The Sierra Nevada range rises steeply from Mediterranean coast and within 50km reaches an altitude of 3,472m. Cástaras, at an altitude of 1,020m, looks out over the vineyards and almond groves of the Contraviesa range, across the valley of the river Gaudalfeo and above the village is the protected area of the Sierra Nevada National Park.

The area is a birdwatcher’s haven and is brimming with wildlife such as the Iberian Ibex and wild boar. Cultivated olive and almond trees dominate the terraced slopes around the village and the colours of the landscape are enhanced by the ancient holm-oaks, the wildflowers, and the graceful poplars that mark the descent of the mountain streams and turn to ribbons of gold in the autumn.

Besides the olive and almond trees, there’s an abundance of fruit trees and even a few mulberry trees survive from the silk-making days of the Moors. After their expulsion from Granada at the end of the fifteenth century the Moors settled in the Alpujarra until they were driven out of Spain completely a century or so later. The enduring Moorish legacy is the sound of flowing water everywhere, provided by the extensive system of waterways they constructed to irrigate the land.

The main fiestas in the village to celebrate the patron saints are around June and August. Dates vary each year but in general the fiesta for Santa Fatima is around the beginning of June and for San Miguel and San Antonio around 8-10 August. August is the liveliest month in the village as relations who live and work elsewhere return to spend their summer vacation.