Padul: Wetlands, Walking Routes and Local History

For your trip to Padul, the wetlands, routes and local buildings offer a range of themes to explore. The Humedales y Turberas de Padul combine a distinctive landscape with a diverse bird population. There are also trails of varying lengths and routes, as well as churches, historic buildings and local traditions. You can shape your stay around the topics that interest you most.

Wetlands and Birdlife

The Humedales y Turberas de Padul are the only endorheic wetland in the province of Granada and the largest peat bog in southern Europe. They cover 327.40 hectares. More than 150 waterbird species have been recorded there. The area serves as a wintering ground, a stopover during migration or a breeding ground for numerous species, depending on the species and life stage, at different times of year.

The peat layers also tell the story of Padul’s natural history: mammoth remains have been found there. Mammoths lived in this area 30,000 to 40,000 years ago. The mammoth theme also appears in the names of several routes; the finds and the route layouts are separate aspects of the natural area.

Routes Around the Wetlands

The Aula de Naturaleza El Aguadero, next to Padul, offers four routes in the area around the wetlands. They differ in both length and course:

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

All four routes are described as easy and can be walked at any time of year. For choosing between them, distance offers a practical comparison: the Ruta del Mamut is the shortest of the four, while the Ruta del Agia and Ruta Ojo Oscuro cover longer distances. Check current access and local route information before setting out.

Other named trails pass through the landscape of the Vega de Padul or into the outer area of the Laguna de Padul. The 9.2-kilometre Ruta del Rinoceronte Lanudo is one of Padul’s prehistoric routes and runs around the Laguna. Its course leads to a simple wooden walkway in the lagoon area and continues to the Aula de la Naturaleza El Aguadero. The 10-kilometre Ruta del Tigre de Diente de Sable runs through the Parque Natural de Sierra Nevada, along the outer edge of the Laguna.

Workshops and Guided Tours

The workshops offered at the Aula de Naturaleza El Aguadero focus on environmental topics and traditional crafts. They include bird ringing, recycling and responsible consumption, as well as working with esparto grass, leather and clay. Workshop availability may vary; check the current programme in advance.

The municipality also offers guided tours along local routes, including the Ruta del Mamut and Padul Cultural. If you are interested in a guided tour, check dates and booking options before your trip.

Buildings and Local History

The Iglesia Santa María la Mayor was built in the 16th century on the site of a former mosque. Its features include Mudéjar architecture and Baroque and Renaissance altarpieces. The Casa-Castillo de los Condes de Padul, known as La Casa Grande, also dates from the 16th century. It is in the town centre and is distinguished by its fortress-like appearance and austere Baroque architecture.

Another part of the town’s history is the traditional 16th-century washhouse: Fuente de San Joaquín and Lavadero de Santa Ana, also known as Fuente de los cinco caños. It served as a meeting place; a bronze sculpture of a washerwoman is part of the complex. Padul has a total of 17 crosses, erected between the 17th and 19th centuries.

The Centro de Interpretación El Silo in El Padul houses a traditional threshing board. It was used to thresh grains such as wheat, barley and rye by hand. Check current access arrangements and how the collection is displayed before visiting.

Padul’s old tram station 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 opening hours in advance.

Traditions and Regional Products

The festival in honour of Saint Sebastian takes place on 19 and 20 January. Large bonfires are lit using aromatic plants that residents gather the previous day. The programme may vary from year to year.

During Constitution Day, a fair with more than 40 exhibitors is held in Padul. Products on offer include honey, cheese, olive oil, wine and jams; there is also a wine fair and a matanza event. Dates and exhibitors may vary from year to year.

Discover more destinations: El Puntal, Motril, Durcal, Gualchos, Los Tablones, Cónchar, Montejícar, Puerto Lope.

For the broader travel overview: Granada.