Running, Walking, Cycling in La Alcarria Valley

Cortijo El Esparragal is the perfect place to enjoy real Spain.  Located in the eastern foot hills of ‘Sierra de Los Filabres’, this area is a mecca for cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts.  The picturesque La Alcarria valley, in which Cortijo El Esparragal is located, is surrounded by a mountain landscape, crossed with paths ideal for hiking and mountain biking.  There are literally hundreds of kilometres of trails within easy reach of Cortijo El Esparragal.  However, if an easy stroll around La Alcarria, stopping off in nearby Lubrín for a tapas and a drink is more your scene, the roads are extremely quiet and safe. 

We are runners and road cyclists.  For us, Cortijo El Esparragal is the perfect base for a peaceful and active lifestyle.  For road cyclists, enjoy silky smooth tarmac roads and epic days out in the saddle.  This area boasts some of the best cycling Spain has to offer.  With tarmac right to the front door of Cortijo El Esparragal, you can ride straight out into the hills or down to the coast and back.  Some of the local icon climbs include ‘Calar Alto’, (a climb that features in the Vuelta), a climb of 1539m and ‘Alto de Velefique’ which is 1430m.  We can provide further information of all of our tried and tested routes, including best stops for refreshments enroute !

For the running and walking enthusiast, Lubrín has many safe and quite routes.  Whether you prefer to do a short 5km loop around La Alcarria or extend this out to a half marathon distance, there are many options.  The village townhall offers guided walks to suit all abilities.  Just ask us for more information.

Visitor Attractions near Lubrin

Other things to whilst staying at Cortijo El Esparragal, include:

Fort Bravo / Texas Hollywood

Fort Bravo / Texas Hollywood are the largest western movie sets in Europe.  This is located near the town Tabernas which is about 30 minutes’ drive away.  They were built in the 1960’s for the filming of Sergio Leone’s many films, the famous spaghetti-western.

Pulpi Geode

The Pulpi Geode, also known as the Giant Geode, is one of the largest crystal caves ever found, and it is the largest accessible geode in the world.

The geological phenomenon is located in Mini Rica, an abandoned silver mine near Pulpi (which is about 50 minutes’ drive away).  A geode is a void formed from an air bubble inside volcanic, metamorphic or sedimentary rock.  It is filled with crystals formed from mineral deposits.

Lunar Cable Park, Cuevas del Almanzora

Lunar Cable Park offer activities focused on watersports such as inflatable obstacle course, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, ninja park and also the opportunity to explore the surrounding landscape on foot, board or bike.

AquaVera, Playa de Vera

AquaVera Water Park is located in Vera Playa which is about 45 minutes’ drive away.