Free walking tours in Pontones and what to see

Must-sees

Pontones is one of the two main villages of the municipality of Santiago-Pontones, in the heart of the Sierra de Segura and within the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Natural Park. The village is split between Pontón Alto and Pontón Bajo, with narrow streets and stone houses, and keeps the church of Nuestra Señora del Rosario, a simple single-nave building. It is a land of livestock farming and woodworkers who still make furniture by hand.

Very close, in the hamlet of Fuente Segura, is the source of the river Segura: a crystal-clear pool at about 1,400 metres, fed by water filtering down from the Campos de Hernán Perea plateau, with a picnic area beside it. Next to it is the Cueva del Nacimiento, with traces of prehistoric occupation. The municipality also has rock shelters with art included in the World Heritage listing for the rock art of the Mediterranean Basin.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no free walking tours or regular guided visits in Pontones. Most people explore the area on their own: the circular route to the source of the Segura is easy and shares a stretch with the GR-7. If you prefer company, the Sierra de Segura has nature guides who run hikes and wildlife-watching outings, and the tourist office in Santiago de la Espada can advise you.

How long to spend

Half a day is enough for the village and the source of the Segura, including the circular route of about ten kilometres. If you love the mountains, it is worth staying two or three days to climb to the Campos de Hernán Perea, visit Santiago de la Espada and do a longer route in the hills. The roads are slow mountain roads, so plan your timings carefully, and in winter there can be snow and ice.

Where to stay

Pontones and nearby hamlets such as Fuente Segura have rural houses and small mountain lodgings, perfect for waking up by the river and walking out without a car. Choice is small and fills early in summer and on long weekends. Santiago de la Espada, about twenty kilometres away, has a few more services, and for more variety the Siles or Segura de la Sierra area is another alternative.