Walking route
Rio Cerezuelo.
This varied walk around Cazorla takes you along the babbling brook of the Río Cerezuelo, to the La Malena waterfall and then along a panoramic mountain path back to the village via the imposing Yedra Castle.
Distance: 5.5 km.
Time: 2h30.
Grade: Moderate.
Type: Circular.
Gps Track: Yes.
Route description: Yes.
Wheelchair: Not suitable.
Dog: Allowed on leach.
Height gain: 323 meters.
Trail: Mainly unpaved.
Marking: SL-A 266 | White-Green.
Hiking shoes recommended.
Malena Waterfall.
The walk begins in the charming center of Cazorla. You'll soon pass the impressive ruins of Santa María Church. This 16th-century church was built above the Río Cerezuelo riverbed, which flows partially underground through the village. Landslides and flooding severely damaged the building and left it in ruins—a unique and photogenic start to the route. From the ruins, follow the white-and-green markers towards the river. The path runs largely along the water and crosses several small bridges that cross the Río Cerezuelo. The lush vegetation is typically Mediterranean, with oleanders, pines, and shrubs along the banks. The final stretch to the La Malena waterfall is the steepest part of the entire walk. The path climbs significantly here and requires a bit more effort, especially on hot days. The waterfall plunges between rocks and is particularly impressive in spring and after heavy rains. Unfortunately, it remains dry for much of the year. After the waterfall, the route changes character. A beautiful panoramic path leads you towards Yedra Castle. Along the way, you'll see the ruins of Castillo Salvatierra above you on the left, and you'll have beautiful views of the Sierra de Cazorla and the village.
Download PDF for route description and map.
Waterfall only in spring and winter.
Well marked.
POI 1 - Ruins of the church of Santa Maria.
De ruïnes van de kerk Santa María de Gracia vormen een van de meest opvallende historische monumenten van Cazorla. De kerk werd gebouwd tussen de 16e en 17e eeuw in renaissancestijl, op de resten van een oudere Moorse constructie. Wat dit gebouw uitzonderlijk maakt, is dat het letterlijk boven de Río Cerezuelo werd gebouwd: de rivier stroomt hier onder het kerkgebouw door, deels overkluisd met stenen bogen. Dit ingenieuze maar risicovolle ontwerp bleek uiteindelijk fataal. Door aardverschuivingen, instabiele ondergrond en herhaalde overstromingen raakte de kerk in de loop der eeuwen ernstig beschadigd. In de 17e en 18e eeuw moest het gebouw meerdere keren worden hersteld, maar na zware regenval en structurele verzakkingen werd het uiteindelijk verlaten. Sindsdien bleef de kerk als ruïne bewaard.
No additional information.
POI 6 - Yedra Castle.
The Castillo de la Yedra (also Castillo de las Cuatro Esquinas) is a medieval fortress south of Cazorla, built on a spur of the Cerro de Salvatierra above the Río Cerezuelo. The core of the castle probably dates from the Muslim period (12th-13th centuries), when it was part of a series of fortifications controlling the area. After its conquest by Christian troops led by the arzobispo Rodrigo Ximénez de Rada in the 13th century, it was strengthened and adapted to the needs of the new rulers; later, in the 14th-15th centuries, among other things, the characteristic torre del homenaje (auxiliary tower) was built, which still towers above the rest of the structure. In the 16th century, it came into the hands of local nobility and was further modified around 1606, as is still visible from the façade stone bearing that date. From the 20th century onwards, the castle was declared a cultural heritage site and was given a new function as a museum.
No additional information.
Walks Jaén.
