Las Casillas by the Víboras Reservoir – Trails, Festivals and History

Las Casillas combines sporting routes around the Víboras Reservoir with festivals, traditional dishes and impressive traces of the past. Between circuits, guided routes and historical sites, the town offers a multifaceted experience.

Routes and Trails

The Cross Pantano del Víboras is a 14.5-kilometre run starting and finishing in Las Casillas. The route follows a circuit around the Víboras Reservoir. The cross also includes a walking event that follows the same route in the opposite direction.

For bicycles, the 35.45-kilometre Las Casillas–Fuensanta de Martos cycling route runs linearly through the surrounding area; it starts and ends in the centre of Las Casillas and follows the path along the Víboras Reservoir. Along the way, it passes the astronomical viewpoint at the Víboras Reservoir. The 40.47-kilometre Martos–Las Casillas–Umbrías Caracolera–Pantano del Víboras cycling route, by contrast, is designed as a circuit. The different route formats and lengths can be compared when planning your own day.

The Las Casillas–Martos stage of the Sierra Sur de Jaén long-distance trail begins in Las Casillas. After an ascent of around 500 metres, it offers a higher vantage point over the Víboras Reservoir; approximately 2.3 kilometres after the start, it reaches the Castillo de Víboras. Another option is the IV Ruta Ancestral in Las Casillas, a guided route through the Sierra Caracolera.

Views and Orientation

The Mirador de Las Casillas has two picnic tables, waste bins, a recycling bin and bicycle parking. The area is signposted to the Víboras Reservoir and also has a footpath sign and two environmental information panels.

More town pages: Pozo Alcón, Lopera, Escañuela, Miller, Bailén, Ribera Alta, Andújar, Huelma.

History and Discoveries

The Castillo de la Encomienda de Víboras is located in Las Casillas, next to the Sierra Caracolera, on a rocky promontory above the Víboras River valley. In the Middle Ages, the castle played an important defensive role. After the Christian conquest of the area in the 13th century, it belonged to the Order of Calatrava.

The remains of walls, a keep and a cistern for water storage have survived. One activity held in Las Casillas led to the remains of the Ibero-Roman settlement of Bora, while another led to a mill dating from the late Middle Ages.

Festivals and Local Cuisine

The Fiesta del Remate in Las Casillas commemorates the end of the olive harvest. At this festival, participants can taste Hoyo aceitunero. The horse-and-flamenco event in Las Casillas was held for its third edition and includes equestrian performances, dressage, flamenco and ring jousting.

At the Fiesta de la Candelaria, typical products such as chorizo, panceta and morcilla, as well as traditional Rosquillas de San Blas, are distributed. The Fiestas of the Sagrada Familia in Las Casillas included a festival parade, a procession, a brotherhood meal and religious services. The Romería de Las Casillas is held in honour of the Virgen de Fátima.

The activity “El tren del aceite entre las Casillas y Venta de Pantalones” is free and recommended for all age groups.

To the main travel overview: Jaen.