The best traffic-free bike rides around Andújar

The first stop on the old road to the Sanctuary of the Virgin of the Head is where pilgrims rest and have a light lunch before continuing their journey. Here you'll find several watering troughs so the horses can quench their thirst during the approximately 20-kilometer trek from the city of Andújar. A small chapel has also been built where pilgrims can pray to the Virgin.

Cardeña is a town in the north of the province of Córdoba with a population of just over 1,400 inhabitants, at an altitude of 821 meters above sea level. The municipality of this beautiful town includes the small towns of La Venta del Charco and Azuel. The population trend, as in most towns in Spain, has been declining, with a loss of almost 500 inhabitants since 1979. It's worth stopping by its bakeries selling bread and typical local pastries, as well as traditional cured meats, and of course, enjoying a few beers while enjoying its gastronomy.

Cardeña is a small but historically and naturally important municipality in the region. It is located in the northeast of the province of Córdoba and is part of the Parque Natural Sierra de Cardeña y Montoro, a protected natural area. Cardeña is an ideal place for a break by bike, good food and nature worth seeing. Perfect for a bike tour with a culinary break in picturesque surroundings! The region was sparsely populated for a long time and was strategically used as a border area between Christian and Muslim dominions in the Middle Ages. During the reign of Charles III (1759-1788), Spain encouraged the settlement of remote areas. As a result of this colonization policy, several small villages were created in the Sierra Morena, including Cardeña.

Aldea del Cerezo, a small, historic settlement in the Parque Natural Sierra de Cardeña y Montoro, offers excellent conditions for exceptional stargazing. The region is part of the Reserva Starlight Sierra Morena, which is known for its exceptionally clear night skies with little light pollution. This award guarantees optimal conditions for nighttime sky observation. The secluded location of Aldea del Cerezo, far from major cities, minimizes light pollution and allows an unobstructed view of the firmament. The surrounding landscape with its rolling hills and open spaces offers ideal vantage points for astronomy enthusiasts. In the area around Aldea del Cerezo, one can not only explore the impressive architecture and history of the settlement, but also take the opportunity to admire the clear night skies and observe the stars in an incomparable setting.

The hermitage of San Ginés is an important milestone for pilgrim walkers who make the journey from Andújar to the Sanctuary of the Virgen de la Cabeza, along what is known as the old road or bridle path. San Ginés is the place where there is a kind of hill that leaves Andújar behind in the view, to soon resume the views of the Jándula river valley. Walkers usually stop there to rest and regain strength. The hermitage and its surroundings were also rehabilitated a few years ago.

It is a hermitage of the same name and a resting place for pilgrims on the way up to the Sanctuary of the Virgin of the Head. From here a descent begins until the passage through the Jándula River.

This track is in very good condition and runs through a beautiful landscape of pastures and oak forests. In the higher areas, a charming view spreads over the foliage. If you are lucky you will see herds of Iberian pigs in search of acorns.

You must bring hiking poles. The best time to go is from November to April.