Discover the landscapes and flavours of the strawberry tree in Sierra Madrona

Guided ecotouring route with gastronomic tastings

The Alcudia Valley and Sierra Madrona Natural Park is characterised by its vast expanse of unspoilt nature in the SE of the province.

Holm oak groves, pastures where livestock have been using the resources of the dehesas for centuries. Its attractions are the beautiful and unknown holm oak forests, accompanied by strawberry trees, heather,… form a sea where the views are lost.

It is also worth highlighting the heritage values such as archaeological sites, cave paintings and transhumance. Archaeological heritage and its history. In terms of cultural heritage, the ethnographic and human values of the territory offer a quality of life.

The strawberry tree in autumn, red fruits of exquisite taste. Sierra Madrona is home to a multitude of natural values of incalculable value, not only the fauna that inhabits it is interesting, under its arboreal mantle are hidden countless botanical curiosities. In this case we are going to focus on a very particular inhabitant of this natural environment, the strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo). The experience is offered as a ecotouring route to enjoy the services offered by local tourist companies, and, thus taste the rich gastronomy of Sierra Madrona. ÁGata Verde develops this ecotourism experience which consists of a guided tour to discover Sierra Madrona, the best preserved forests of Sierra Morena. The guided tour includes a photographic safari to observe its fauna and interpret the landscapes, forests, rock art and night sky of Sierra Madrona.

The company ÁGata Verde collaborates with other entrepreneurs and establishments in the ZEC-ZEPA Sierra Morena and the Alcudia Valley and Sierra Madrona Natural Park. The experience is developed with an ecotouring route that serves as an argument to group the activities that tourists will enjoy (workshops and visits to shops and establishments in the surrounding area). The activities are dynamic and entertaining, suitable for all audiences.

Target group: aimed at nature lovers, groups and families who want to get to know the essence of Sierra Madrona.

1. 3-day activity package (2 nights – Weekend)

DAY 1 FRIDAY: Arrival and reception.

Video presentation of the experience and the surroundings accompanied by a glass of homemade arbutus liqueur. Dinner and accommodation at Hotel de Sierra Madrona.
Baths of “Baños de Fuencaliente” (thermal bath 30′) NOTE: only in season 2022 from April to 10 December. Please enquire by reservation.

DAY 2 SATURDAY: From Fuencaliente to Solana del Pino.

Photographic safari “Berrea y más” by Alma Wild Nature, a photographic activity in which the deer during the rutting season will be the main protagonist but not the only one. These are 4×4 routes in small groups (3 pax) whose main objective is to observe and listen to the bellowing of the deer. NOTE: reservation is required between 19 September and 7 October during sunrise and sunset. Two different itineraries are available (according to choice).
Observation and learning about wild fauna and flora. Together with ÁGata Verde we will spend most of the experience getting to know emblematic species of the area such as the mountain goat, the deer, the mouflon, the wild boar, or birds as interesting as the griffon vulture or the black vulture, the golden eagle, among other endangered bird species, such as the black stork, etc… and we will go on foot to collect the seasonal fruits of autumn “the strawberry tree or “emborrachacabras”. If it is not the strawberry tree season, the observation and identification of the shrub and the Mediterranean flora that accompanies it, heather, mastic, cornicabra, holm oaks, gall oaks and oaks will be carried out. (4h)
Traditional meal in local restaurant “Anka Loren” with a typical local main course with a touch of arbutus “arbutus deer meat” and as a vegan option “aubergine with arbutus jam”
Visit to Embutidos Artesanos El Lucero, a family business for more than 50 years, specialised in sausages with game meat. There will be a workshop demonstration of the preparation and tasting of local sausages “hamburger of bush meat with strawberry tree” (1h)
Return to Fuencaliente and evening “Stargazing – Starlight Viewpoint” (2h), a guided tour to discover the secrets of the night sky of the Alcudia Valley and Sierra Madrona with ÁGata Verde as an accredited Starlight Foundation instructor. Journey through the stars and planets, observing galaxies millions of light years away, the marvellous rings of Saturn, the lunar surface, Jupiter and its moons, enjoying the Milky Way. Unique experiences to enjoy in nature, learning in a fun way

DAY 3 SUNDAY: Scenic route. Sierra Madrona and Solana del Pino.

