Vites between lavender, olive groves and Zumeta

Vites combines high-altitude olive groves with holm oaks and pine trees. A traditional lavender distillery is still operating here today. The village is known for the artisanal production of aguardiente, orujo, mistela and homemade wine according to traditional recipes. Aguardiente from Vites is used to produce artisanal liqueurs such as pacharán and mistela. In the wider surroundings of Vites, large, sweet white grapes are cultivated and used to distil a strong aguardiente.

Landscape

Orchards surround Vites. Vites is one of the small villages along the valley into which the Zumeta River opens after passing through a rugged canyon. Those wishing to weigh up different travel themes can consider nature, regional products and traditional craftsmanship as separate focuses.

Culture and craftsmanship

A public washhouse stands in the quiet part of Vites. The remains of an old olive mill have been preserved in the streets of Vites. Vites has a place of devotion to the Virgen Milagrosa: a small statue of the Virgin Mary stands in a brick niche with a pitched roof. Vites is also one of the villages in Santiago-Pontones with traditional festivals. These themes can be considered side by side as different cultural focuses when planning a trip.

For a holiday apartment in Vites, you can check travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions on the respective listing page. For your own planning, this practical information can stand alongside the village’s different highlights: lavender, olive groves, artisanal beverages, orchards and the landscape along the Zumeta.

Nature

The Zumeta viewpoint is home to griffon vultures, golden eagles and peregrine falcons, among other species. In the wider regional surroundings of Vites, the Zumeta River, also called the Río Chico, forms the boundary between the two regions; willows, elms and poplars grow along its banks, among other trees. Also in the wider regional surroundings, the Zumeta viewpoint offers views of the Poyos de Mesa plateau and the first foothills of Castilla-La Mancha, particularly in the province of Albacete. In the wider regional surroundings, the Zumeta viewpoint, also known as Salto de la Novia, is located on the road leading north from Santiago de la Espada.

Other places

Other places at this regional level include Mancha Real, Jimena, Segura De La Sierra, Hornos, Puente De Génave, Marmolejo, Porcuna and Pozo Alcón.

Routes and surroundings

For your planning, you can distinguish between a specific turn-off, a directional indication and a broader landscape reference. The road from Santiago de la Espada to Juntas de Miller reaches Vites via a two-kilometre-long turn-off to the left. At the end of Vites, a road leads uphill to the left towards Prado Moro. In the wider surroundings of Vites, a centuries-old holm oak stands near Prado Moro. From Vites, the route continues towards Cortijo del Torcal.

To the higher-level travel overview: Jaen.