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Lets Trek Spain is pleased to present another unique location in the south of spain. It can form a destination in itself, or can be combined with our other locations, to create your perfect holiday
The Rio Genil region offers the visitor a completely different perspective on Spain, both modern and historical.
Those used to the busy coastal resorts will be amazed at the peace and tranquility of this unpoilt area. Towns and villages continue as they have done for centuries, with very little evidence of the developers.
Nestled in these pretty hills, are a vast array of lakes, reservoirs, bird sanctuaries and archeological remains of both Roman and pre-Roman settlement, as well as Arab influences.
Our tour of this region is based in the small town of Badolatosa, situated right on the banks of the Rio Genil, and home to a museum of the same name. It provides an ideal base for touring the area, which provides plenty of choice for easy walks or gentle cycles.
Cordobilla Reservoir
This reservoir is formed by trapping the waters of the rio Genil. It is surrounded by a
vast agricultural area that provides abundant vegetation on its shores, including reed
beds, bulrushes and bamboo cane. The reservoir banks provide refuge to a variety of
aquatic fauna, as well as waterfowl including the swamp hen and two species of heron,
the Royal and the Blue Imperial.
Rio Genil Museum, Badolatosa
The Rio Genil Museum and interpretive centre is the only one in the area dedicated
to this important Andalucian river. Much of the character and history of the
surrounding area was shaped by the importance of the Rio Genil, which has been an
inspiration to many literary figures. In one room you can hear local people tell
anecdotes (Spanish only) where the leading protagonist is the river.
Malpasillo Reservoir
The Malpasillo reservoir is located on the road between Badolatosa and Corcoya. It is
formed from the Rio Genil, and it has steep banked sides of gypsum formed ground. These
provide abundant vegetation including reed beds and bulrushes. It is an excellent
habitat for the Swamp Hen, and amongst the abundant waterfowl you will encounter
include the Chloe Wigeon, Mallard, Colorado and Northern Shoveler Duck. Some
magnificent views of the surrounding landscapes are possible from the viewing points
along the reservoir.
Fuensanta Hermitage
The patron saints of spanish towns are an integral part of local life - and the Rio Genil area is no exception.The hermitage was constructed in the middle of the 17th century and is located near the town of Corcaya. It is the place where the famous bandit Jose Maria El Tempranillo received a pardon in 1832. In the area around the hermitage you will find the caves where, according to legend, Jose Maria El Tempranillo occasionally sheltered. You can walk around this pretty area, down to the Porton stream and its natural caverns.
The Bitter and Sweet Lagoons
This nature reserve is located approximately 5kms from Juaja, on the road between Jauja and Lucena. It consists of 13 Hectares of nature reserve and 250 hectares of protected area. The reserve has great importance because of the immense variety of wild fowl that can be found there, some of which are on the verge of extinction. Here you can find (amongst others) the Little Grebe, Eurasian Wigeon, Swamp Hen and White headed and Colorado Ducks.
Jauja's Arabic Water Mill
In Jauja, you can visit the archeological reamins of the former flourmill known as "Acena" (Water-mill); which comes from the arabic "Al-saniya". Its thick stone alls are built with Ashlar masonary (smooth square or rectangular blocks laid with mortar in horizontal courses) and openings formed by half round arches. Buildings like this show how advanced the culture around Jaula was at the time, and was responsible for driving its economy and importance in the middle ages.
Roman Thermal Baths
This archeological site is located in the centre of Alameda, near the church of the Immaculate Conception. It is a complex thermal building, with rooms destined for different uses: changing rooms, swimming pools, woodsheds, ovens, etc. It was built between the 1st and 3rd centuries AD, during the roman occupation. At the same site, there are silos and small farms, a few having underground excavations with conical forms which was part of a major settlement in the 3rd century BC.
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