Free walking tours in Pozo Alcón and what to see

Must-sees

Pozo Alcón is in south-east Jaén province, among olive and almond groves, at the foot of the Sierra del Pozo. The village grew around an old farmhouse, and in its upper part keeps streets of traditional architecture around the church of La Encarnación, built in the 20th century on an earlier church. Part of its municipality lies within the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Nature Park, and the landscape changes a great deal from one area to another.

The main attractions are outside the village. The La Bolera reservoir, on the Guadalentín river, is the favourite spot for swimming and water sports, and beside it is the Cerrada de la Bolera, a narrow rock gorge. To the south open the badlands of the Guadiana Menor, eroded land with an almost desert look. In the mountains, the El Hornico botanical garden and the Peña de Quesada viewpoint are highly recommended stops.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no free walking tours in Pozo Alcón. The best-known activity is canyoning at La Bolera, a guided descent of the gorge with equipment, suitable for those after some adventure. Hiking in the Sierra del Pozo is mostly done independently, with routes starting from El Hornico.

How long to spend

The village takes an hour or two. For the reservoir, the Cerrada de la Bolera and a viewpoint or two you need a full day. With two days you can add canyoning and a hike in the Sierra del Pozo, or a drive through the badlands. Bear in mind that mountain roads are slow.

Where to stay

The most practical option is to stay in Pozo Alcón itself, where there are rural houses and apartments with services nearby. If you're after nature, around the La Bolera reservoir and in the mountains there's more isolated rural accommodation, ideal for resting. With little available, Cazorla or Quesada are good alternatives for combining with the rest of the nature park.