de Sable, runs along the outer edge of the Laguna de Padul in the Parque Natural de Sierra Nevada. The trail distances help you gauge the planned route; they are no substitute for checking the latest trail details.

Explore nature in greater depth

The Aula de Naturaleza El Aguadero offers environmental workshops on topics such as bird ringing, recycling and responsible consumption. There are also craft workshops using esparto grass, leather and clay. Workshop availability may vary. The town also offers guided visits along local routes, including the Ruta del Mamut and Padul Cultural. For dates and bookings, it is advisable to check the latest information before your trip.

Churches, squares and historic buildings

There is a variety of historical heritage to discover in the town, too. The Iglesia Santa María la Mayor was built in the 16th century on the site of an earlier mosque. Its features combine Mudéjar architecture with Baroque and Renaissance altarpieces. The Casa-Castillo de los Condes de Padul, known as La Casa Grande, also dates from the 16th century and is located in the town centre. Its fortress-like appearance and austere Baroque architecture give the building a different character.

Padul has a total of 17 crosses, erected between the 17th and 19th centuries. Local history also includes the traditional washhouse dating from the 16th century, known as the Fuente de San Joaquín and Lavadero de Santa Ana, also called the Fuente de los cinco caños. It served as a meeting place and is complemented by a bronze sculpture of a washerwoman. The Centro de Interpretación El Silo houses a traditional threshing board. It was used to thresh grains such as wheat, barley and rye by hand. Check the latest access arrangements for the collection before your visit.

The former tram station building now houses the Oficina de Turismo del Valle de Lecrín. It opened on 10 February 1923. If you plan to visit the tourist information office, check its current opening hours beforehand.

Festivals and local products

The festival in honour of Saint Sebastian takes place on 19 and 20 January. Large bonfires are lit using aromatic plants gathered by residents the day before; the exact programme may vary from year to year. There is also a fair with more than 40 exhibitors during Constitution Day, featuring honey, cheese, olive oil, wine and jams. A wine fair and a Matanza event are also held. Dates and the range of exhibitors may vary from year to year.

Discover more destinations: El Puntal, Peligros, Cástaras, Trevélez, Iznalloz, Baúl, Salobreña, Huétor - Santillán

For the main travel overview: Granada.