Tour 10 – Mirador del Castillón – approx. 24km

This is a nice bike ride that leads into the Sierra Crestelina to a great viewpoint – the same destination as this tour: Hike to Mirador del Castillón

The tour starts at Finca Alamo, and the first part is on a nice asphalt road up to Casares. The trip is a total of about 24km, which is quite suitable for electric bikes. The highest point of the tour is about 700moh

We recommend using good quality bikes, preferably Mountain Bike type.

Route point 1

A detour up to the Observatorio de aves de Casares is suggested on the route. This is a great vantage point for a short break with fantastic views of Casares and Gibraltar. Bikes should be parked before the last bit up to the top. From the top, you can choose to take the same way you came up, or continue the path that comes down on the other side.

The route continues inwards on roads that are partly solid and partly gravel. The road is passable for cars and has very little traffic.

Route point 2

Early on the route you pass Fuente de la Arquita – the Arquita fountain. As part of the 18th century reforms, a drinking water network was built in Casares, where the spring and wells in Puerto de las Viñas were channeled to bring water down two kilometers to the center of Casares. The Arquita fountain belongs to this project. It was built with its own water supply in 1783, during the reign of Charles III. It acts as an intermediate reservoir and overflow channel, allowing the water to stagnate on its final journey before reaching its destination in the beautiful four-peaked neoclassical fountain located in the Plaza de España in Casares.

Route point 3

Puerto de las Viñas Here you come to a crossroads where you must continue straight ahead through the barrier.

Route point 4

Crossroads where you can take a detour to the top of the mountain Pico Las Chapas. It is possible to cycle some way inland, but where the climb to the top starts, the bikes must be parked. The hike to the top (946 m) is steep and demanding.
At the junction there is a sign with a large picture of all the birds of prey you can see in the area. Feel free to take a look.

Route point 5

Refugio Sierra Crestelina

Here it is natural to park your bikes and then walk on to the viewpoint. The Refugio (cabin) is located just below this crossing if you want to see it. Some cycle routes lead down past the Refugio, but this is only recommended for very experienced mountain bikers. It is steep and dangerous.

Route point 6

Mirador del Castillion

Fantastic viewpoint that is the destination for several hiking trails. Great views of the Costa del Sol, Gibraltar and all the way to Africa.