Pilas de Fuente Soto is the endpoint of the sixth GR-128 stage and the starting point of the seventh: one leads from Peñas de Majalcorón to the village, the other from there towards Fuente Álamo. The two stages differ in their landscapes and navigation. The area’s rural olive cultivation and opportunities to learn about olive oil production also shape its local character.
Hiking: two different GR-128 stages
Stage 6 runs from Peñas de Majalcorón to Pilas de Fuente Soto and passes through the highest part of the municipality. The route goes via La Hortichuela and Las Pilillas to Pilas, passing through olive groves along the way. For most of its length, it follows the international GR 7 E4 hiking trail, the European route from Gibraltar to the Balkans. Some sections use paved roads that are also open to motorized traffic. Check the route conditions before setting out.
Stage 7 runs from Pilas de Fuente Soto to Fuente Álamo, following an old livestock track, some sections of which have disappeared. Careful navigation is required; GPS or navigation systems may be helpful. The stage passes through Cortijo de la Torre and over Puente Suárez. Here too, check the route conditions before setting out.
The GR 7 section from Alcalá la Real to Pilas de Fuente Soto is listed as 13 km. Near Pilas, the GR 7, also known as European Route E4, crosses the provincial boundary between Córdoba and Jaén. The 13 km refers to this GR 7 section; stages 6 and 7 belong to the GR 128.
Rural character and olive cultivation
The scattered rural settlement is concentrated mainly in Pilas de Fuente Soto. In the rural area of the municipality of Alcalá la Real where the village is located, agriculture focuses on olive cultivation. Pilas can therefore be understood both in terms of its role in the settlement pattern and the municipality’s agricultural character.
Cortijo de la Torre and traces of the past
A Muslim watchtower is incorporated into Cortijo de la Torre. It stands at an elevation of 670 metres and overlooks part of the Arroyo Saladillo’s course, as well as the depression towards La Rábita. South of the watchtower, the route reaches a necropolis from the Roman period and the ruins of Baño de los Ardales. Together, the watchtower, the lay of the land and the archaeological remains provide several specific points of interest along this route section for visitors interested in cultural history.
Discover olive oil
Guided tours at Oleoteca Florencio Aguilera explain how AOVE, extra virgin olive oil, is produced. You can request a tasting, which offers a chance to learn about and distinguish the nuances of different oils. Contact the venue in advance to arrange a visit.
Almazara Florencio Aguilera also offers tours of its facilities. The family-run olive mill produces early-harvest Picual oil. Arrange your visit with the producer in advance as well.
A cycling route through the municipality
The GR 128 Senda Ciclable de las Aldeas is a circular route of more than 92 km through the geography, landscapes and settlements of the municipality of Alcalá la Real. Unlike the two GR-128 stages that begin or end at Pilas, this cycling route is defined by the municipal area. This means that the specific stages with Pilas as their endpoint or starting point and a longer circular route through the municipality offer two distinct ways to explore the area.
Discover more destinations: El Parralejo, Arjona, Jaén, Ribera Baja, Campillo De Arenas, Bailén, Cuevas De Ambrosio, Alcaudete.
Go to the main travel overview: Jaen.
