HIGH SIERRAS
Algodonales Paragliding Guiding Centre
B H P A Paragliding Development School
Algodonales, thanks to its privileged location and climate, is a "must go to" destination for paraglider and Hang-gliding pilots and is an area rich in outdoor pursuits where you can experience other activities such as mountain biking, road cycling, bird watching, walking and orienteering.
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The town is unique in Andalucia because of the pilots who visit from all around the world giving the town a truly cosmopolitan feel.
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The town has a large central, lively Plaza fringed with restaurants offering a wide range of good value meals including vegetarian and vegan options. There is something for every budget.
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A stroll from the plaza will offer more traditional bars and eateries and you will be made welcome.
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There are the usual modern conveniences such as supermarket, pharmacies and a medical centre. There is also a good selection of Artisan and independent shops selling local produce e.g. honey, olive oil, several bread shops offering an extensive selection and gift shops as well as health food shops.
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This charming white town nestles in the shade of the Sierra de Líjar. Its streets are lined with orange trees and tinkle to the murmur of its many drinking fountains.
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This lovely, picturesque village is located in the mountains of Cádiz Province. It’s located 113 kilometres from Cádiz City.
Plaza where there are many restaurants and bars
Spring brings along the sun flowers.
History
The history of Algodonales dates back to neolithic times with remains in the caves of Castillego, Santa and Chamusquina. The Romans left clear signs of civilisation as well. Not only is the old city wall still intact, but archeologists have even discovered the cisterns that the Romans used to gather rain water. Being that the Arabs were the last ones on the scene, their influence is most noticeable and, in fact, the village is considered to be of Arabic origins.
Algodonales is a village that attracts nature lovers as it is perched in the foothills of the Sierra de Líjar mountain range, and right on edge of the Grazalema Natural Park. The river Guadalete crosses the town and the surrounding scenery makes it a uniquely beautiful place to visit – or live! To meet the needs of those wishing to enjoy the surrounding area, Algodonales offers accommodation in the form of hotels, bed and breakfasts and rural getaways. Local companies also offer support to those wishing to practice a wide array of sports, and of course there are endless opportunities for trekkers.
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Perfect conditions for Paragliders and hang-gliders bring enthusiasts from across the region and beyond, whether to learn to practice the sport at the region’s largest hang gliding school, or simply to put skill to the test and enjoy the fabulous natural surroundings – from the top down! In 2001 the World Hang Gliding Championships were held in the Sierra de Líjar.
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Birdwatchers also find a feast for their eyes on a visit to the Algodonales in Sierra de Líjar. Around the town there are interesting varieties of vultures which provide quite a spectacle for those who keep their eyes open and binoculars ready.
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Apart from its prehistoric sites at Cueva Santa, Chamusquina, Castillejo and El Cerro de la Botinera, the town also boats numerous important monuments such as the Santa Ana Parish Church, a late Baroque style building with neo-Classical elements. Also noteworthy are the hermitages of Jesús Nazareno and La Virgencita and, on the edge of the town, the La Concepción Hermitage (18th Century) and the Flour Mills.
There is also for Spanish guitar production, in fact you can visit the Valeriano Bernal factory to see how this most quintessentially Spanish product is “Made in Spain”.
Visit the village of La Muela de Algodonales to watch the Griffon vultures in flight, from the peaks of the Sierra de Líjar.
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