The best road cycling routes around Zufre

There are good shoulders

Santa Olalla del Cala Castle is an impressive fortress located in the town of Santa Olalla del Cala, in the province of Huelva, Andalusia. This castle, of Muslim origin, was built in the 13th century and later renovated by the Christians after the Reconquista. The castle is located in a strategic position, on top of a hill, which allowed it to control the passage between Seville and the Sierra de Aracena. Its structure includes robust walls, defensive towers and a parade ground. The keep is one of the most outstanding elements of the castle, offering panoramic views of the surroundings. Today, Santa Olalla del Cala Castle is an important tourist attraction and a symbol of the historical heritage of the region. Guided tours are available that allow visitors to explore its corners and learn more about its history and architecture.

This monastery was founded in 1301 by Guzmán El Bueno, who played a heroic role in the conquest of Tarifa (1294). From the 19th century onwards it was successively a women's prison, a brewery and a tobacco factory. In 1872 the buildings were declared a national heritage, after which they were restored for many years before being opened to the public. The fortified complex includes a double Gothic church with influences from the Languedoc and the Almohad Mudejar style. In the 15th century the monastery was inhabited by monks of the Hieronymite order. The Patio de los Evangelistas is decorated with murals depicting saints and geometric or floral motifs in pure Mudejar style. In one of the chapels there is a beautiful 17th-century altarpiece by Juan Martínez Montañés.

The name of Los Marines has a curious history: during a visit by King Felipe II to the municipality, an inhabitant asked him why, being so powerful, he did not bring the sea to the town. The king's response was: "I will not bring the sea, but you will be sailors." Since then, all the young people of the town performed their military service in Marina Huelva. This picturesque municipality, surrounded by nature and beauty, is an ideal place to explore during a getaway to the Sierra de Huelva. Don't hesitate to visit Los Marines and enjoy its charm.

The impressive castle of Santa Olalla del Cala sits on a hill 540 meters above sea level. It was built in the 13th century with the purpose of acting as a defense against Portuguese attacks, which is why the Banda Gallega is included within the set of fortresses. It has ten towers that give it an extraordinary appearance. It can be visited on weekends from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The Cañaveral de León lagoon is a pool that collects groundwater from the Fuente Redonda spring and serves to irrigate the crops in the area. For a few years it has also been conditioned to be the municipal swimming pool of this town. In summer a treatment plant is started up to offer a pleasant bath on the hottest days.

A little away from the urban center of Hinojales and in the middle of the olive grove is the small hermitage of Nuestra Señora de Tórtola. Although the original building is much older, the one that can be seen today is from the 18th century. The interior houses an early Christian tombstone from the year 568 AD. C., in addition to the sculpture of the virgin from which the hermitage takes its name. It was declared an asset of cultural interest by the Junta de Andalucía.

The Cañaveral de León lagoon is the most valuable jewel of the Sierra de Aracena. It is a pool formed by the accumulation of natural water that is channeled from the spring of the round fountain.