Cañada Catena: Experience Hiking and Landscapes

For a stay in Cañada Catena, hiking trails, landscapes and local history offer practical guidance. The town is considered a gateway to the Sierra de Segura; the first stands of black pine stand out against the olive groves in the landscape. Nearby, there is also a recreation area, while local history tells of livestock drives and historic architectural forms. If you are looking for a hotel for your trip, these themes can help you decide how to spend your days: hiking, nature or cultural experiences.

Hiking trails with different points of interest

The PR-BS-38 circular route passes Piedra del Moro, Cerrillo de las Particiones and Barranco del Pinarón in Cañada Catena. At 11.5 kilometres, taking about three hours and of moderate difficulty, it is the route for which specific distance, duration and difficulty figures are provided. The SL-BS-37 goes over Alto de las Muelas and offers panoramic views of the valleys of Cañada Catena and Segura de la Sierra. The routes therefore have different stated highlights: the PR-BS-38 has specified distance, duration and difficulty, while the SL-BS-37 focuses on views of the valleys.

Landscape between black pines and the Sierra

Cañada Catena serves as a gateway to the Sierra de Segura. The first stands of black pine grow around the town, standing out against the olive groves in the landscape. Opposite Cañada Catena rises Cerro “Burdés”, topped by a rocky ridge. Wildlife is also among the hiking highlights described: on a route starting from Cañada Catena and going over Alto de las Muelas, the short-toed snake eagle is one of the characteristic species. The boundary of the natural park meets the outer perimeter of Monte “Cañada Catena”; this perimeter runs roughly parallel and close to Arroyo de Cañada Catena.

Getting your bearings at Poyo de los Burgos

Near Cañada Catena, the Poyo de los Burgos recreation area lies on the slopes of Monte Fuente Pinilla. It has tables, a spring and barbecue areas for a stay in nature. Access is via the A-6301 from Cortijos Nuevos to Beas de Segura. After Cañada Catena, at kilometre 16, a left-hand turn-off appears after 2,400 metres; from there, a track leads to the area after a further 1,600 metres. To find your way when driving there, it is worth keeping the turn-off and the track leading to the area in mind as two separate sections.

Local history and traditions

The parish church of Nuestra Señora de las Maravillas is on Calle Iglesia. The oldest houses made use of rock shelters or caves in the rock. These once served as livestock pens and overnight stops for herds moving from Beas into the interior of the Sierra. This reflects the historical transhumance between the mountains and the plain, for which the Cañada Catena valley was once used.

The Ruta cultural del Aceite also passes through Cañada Catena on a section from Beas to Cortijos Nuevos. The patron saint celebrations in honour of the Virgen de las Maravillas take place in early September. The festival weekend includes a public verbena and various recreational activities. If you are planning a trip for the occasion, check the exact festival dates as you plan.

For the broader travel overview: Beas De Segura.