Sierra de Gádor route

This simple but intense circular route allows you to walk and discover a very interesting part of the Sierra de Gádor. Rolling mostly through the municipality of Felix, it will lead you along exciting mountain tracks while offering spectacular 360º panoramic views, from the peaks of the Sierra Nevada and the spellbinding sea of plastic of Almeria, to the Mediterranean. On clear days you can even see the African coast. A balcony with continuous views, which become almost infinite as you discover the secrets of these lands. A gratifying off-road road to enjoy the pleasure of riding a motorbike at any time of year.

You set out from the village of Felix, specifically from the church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación (stop 1), before stopping almost immediately at the La Capitana vantage point (stop 2). Rising above the bay of Almería, it offers splendid views of Aguadulce and the coast. You then continue northwards along a good, winding but adequately wide track that ascends to the Balsa de la Chanata (stop 3). It is a mountain lagoon, frozen in winter, which is a crossroads and meeting point for hikers passing through the area. Another, more patient and ‘slower’ way to deepen your knowledge of this land. You then continue up the northern slop of the sierra until you have passed an altitude of 1,700 metres, with impressive views of the summits of the Sierra Nevada and of the Dalías countryside. A unique postcard born of the most important intensive agriculture under plastic on the planet, which today is the undoubted economic engine of the Poniente Almeriense. The tracks are in good condition, broad and straight, although in the final stretch the slope is steep and there are loose stones on the road.

The route leads you into the heart of the mountain massif, a series of flatlands and small lakes that shelter the most southerly glacial remnants in the Iberian Peninsula. Throughout the itinerary you will see traces of old mines, mainly lead and silver mines, which were abandoned in the latter half of the 20th century. The track runs through areas of great ecological value; take extreme care. It is our duty to preserve them.

Begin your descent and return to your starting point, moving along the southern slope. You will have to ride carefully at this point, since there are slopes with potholes and a lot of stones. It is worth making a stop, breathing in the mountain air and enjoying a panoramic view of the Mediterranean Sea. Close to the end of the route, the track narrows and becomes very winding. Slow down and exercise caution. After ascending the last few kilometres, you will reach the starting point, the village of Felix and its castle (stop 4), where this toue ends.

It's time to recharge your batteries by sampling the mountain cuisine of the Poniente Almeriense. Felix has a rich traditional culinary culture featuring great flavours, with dishes in which cereals and flours have a prominent role, hearty dishes, effective in combating the cold, such as trigo pelao (wheat stew), talvinas (oatmeal), gurullos (pasta) and noodles. But there are others that are less robust, but always based on local produce, such as asparagus chard, rabbit with garlic, gachas colorás (a paprika-flavoured porridge), Felix paprika and cold garlic and almond soup. In terms of confectionery, they offer their breads, with must or oil, the traditional borrachillos (fried dough with sugar) and homemade cakes.

The Church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación in the village of Felix, also known as the fortress church, can be recognisable thanks to its distinctive two-tower structure. While the first of these is a truncated pyramid in shape, the second, or bell section, is a recent addition that has erased the tower’s military vestiges. Located in the Plaza de la Libertad, it was built in the 16th century in the Mudejar style, although it has since undergone various alterations.