Vilches between history, water and trails

Vilches can be explored through its trails, water and history. The Ruta de las Fuentes y Cuevas “El Mortero” is a 5.30 km circular route with a walking time of about one hour and can be completed year-round on foot, by bicycle or on horseback. It passes springs, caves and an aqueduct that transported spring water to Vilches.

When looking for a holiday apartment in Vilches, you can compare travel dates, room categories and cancellation policies based on the details provided for each offer.

Nature and trails

“Los miradores de Vilches” is a guided tourism and cultural route based around the viewpoints in the upper part of the town. The Vía Verde “Miraelrío” is a 4 km out-and-back route for walking and cycling tourism, which is particularly appealing to people with reduced mobility.

A circular walk of about 4 km through Vilches led to viewpoints and provided an opportunity to discover the municipality’s architectural, natural and cultural heritage. The different route lengths, walking times and modes of transport offer clear points of comparison for planning a day trip.

Water and landscape

Canoeing is recommended at the Giribaile Reservoir. The reservoirs associated with Vilches that are designated for individual fishing include La Fernandina, Guadalén and Giribaile; species found there include carp, pike and black bass.

The Giribaile archaeological site lies at the confluence of the Guadalimar and Guadalén rivers and covers 18 hectares. At the Giribaile archaeological site, visitors can see a prehistoric sanctuary, an Iberian settlement, an Early Christian or Visigothic monastery or hermitage, and an Almohad castle.

History and culture

The Castillo de Vilches preserves sections of a rubble-stone wall, round towers and a gate tower. On its hill, there is evidence of continuous settlement from prehistoric times to the present day.

The Iglesia de San Miguel Arcángel was built between the last third of the 16th century and the second half of the 18th century and has an unusually rectangular tower and a single-nave interior with a barrel vault. Some of the “trophies” preserved there are considered to have originally come from the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa.

The Fiestas Medievales “Vilches Guardián de los Trofeos” are held annually and include craft stalls, guided tours, theatre, processions, medieval tapas and other activities. The Campanilleros of Vilches are a Christmas tradition of singing in the streets: during the Christmas season, they walk through the streets with traditional song lyrics and instruments.

Culinary experiences

In Vilches, a gastronomic experience with premium extra virgin olive oil can be booked at the Casa Marchena restaurant and hotel.

Other linked destinations include Segura De La Sierra, Chilluévar, Arbuniel, Jimena, Torreperogil, Noalejo, Navas de San Juan and Torres De Albánchez.

Recreation

The La Zarzuela recreation area lies 2.5 km north of Vilches, covers more than 20 hectares of municipal land and has a spring. It offers hiking trails, picnic and barbecue facilities, toilets, a rest area and a first-aid station.

For the overview of higher-level travel destinations: Jaen.