Pilas de Fuente Soto: Paths through Olive Groves

Nature

The scattered rural settlement pattern of this area is concentrated predominantly in Pilas de Fuente Soto. In the rural area of the municipality of Alcalá la Real where Pilas de Fuente Soto is located, agriculture focuses on olive cultivation.

Stage 6 of the GR 128 runs from Peñas de Majalcorón to Pilas de Fuente Soto, passing through olive groves and the highest-lying area of the municipality, as well as La Hortichuela and Las Pilillas. For the most part, it coincides with the international GR 7 E4 hiking trail, the European route from Gibraltar to the Balkans. Some sections run along paved tracks that are also used by motorized traffic.

The section of the GR 7 from Alcalá la Real to Pilas de Fuente Soto is designated as a 13 km stage. The GR 7, European Route E4, crosses the provincial boundary between Córdoba and Jaén at Pilas de Fuente Soto. For cyclists, the Senda Ciclable de las Aldeas of the GR 128 is a circular route of more than 92 km through the geography, landscapes, and settlements of the municipality of Alcalá la Real.

The combination of olive groves, the highest-lying part of the municipality, and the settlements mentioned above gives this stage a clearly structured sequence of landscapes. Accommodation in Pilas de Fuente Soto can be researched as a starting point for a trip in this rural setting, without mixing up the different routes and their respective details.

Culture

Stage 7 of the GR 128 from Pilas de Fuente Soto to Fuente Álamo passes through the Cortijo de la Torre. There, the cortijo incorporates a Muslim watchtower standing at an elevation of 670 metres and commanding part of the course of the Arroyo Saladillo and the depression towards La Rábita.

Particular attention is required for navigation on this stage; GPS or navigation systems can be helpful. The route follows an old drove road, some sections of which have disappeared, and passes over Puente Suárez. South of the watchtower, the route reaches a necropolis dating from the Roman period. A route also reaches the ruins of the Baño de los Ardales south of the watchtower.

Discover more destinations at Virgen De La Cabeza, Tíscar, La Guardia de Jaén, La Puerta De Segura, Santiago De Calatrava, La Hueta, Beas De Segura and Campillo De Arenas.

Cuisine

At the Florencio Aguilera Oleoteca, guided tours are offered during which the production of AOVE is explained. A tasting can be requested to learn about and distinguish the nuances of different oils. The Florencio Aguilera almazara offers tours of its facilities. As a family-run olive mill, it produces early-harvest Picual oil.

For the higher-level travel overview: Jaen.