Waterfalls around Cáñar are found in the Alpujarra Granadina region of Spain, offering diverse natural attractions. The area is characterized by mountainous terrain, with rivers like the Río Chico, Poqueira River, and Lanjarón River originating in the Sierra Nevada. These waterways create various cascades and natural features, providing opportunities for outdoor exploration. The region's landscape combines natural beauty with historical elements, such as traditional irrigation systems.
Last updated: November 3, 2026
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Experiences from November 2025: Access to the river from both sides is blocked and clearly marked with prohibition signs! At the marked location, there is a narrow bridge without railings. There is no sign of the waterfall or the attractive wooden bridge with railings shown in the photos by "expert" Oliver! The circular routes indicated under this trail are therefore completely unusable if you adhere to the prohibitions and barriers! We had to turn back and, unfortunately, retrace our steps. Very frustrating!
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An impressive structure. When the water starts flowing over the top, it must have rained a lot in those mountains!
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It is a short section, with a ladder and a rope, which the little ones usually like.
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The Tajo de Cortés Waterfall is an impressive waterfall located in the Alpujarra Granadina, near the towns of Pitres and Pórtugos in Andalusia. Two routes that will take you to this beautiful waterfall: Sendero PR-A 29 from Pórtugos or the somewhat shorter Circular Route from Pitres.
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The Lanjarón River rises in the high mountain of Sierra Nevada, under the peak of Veleta, and runs through the Lanjarón valley until it passes through the town of the same name and empties into the Rules dam.
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This is a waterfall that we find on the hiking route from Lanjaron to the Tello refuge, along the path or path of the Mezquerina ditch in the section specifically of the Montalban ditch.
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Cool place to spend the night on the dike
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We are on a dam in the middle of the Sierra Nevada, more specifically in the Alpujarra of Granada, precisely on a route for both hiking and MTB, which begins in the town of Soportujar, a town in Granada, Alpujarra, known for its sculptures and picturesque legends about witches and spells. The route begins in the town and ends at the Puente Palo free camping area, but we pass through a dam called dam 24, built in 1943, through which the Chico river passes, which is born on the slopes of Veleta. In said dam we can appreciate some ponds. refreshing in summer and a great waterfall that forms with the first thaws.
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Beyond natural cascades, the Cáñar area features unique man-made structures like Dike 24 of the Río Chico. This monument, constructed in the 1940s, is particularly impressive during the Sierra Nevada snowmelt season. You can also find powerful natural falls like the Poqueira River Waterfall, historically significant for irrigation and power generation.
Yes, the Cahorros de Nigüelas Waterfall is often enjoyed by families. The path to this waterfall includes a short section with a ladder and a rope, which children typically find exciting. It also maintains water flow even during drier periods, ensuring a good experience.
To see the waterfalls at their most powerful, especially man-made features like Dike 24 of the Río Chico, the best time to visit is during the Sierra Nevada snowmelt season. This typically occurs in late spring and early summer, when the rivers are at their fullest.
The region around Cáñar offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including those that lead to waterfalls. For example, there are routes like the "Dike 24 of the Río Chico – Mountain Trail at Río Chico loop from Cáñar" for hiking. You can explore more options on the Hiking around Cáñar guide. Gravel biking and mountain hikes are also popular, with dedicated guides available for Gravel biking around Cáñar and Mountain Hikes around Cáñar.
When hiking to waterfalls in Cáñar, it's advisable to wear appropriate footwear, as trails can be muddy or have inclines. Some crossings, such as near Dike 24 of the Río Chico, might involve wet feet. Be prepared for varying weather conditions, as the mountainous terrain can be unpredictable.
Yes, the Cahorros de Nigüelas Waterfall is known for maintaining its water flow even when conditions are very dry, making it a reliable option for visitors seeking a waterfall experience year-round.
The Tajo de Cortés Waterfall is an impressive 15-meter cascade on the Bermejo River, located in the municipality of Pórtugos. The river dramatically drops 900 meters over just 3.5 kilometers through a series of falls, making this a powerful natural spectacle. You can reach it via Sendero PR-A 29 from Pórtugos or a shorter circular route from Pitres.
Visitors appreciate the diverse natural attractions, from powerful river falls to historical water management structures. The Cahorros de Nigüelas Waterfall is particularly popular for its family-friendly adventure, including a ladder and rope section. The Dike 24 of the Río Chico is recognized by mountaineers and hikers for its unique structure and impressive flow during snowmelt.
Yes, some waterfalls and water features in the Cáñar area have historical significance. The Poqueira River Waterfall, for instance, is part of a river system traditionally used for irrigation and now also for power generation. Additionally, Dike 24 of the Río Chico is a man-made monument constructed between 1940 and 1943, showcasing historical water management in the region.
The Lanjarón River Waterfall is fed by the river that originates high in the Sierra Nevada. However, recent reports indicate that access to the river from both sides near the marked location has been blocked with prohibition signs, and the attractive wooden bridge shown in older photos may no longer be present. Visitors should be aware of these access restrictions.
When visiting Dike 24 of the Río Chico, be aware that the crossing of the Río Chico can lead to wet feet, so appropriate footwear is recommended. Also, check for any current construction work or closures; for example, there was a closure until November 2021. The dike is best seen during the Sierra Nevada snowmelt season for its full splendor.


Happy to travel a little further afield? Then browse these guides for the best waterfalls around Cáñar: