landmark
Frigiliana
Repeatedly voted Spain's prettiest white village, a steep tumble of geranium-draped lanes above the Costa del Sol.
30 km · about 35 min drive
EuropeSpainAndalusia
Zafarraya
Andalusia, Spain · Europe
About Zafarraya
Zafarraya is worth a stop: 10 minutes from Periana, 36km from Caves of Nerja.
Zafarraya is in Andalusia, Spain, with about 2,200 people. You drive on the right here. The nearest town is Periana, about 7 km away.
Zafarraya is a municipality in the province of Granada, Spain, with a population of 2,200 (2003).
Zafarraya is known for a Neanderthal mandible found in a cave (Cueva del Boquete) in 1983 by Cecilio Barroso and Paqui Medina. The mandible has been dated to 30,000 years Before Present (BP), and at the time representedRead more
the youngest-known Neanderthal remains. Near the mandible, Mousterian tools dated to 27,000 years BP were found. The find was one of the first pieces of definite evidence showing that the presence of Neanderthals and modern humans overlapped in Europe for a significant period.
During the Andalusian earthquake of 25 December 1884, more than 30% of the houses in Zafarraya collapsed and 53% were badly damaged, some of which fell during aftershocks.
The new church, which was under construction, was destroyed.
25 to 27 people died, 24 sustained serious injuries and 56 had minor injuries.
However, in March 1885 it is reported that there were still 203 patients with traumatic conditions.
The survivors took refuge in the town of Almendrón.
The damage was less than in Ventas de Zafarraya due to differences in the land: Jurassic limestones in Zafarraya and Quaternary sediments in Ventas de Zafarraya.
Where to Stay in Zafarraya
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near Zafarraya?
Within an hour or so of Zafarraya: Frigiliana (30 km), Balcón de Europa, Nerja (35 km), Caves of Nerja (36 km), El Torcal de Antequera (36 km).
Are there any good drives near Zafarraya?
The nearest famous roads are Sierra Nevada road to Pico Veleta (A-395), Pico Veleta Road and A-397 San Pedro to Ronda.
Where is Zafarraya?
Zafarraya is in Andalusia, Spain, about 7 km from Periana.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 2,181
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- Spain
- Region
- Andalusia
- Timezone
- Europe/Madrid
- Coordinates
- 36.9755, -4.1444
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in Spain
Guardia Civil (traffic police): 062. Two warning triangles required in vehicles.
Full driving guide for SpainTags
Worth the detour from Zafarraya
8 notable places within an hour's drive.
scenic viewpoint
Balcón de Europa, Nerja
A palm-lined seafront promenade jutting on a clifftop balcony with panoramic Mediterranean and mountain views.
35 km · about 40 min drive
natural wonder
Caves of Nerja
Spectacular caverns containing the world's largest known stalactite and prehistoric paintings dating back 42,000 years.
36 km · about 40 min drive
natural wonder
El Torcal de Antequera
A surreal karst landscape of stacked, pancake-like limestone formations carved by erosion, with ibex roaming the trails.
36 km · about 40 min drive
castle
Alcazaba de Málaga
A well-preserved Moorish hilltop citadel overlooking Málaga's port, linked to the Roman theatre at its base.
37 km · about 45 min drive
beach
Costa del Sol
Spain's sun-drenched southern coastline stretching from Malaga to Gibraltar, famous for over 300 days of sunshine per year.
38 km · about 45 min drive
landmark
Alhambra
Stunning Moorish palace and fortress complex in Granada showcasing the finest Islamic art and architecture in Europe.
54 km · about 60 min drive
scenic viewpoint
Caminito del Rey
A thrilling boardwalk pinned to sheer cliff faces above the El Chorro gorge, once called the world's most dangerous path.
56 km · about 65 min drive
Driving roads near Zafarraya
- 35 kmBalcón de Europa, NerjaA palm-lined seafront promenade jutting on a clifftop balcony with panoramic Mediterranean and mountain views.
- 56 kmCaminito del ReyA thrilling boardwalk pinned to sheer cliff faces above the El Chorro gorge, once called the world's most dangerous path.
- 67 kmSierra Nevada road to Pico Veleta (A-395)Europe's highest surfaced road climbs from Granada toward Veleta at 3,300m; the upper section is closed to cars but the ascent is superb.
- 70 kmPico Veleta RoadEurope's highest paved road climbs from Granada past the Sierra Nevada ski station toward the 3,396 m Veleta summit, with hairpins above the clouds and views to the Mediterranean.
Driving in Spain
- Drives on
- the right
- Petrol
- ~€1.55/litre
- Motorway tolls
- ~€4.00/100km
When to drive here
April to October
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