A 14.5-kilometre circular route around the Víboras Reservoir, the Las Casillas–Martos section of the Sierra Sur de Jaén long-distance trail, and the Castillo de la Encomienda de Víboras give Las Casillas several concrete starting points for a stay. There are also cycling routes and festivals. If you want to combine hiking, cycling and culture in one trip, the different route types and event dates can be especially helpful when planning.
Hiking around the Víboras Reservoir
The format of the 2026 edition of the Cross Pantano del Víboras called for a 14.5-kilometre run that started and finished in Las Casillas and followed a circular route around the Víboras Reservoir. The same event also included a walking event on the same route, but in the opposite direction. The run and the walking event therefore share the course but differ in activity and direction. Details may vary in future editions.
The Sierra Sur de Jaén long-distance trail’s Las Casillas–Martos section follows a different kind of route. It starts in Las Casillas. After an ascent of about 500 metres, the route offers a view of the Víboras Reservoir from higher ground; about 2.3 kilometres after the start, it reaches the Castillo de Víboras. A circular route around the reservoir and a section with a named intermediate destination thus differ in their course.
Cycling routes with different courses
The 35.45-kilometre Las Casillas–Fuensanta de Martos cycling route is linear and starts and ends in the centre of Las Casillas. It follows the path along the Víboras Reservoir and passes the astronomical viewpoint by the reservoir. Check route conditions before setting out.
By contrast, the 40.47-kilometre Martos–Las Casillas–Umbrías Caracolera–Pantano del Víboras cycling route is a circular route. You can compare the routes by their format and length: the first is linear, while the second is circular. Both route descriptions provide specific guidance for planning, but do not indicate a journey time.
The Castillo de la Encomienda de Víboras
The Castillo de la Encomienda de Víboras is located in Las Casillas beside the Sierra Caracolera, on a rocky outcrop above the Víboras River valley. The castle played an important defensive role in the Middle Ages. After the Christian conquest of the area in the 13th century, it belonged to the Order of Calatrava. The surviving structures include sections of wall, a keep and a cistern for storing water. Its historical role and tangible architectural remains come together at this clearly identified site.
Mirador de Las Casillas
The Mirador de Las Casillas is another specific point of reference for planning. As of June 2024, the facilities in the area included two picnic tables, waste bins, a recycling bin and bicycle parking. The signs at the time included a sign for vehicles heading towards the Víboras Reservoir, a pedestrian-path sign and two environmental information panels. If you want to plan around these facilities, check their current status before your visit.
Festivals, food and guided experiences
The Fiesta del Remate marks the end of the olive harvest. At the edition described in March 2026, participants could try Hoyo aceitunero; the programme may vary in future editions. At the 2025 Fiesta de la Candelaria, typical products such as chorizo, panceta and morcilla, as well as traditional Rosquillas de San Blas, were handed out. These examples show the festivals’ different culinary connections, but do not mean that the same programme can be expected at future events.
The IV Ruta Ancestral is also a guided experience: a description from February 2025 identifies the fourth edition as a route through the Sierra Caracolera. The third edition of the horse-and-flamenco event included equestrian displays, dressage, flamenco and ring tilting; a report dated 21 July 2026 describes that edition. If you are planning your trip around a festival or guided activity, check the latest dates and programmes.
Discover more destinations: Villacarrillo, Torres, Virgen De La Cabeza, Andújar, Guarromán, Ventas del Carrizal, Hinojares, Cabra Del Santo Cristo
For the broader travel overview: Jaen.
