Adventure
Walking and Cycling
The surrounding unspoiled countryside of the Sierra Sur is one of the hidden gems of Andalucía. Extensive tracks though the valleys and up the mountains mean you can easily explore the olive groves and wild land, straight from the door of your yurt! And unlike the more touristy areas you can walk or cycle all day without seeing another soul.
Cortijo Vadillo is situated on the original walking route of the Caliphs. This route was taken by the Moorish kings of centuries past and links up the ancient fortresses and castles between Granada and Córdoba.
The pictures show some of the outstanding views from only a short walk up the mountainside from our Yurt Centre.
A couple of our favorite walks are to Alcalá la Real, where you can enjoy a range of bars and restaurants and even visit the castle before walking back. Or go up to “La Quinta de Charilla”, a stunning rural bar and restaurant in a secluded and wild valley deep in the Sierra Sur, where you can sample some of the best traditional Andalusian dishes around.
If you fancy a more leisurely day we would be happy to arrange to collect you from either of these places by car.
If cycling is what you’re after, there is a fantastic cycling route close by called “La Via Verde” which has been converted from the old tracks of the olive railway route. We will be happy to arrange cycle hire for you from a local company.
Maraton BTT Dessafio de Sierra Sur is a local cycling event which links with the cycling race La Copa de Andalucía.
Climbing
Within the immediate area of the Yurt Centre there are a wealth of undeveloped crags, with stunning views of the area.
A short drive to either the Sierra Subbettica or the Sierra Magina offers both marked and unmarked routes in a beautiful landscape.
As well as climbing, there are opportunities for other outdoor pursuits, such as gorgewalking and abseilling.
Ferrata Castillo de Locubín (Jaén)
At just a 10 minute walk from Cortijo Vadillo you can find this low difficulty via ferrata without vertical sections or slumped steps but lots of fun and beautiful views.
Its 125 meters of altitude and its two Tibetan bridges add just the right amount of adrenaline and fun that any via ferrata should have. As for the duration, it is a via ferrata of about three hours including the descent.
No previous experience required.
Details
- Location
- Castillo de Locubin, Nacimiento del Rio
- Difficulty
- Low
- Physical Level
- Low
- Duration
- 2–3 hours
- Material needed
- Comfortable sport shoes or similar and confortable clothes
Paragliding and Skiing
The Sierra Sur can also be enjoyed from the air if you fancy a bit of paragliding!
The Sierra Nevada is accessible for day trips in both summer and winter, where you can walk, climb, ski or snowboard.
Horse-riding
If you’re interested in doing some horse riding during your stay, whether in the form of lessons or excursions, we can arrange this with one of the following riding centres.
The centre in Alcalá la Real offers a fantastic opportunity to experience the real Spain on their beautiful Andalucían horses, within the stunning local countryside. Lessons are charged at € 12 an hour per person; excursion prices depend on the numbers in your group and the length of ride.
Sierra Pelada is just a 45 minute drive from us, and is run by English speakers. They offer riding lessons appropriate for riders of different ages and riding abilities, as well as treks ranging from 30 minutes to half-day excursions, moonlight rides, picnic routes and tapas routes.
Prices are from € 25 per hour for 1–2 hour rides; and a minimum of € 60 (subject to numbers) for a half-day ride and picnic. You can see their website here: www.sierrapelada.com