Guided tour “Cave paintings in Peñón del Águila” (1h) The Alcudia Valley and Sierra Madrona Natural Park is home to a large number of shelters with cave paintings. It is thought that most of them may have been made between approximately 4,500 and 3,000 years ago. While the most famous and best preserved are certainly those of Peña Escrita, we will talk about other more modest and less known paintings: those of Collado del Águila, in Solana del Pino, a paradise of biodiversity and geodiversity. The paintings are located on a quartzite rock wall, facing north. And beyond the wall, absolutely fascinating views of the Alcudia valley. Simply intoxicating, to spend a minute absorbed, observing the grandeur of the landscape, while with luck, the vultures glide several tens of metres above our heads
A holm oak bath against stress, “The power of the forest” all the keys to this exercise of contemplation in which the five senses are involved and whose aim is none other than to find health and happiness through the trees. During the forest bath we will walk about one kilometre for two hours, making stops and doing exercises that reconcile us with Mother Nature. We are going to see, smell, taste, feel and listen to our surroundings (1h) We will walk along the Robledillo river board for about 1km round trip. Art therapy workshop, healing in nature through the five senses. Appreciation of flora, tracks, remains and signs of fauna.
Workshop of elaboration of jams and preserves “La Alacena de la Abuela” (2h), we will carry out together with ÁGata Verde a workshop of traditional preserves, we will elaborate different recipes and delicious jams, compote or ratatouille. In arbutus season, “Chutny de madroño”.
Traditional lunch in local restaurant Anka Loren to taste “Migas manchegas”, and as a vegan option “gachas de pito” with aromas and flavours of the sierra.
Farewell and group photo

Contact

625 07 35 78 Send email

Ecotourism commitment

The tourism companies participating in the experience are in the process of joining the System for the Recognition of Sustainable Tourism in the Natura 2000 Network.
The tourism companies participating in the experience collaborate with a local nature conservation NGO, ÁGata Verde.
He collaborates as a nature guide and in voluntary work with the Asociación Naturalista Aullidos de Sierra Madrona “ANASMA” of Solana del Pino. It participates in specific environmental education campaigns within the Natura 2000 area. For example, spring and autumn routes to promote the territory, making the general public aware of the ethnographic values and geological interest of the Geopark Project “Volcanes de Calatrava” organised by the Provincial Council of Ciudad Real (2021-2022)

Services

Price per person

Ecoturing: 232€ (excluding transport );

Services included

ÁGata Verde: accompanying biologist and nature interpreter guide: binoculars, map, workshop materials, accident and rescue insurance

50€/pax

Alma Wild Nature: Photographic safari including 4x4 Alcudia and Sierra Madrona/Sierra de Andújar route; photographic guide/advice; optics for observation; loan of photographic equipment - subject to availability; civil liability and accident insurance

70€/pax

Food Bar Restaurant Anka Loren: salad, traditional dish, drink, bread and dessert.

12€/pax

El Lucero Butcher Shop: Sausage tasting

12€/pax

Baños de Fuencaliente: Thermal bath

10€/pax

El Lucero Butcher Shop: Sausage tasting

8€/pax

Hotel Sierra Madrona: Accommodation

70€/ 2pax/ night

Full package

DAY 1 FRIDAY: Arrival and reception.

Video presentation of the experience and the surroundings accompanied by a glass of homemade arbutus liqueur. Dinner and accommodation at Hotel de Sierra Madrona.
Baths of “Baños de Fuencaliente” (thermal bath 30′) NOTE: only in season 2022 from April to 10 December. Please enquire by reservation.

