The best traffic-free bike rides in Andalusia

Vélez-Blanco Castle, located in the municipality of the same name in the province of Almería (Andalusia), is a jewel of the Spanish Renaissance that combines military and palatial elements. Construction began in 1506 by Pedro Fajardo y Chacón, the first Marquis of Vélez, on the remains of an ancient Islamic citadel.

Cardeña is a town in the north of the province of Córdoba with a population of just over 1,400 inhabitants, at an altitude of 821 meters above sea level. The municipality of this beautiful town includes the small towns of La Venta del Charco and Azuel. The population trend, as in most towns in Spain, has been declining, with a loss of almost 500 inhabitants since 1979. It's worth stopping by its bakeries selling bread and typical local pastries, as well as traditional cured meats, and of course, enjoying a few beers while enjoying its gastronomy.

The Caños de Caravaca Fountain is located on San Francisco Street in the town centre of Vélez-Blanco. This fountain stands out for its unique decoration, with tiles in striking orange and green colours, which include motifs from Don Quixote and the Vélez-Blanco coat of arms. The fountain is supplied by springs from the Barranco de las Fuentes and its flow is low but constant. In addition to its architectural value, the fountain is used for irrigation and is a point of tourist and recreational interest in the town.

From Cantarerías Street in Vélez-Blanco, you can enjoy spectacular views of the Vélez-Blanco Castle. This street offers a unique perspective of the castle, allowing you to appreciate its imposing structure and strategic location on top of the hill. Built in the 16th century, Vélez-Blanco Castle is one of the most outstanding monuments in the region. Its Renaissance architecture and fascinating history make it a must-see for visitors.

Cardeña is a small but historically and naturally important municipality in the region. It is located in the northeast of the province of Córdoba and is part of the Parque Natural Sierra de Cardeña y Montoro, a protected natural area. Cardeña is an ideal place for a break by bike, good food and nature worth seeing. Perfect for a bike tour with a culinary break in picturesque surroundings! The region was sparsely populated for a long time and was strategically used as a border area between Christian and Muslim dominions in the Middle Ages. During the reign of Charles III (1759-1788), Spain encouraged the settlement of remote areas. As a result of this colonization policy, several small villages were created in the Sierra Morena, including Cardeña.

Aldea del Cerezo, a small, historic settlement in the Parque Natural Sierra de Cardeña y Montoro, offers excellent conditions for exceptional stargazing. The region is part of the Reserva Starlight Sierra Morena, which is known for its exceptionally clear night skies with little light pollution. This award guarantees optimal conditions for nighttime sky observation. The secluded location of Aldea del Cerezo, far from major cities, minimizes light pollution and allows an unobstructed view of the firmament. The surrounding landscape with its rolling hills and open spaces offers ideal vantage points for astronomy enthusiasts. In the area around Aldea del Cerezo, one can not only explore the impressive architecture and history of the settlement, but also take the opportunity to admire the clear night skies and observe the stars in an incomparable setting.

Since the castle is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, we were unfortunately unable to visit it

The fountain spouts fresh, crystal-clear drinking water of the highest quality. Its construction was commissioned by the first Marquis of Los Vélez at the beginning of the 16th century. With four spouts, it has a very unique, rich ornamentation based on tiles in striking orange and green tones, made in 1944. It depicts three scenes, two from Goya's "La Vendimia" and one from Don Quixote. Next to it you can also see the coat of arms of Vélez Blanco.