Pozo Alcón: Nature, Water and History

The Embalse de la Bolera lies within the municipality of Pozo Alcón, at the foot of the Sierra del Pozo, surrounded by mountains and forest. The municipality thus connects the lake at the foot of the sierra with the paths along its streams and slopes.

Nature and Landscape

At 2,028 metres, Pico Cabañas is the highest peak in the Sierra del Pozo. From its summit, it offers expansive views encompassing the mountain range and its wider surroundings.

The Pinos Milenarios comprise at least seven trees. They are up to 1,041 years old and are among the oldest trees in Europe.

The Arroyo Guazalamanco corridor features small waterfalls, pools and quiet stretches of water. A diverse birdlife can be seen along its banks.

The Bosque Encantado de Higueras offers a circular route along the Guadalentín. It includes wooden walkways, springs, small bathing pools and cascades.

Water and Trails

The route to the Cascada de Guazalamanco follows the Arroyo de Guazalamanco for approximately 1 km and takes around 30 minutes with children. The length and duration provide a clearly defined sense of the route’s spatial and temporal scale.

The Coto Intensivo de Pesca de Peralta extends for approximately 8 km. It is considered the longest fishing area of its kind in Andalusia; its size is therefore one of its defining features.

The Cerrada de la Alcantarilla is used by canyoning enthusiasts. It is considered the third most important canyon descent in Andalusia.

At the Embalse de la Bolera, kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding and pedal boating are water-based sports.

For further travel planning, you can also find the direct destinations Ribera Alta, Chilluévar, Puente De Génave, La Hueta, Hinojares, Lopera, Martos and Navas de San Juan.

Culture and Local History

The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación was built in the mid-1960s over an older temple whose origins date back to the 17th century. Its tower is decorated with geometric designs and has a square floor plan. The present-day building thus reflects both the town’s more recent architectural history and its older origins.

In 1901, a large mechanical clock was installed in a small turret in Pozo Alcón. Its chimes can be heard in the fields near the town and thus reach beyond the immediate town centre.

The Fuente Taza is considered the most important spring in Pozo Alcón. For many years, it was a historic meeting place for local residents.

The Belén Viviente is considered a live nativity play performed annually in the natural setting of the Rambla del Fontanar.

A municipal route through Fontanar passes traditional cave houses, springs, kitchen gardens and typical threshing floors. The sequence of these features connects the route with different traces of everyday local life.

Culinary Traditions

Hachapecho is also known as Farinera. This traditional dish from Pozo Alcón consists of olive oil, salt and strips of cod.

For the Romería de San Gregorio, the residents of Pozo Alcón traditionally prepare migas with torreznos, chorizo, olives and fruit.

For the wider travel overview: Jaen.