Welcome to Cáñar.
Relax and unwind in one of the few remaining un-spoilt villages in the Western Alpujarras.
Situated at 1014 meters, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, Cáñar is a beautiful traditional Spanish village surrounded by a spectacular backdrop of rugged green mountains. From many viewpoints in Cáñar you can see the Mediterranean, and on clear days you can see the coast of Africa.
The village, largely untouched by tourism, has retained its traditional charm and is a peaceful haven for the unique flora and fauna of La Alpujarra, the Mediterranean side of the Sierra Nevada.
Whilst it nestles in its tranquil splendor, Cáñar is only 10 minutes from Órgiva, a bustling market town. 35 minutes from the shopping center of Motril, the pretty costal resort of Salobrena, the serenity of the Lecrin Valley and the stunning city of Granada.
Whilst it nestles in its tranquil splendor, Cáñar is only 10 minutes from Órgiva, a bustling market town. 35 minutes from the shopping center of Motril, the pretty costal resort of Salobrena, the serenity of the Lecrin Valley and the stunning city of Granada.
Closer still are the popular artisan villages of Capileira, Bérchules, Pórtugos, Pitres, Bubion, Pampaniera and Trevélez, the highest village in the La Alpujarra at 1476m. Trevélez is famous for its dry cured ham. Half an hour away is the spa town of Lanjarón, which incidentally has the best ice cream parlour in the area.
In close proximity to Cáñar there is a wide variety of out door activities available including rock climbing, skiing, pony trekking, water sports and mountain walking.
For many of the inhabitants of Cáñar, life has changed little, farming is still the main occupation and using the traditional practices of their ancestors, olives, grapes and almonds are the main crops.
However, the fertile soil, no shortage of water and endless sunshine ensures that many other fruit and vegetables are in abundant supply. Much of the cultivation is still done with mules or donkeys, and many can be seen around Cáñar on a daily basis.
The seventeenth century church of Santa Ana is the most prominent feature of Cáñar and it is hoping to benefit from a major restoration project. Cáñar has three Spanish bars, a general store, a farmacia and a bank.
Outside the church is an eighteenth century fountain, well known for it pure natural spring water fresh from the Sierra Nevada. Cáñar is very proud of its water whether for drinking or irrigation. Irrigation for the farmed terraces is done via an ancient system of water channels built during the Moorish occupation.
Cáñar offers many pleasant town houses and mountain retreats for holiday rental, and you can be sure of a warm welcome from a village which is populated, in the main by two large extended families, that have lived here for generations.
Many visitors to Cáñar fall in love with the place, as it is an ideal, stress free holiday, with a far more relaxed attitude to life. Every thing is done “poco en poco”, little by little.
For the visitor, Cáñar has none of the trappings of the popular resorts of Spain. Instead, Cáñar offers spectacular scenery with numerous well-marked routes for walkers and hikers, ranging from easy rambles to serious mountain walks.
For nature lovers, the stunning array of wild flowers and herbs covering an area that is home to golden eagles and other large birds of prey make Cáñar a holiday destination well worth exploring.
For those wanting a little time out from their hectic daily life, there is no finer place than Cáñar. This, coupled with the chance to walk through and photograph some unforgettable scenery makes Cáñar the right choice for those wanting an alternative to the barren landscape and mass tourism of the Costa’s.
