Bayárcal: Hiking, Water and History

Hiking

The Ruta E begins in Bayárcal: Bayárcal-Lagunilla Seca and heads towards Puerto de la Ragua.

From El Vivoral, Ruta E follows a forest track through the Encinar de Bayárcal; it also passes through reforested pine forests.

Bayárcal has two access points to the Sendero Sulayr, one for vehicles and one on foot. The Encinar de Bayárcal is considered one of the best-preserved holm oak stands in the Sierra.

The Sendero Sulayr GR-240 crosses landscapes in the mid-mountain region such as the Río Anchuelo and the Barranco del Río Paterna. The GR-7 climbs via the Arroyo Palancón to Puerto de la Ragua.

On the AL-5402 road leading up to Puerto de la Ragua, 8.3 kilometres from Bayárcal, there is a junction with the route of the Sendero Sulayr.

The 4.3-kilometre SL-A 148 Río Molinos is included in the Diputación de Almería's list of autumn hiking trails; the Diputación de Almería lists the trail in Bayárcal.

More local pages: Taberno, Abrucena, Berja, Macael, Olula Del Río, Mojácar, Roquetas De Mar and El Contador.

Nature

The nearby Río Bayárcal is formed by numerous gorges and streams, including Helechales and Hielo.

The Fuente Jiménez in Bayárcal's medieval Barrio Bajo is a group of springs that flow through underground galleries. The Lavadero de Fuente Jiménez lies beneath the old bridge of the Camino Real and has been converted into a rest area.

Culture and History

Bayárcal has a 16th-century church. The Church of Bayárcal has a Mudéjar tower with elaborate tiles. Inside, there is a painting attributed to Alonso Cano.

The Piedra del Tajo Matías is an archaeological site from the later prehistoric period within the municipality of Bayárcal.

The thousand-year-old Castle of Yniza is located in an area of nature and history. In the Muslim Middle Ages, it was one of the most important fortifications controlling all traffic through Puerto de la Ragua.

The Ermita de Ánimas is a rural-style religious building made of stone and dedicated to the Ánimas Benditas in Bayárcal. It houses an altar dedicated to the Ánimas Benditas.

Traditions

In Bayárcal, the Moros y Cristianos festival is celebrated in December. The celebration is divided into two acts, organised on the weekend closest to the festival date. Historical references dating from 1894 are documented for the Moros y Cristianos tradition in Bayárcal.

Be Natural Sport offers craft workshops for reviving traditions using esparto grass and wood. Be Natural Sport also offers visits and activities at an organically farmed orchard in the municipality of Bayárcal.

To the overarching travel overview: Almeria.