Sorbas: Holiday Apartment between Karst and Ceramics

The Karst en Yesos de Sorbas karst area comprises narrow underground galleries and interconnected caves. They contain gypsum formations such as stalactites, stalagmites and corals.

Other places

Other places: Vélez-Blanco, Beires, Cóbdar, Costacabana, Agua Amarga, Marchena, La Envía, Aguadulce

Nature

The Karst en Yesos de Sorbas natural area is located in the municipality of Sorbas and covers 2,317.78 hectares. The springs of the Molinos del Río Aguas create a wetland of great ecological importance in the dry surroundings. Underground cave spaces and the wetland offer contrasting natural highlights for planning your day.

Routes and Sightseeing

A cycling tour begins in the town of Sorbas, passes through several of its districts and crosses part of the karst area before returning to the town centre. At Cuevas de Sorbas, there are four routes for individual visitors and groups, as well as a route specifically designed for schools.

The Cuevas de Sorbas facilities are located around two kilometres from Sorbas and about 200 metres from the caves visited on most routes. The Los Yesares visitor centre has three interpretation rooms covering the above-ground, underground and fluvial environments of the karst area, as well as a documentary film.

The starting point of the Los Yesares trail can be reached via the A-7, the La Herrería exit and then an uphill service track near the ruined settlement of Marchalico-Viñicas. A short route through Sorbas passes through the historic centre; another route includes viewpoints overlooking the ravines. The information on starting points, routes and route formats provides concrete guidance for planning your day.

Culture and Craftsmanship

The Iglesia Parroquial de Santa María in Sorbas is listed in the Catálogo General del Patrimonio Histórico Andaluz as a Bien de Interés Cultural (BIC) in the Monument category. The Iglesia de Santa María was built in the 16th century on the site of a former mosque.

In Sorbas's pottery quarter, visitors can watch potters working with clay. The Día de las Ollas is a traditional celebration in Sorbas and forms part of the municipality's cultural heritage.

The tradition of the Día de las Ollas was held on Ash Wednesday after mass and the burial of the Sardine; it included a festive announcement, the distribution of pieces of sardine and the breaking of ceramic pots at midnight.

Alfarería Juan Simón is a family-run craft workshop in Sorbas dedicated to preserving the traditional production of clay pottery. The workshop is recognised by the Junta de Andalucía as a Punto de Interés Artesanal. Alfarería Juan Simón offers guided tours and hands-on workshops, during which visitors can shape, dry and decorate clay and fire it in the kiln.

For the main travel overview: Almeria.