DAY 2 SATURDAY: From Fuencaliente to Solana del Pino.

Photographic safari “Berrea y más” by Alma Wild Nature, a photographic activity in which the deer during the rutting season will be the main protagonist but not the only one. These are 4×4 routes in small groups (3 pax) whose main objective is to observe and listen to the bellowing of the deer. NOTE: reservation is required between 19 September and 7 October during sunrise and sunset. Two different itineraries are available (according to choice).
Observation and learning about wild fauna and flora. Together with ÁGata Verde we will spend most of the experience getting to know emblematic species of the area such as the mountain goat, the deer, the mouflon, the wild boar, or birds as interesting as the griffon vulture or the black vulture, the golden eagle, among other endangered bird species, such as the black stork, etc… and we will go on foot to collect the seasonal fruits of autumn “the strawberry tree or “emborrachacabras”. If it is not the strawberry tree season, the observation and identification of the shrub and the Mediterranean flora that accompanies it, heather, mastic, cornicabra, holm oaks, gall oaks and oaks will be carried out. (4h)
Traditional meal in local restaurant “Anka Loren” with a typical local main course with a touch of arbutus “arbutus deer meat” and as a vegan option “aubergine with arbutus jam”
Visit to Embutidos Artesanos El Lucero, a family business for more than 50 years, specialised in sausages with game meat. There will be a workshop demonstration of the preparation and tasting of local sausages “hamburger of bush meat with strawberry tree” (1h)
Return to Fuencaliente and evening “Stargazing – Starlight Viewpoint” (2h), a guided tour to discover the secrets of the night sky of the Alcudia Valley and Sierra Madrona with ÁGata Verde as an accredited Starlight Foundation instructor. Journey through the stars and planets, observing galaxies millions of light years away, the marvellous rings of Saturn, the lunar surface, Jupiter and its moons, enjoying the Milky Way. Unique experiences to enjoy in nature, learning in a fun way

DAY 3 SUNDAY: Scenic route. Sierra Madrona and Solana del Pino.

Guided tour “Cave paintings in Peñón del Águila” (1h) The Alcudia Valley and Sierra Madrona Natural Park is home to a large number of shelters with cave paintings. It is thought that most of them may have been made between approximately 4,500 and 3,000 years ago. While the most famous and best preserved are certainly those of Peña Escrita, we will talk about other more modest and less known paintings: those of Collado del Águila, in Solana del Pino, a paradise of biodiversity and geodiversity. The paintings are located on a quartzite rock wall, facing north. And beyond the wall, absolutely fascinating views of the Alcudia valley. Simply intoxicating, to spend a minute absorbed, observing the grandeur of the landscape, while with luck, the vultures glide several tens of metres above our heads
A holm oak bath against stress, “The power of the forest” all the keys to this exercise of contemplation in which the five senses are involved and whose aim is none other than to find health and happiness through the trees. During the forest bath we will walk about one kilometre for two hours, making stops and doing exercises that reconcile us with Mother Nature. We are going to see, smell, taste, feel and listen to our surroundings (1h) We will walk along the Robledillo river board for about 1km round trip. Art therapy workshop, healing in nature through the five senses. Appreciation of flora, tracks, remains and signs of fauna.
Workshop of elaboration of jams and preserves “La Alacena de la Abuela” (2h), we will carry out together with ÁGata Verde a workshop of traditional preserves, we will elaborate different recipes and delicious jams, compote or ratatouille. In arbutus season, “Chutny de madroño”.
Traditional lunch in local restaurant Anka Loren to taste “Migas manchegas”, and as a vegan option “gachas de pito” with aromas and flavours of the sierra.
Farewell and group photo

Additional services

In this experience, tourists go in their own vehicle and the guide waits for them at the different places to visit, so the price of transport is not included. Alternatively, ÁGata Verde offers transport by reservation at a cost of 200€/day (Minivan 9 pax)