Quéntar: Nature, History and Festivals in Andalusia

The municipal area of Quéntar is home to the Barrancos del Río de Aguas Blancas protected area, which extends along almost the entire upper basin, from its source to the Quéntar Reservoir. Brown trout, white-throated dippers and water voles can be found in the protected area and along its banks; endangered species include crayfish and the small snail Orculella bulgarica.

Fuente de las Pavesas is characterized by a spring and wild roses and is an important part of Quéntar’s natural heritage. The spring’s defining features are the fountain and wild roses, while the Cerrillo de los Almireces offers views of the village of Quéntar. The Cerrillo de los Almireces provides views of the village of Quéntar.

Other places include Moclin, Víznar, Ugíjar, Cástaras, Galera, Ogíjares, Cádiar and Torvizcon.

Nature and Recreation

The dam at the Pantano de Quéntar was inaugurated in 1976. There are several recreational areas with viewpoints in its surroundings.

The Área Recreativa Junta de los Ríos is located on the right bank of the Aguas Blancas River, about 8 km from Quéntar, and can be reached via the paved GR-320 road.

The Área Recreativa de Aguas Blancas offers stone tables for picnics. The Área Recreativa de Aguas Blancas is suitable for walks and excursions. It is also possible to take a refreshing swim there in the Aguas Blancas tributary of the Río Genil. The area’s features therefore range from stone tables to walks and excursions, as well as this swim in the tributary.

Church and History

The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación is a parish church built at the end of the 16th century and renovated in the mid-17th century. The chronology of its construction and renovation therefore identifies two clearly separate periods. Its single-nave layout has side chapels containing various works of art.

The Trinchera de la Guerra Civil, popularly known as “El queso,” is located in Quéntar’s natural landscape and offers views of the mountain and the village of Quéntar. The Cristo de la Fuente sculpture is carried in a procession on the Sunday of the Corpus Christi celebration.

Festivals and Local Cuisine

The patron saint festivities of San Sebastián take place in September and include a reenactment of Moros y Cristianos. The Día de San Sebastián features a solemn procession of the patron saint San Sebastián with traditional trabucos and a band. Thus, both the reenactment and the procession, with its stated accompanying elements, are central to the festivities.

The Día de la Junta de las Castañas is a special day for eating chestnuts and takes place on 1 November or at the end of October. During the “matanzas” in Quéntar, morcillas, chorizos, longanizas and salchichones are made.

Hiking Trails

The Sendero de la Cueva de los Trucheros features suspension bridges. Various hiking activities are possible on the Sendero de la Cueva de los Trucheros. The trail therefore combines the aforementioned bridges with different hiking activities.

For the main travel overview: Granada.