Badolatosa, land of outlaws
You may have heard about Badolatosa and its hamlet Corcoya because they played in Andalusia’s banditry. The famous outlaw José María “El Tempranillo” and his men hid in this mountainous land. You will gain a thorough understanding of this story if you follow the route that will take you to the caves where this bold 19th-century character lived. This outlaw chose an excellent place to headquarter.
The Vadus Latus, high ford, as Julius Caesar called it after the Battle of Munda, is today a town of incomparable charm. In the heart of the Genil Valley, the river and its surroundings are a tourist attraction. Halfway to the hamlet, you can enjoy stunning views from the Meandro Viewpoint. Discover the beauty of its two protected natural areas, Malpasillo and Cordobilla reservoirs.
You will also be pleasantly surprised by the local people’s friendliness, the beauty of the streets and its remarkable architectural heritage. Highlights include Nuestra Señora del Socorro Church, with a replica of the Holy Shroud, and the Shrine to Nuestra Señora de la Fuensanta in Corcoya, whose festival in September attracts many people from the area.
Do not miss the great stories and experiences of this land of outlaws.
Getting to Badolatosa
If you travel by car from Seville, the fastest route is the A-92 motorway. Take exit 113 to enter the A-379 and then switch to the SE-751. That will take you to Casariche. Once there, take the A-8325, and you will reach Badolatosa in a few minutes.
Badolatosa does not have a train station, but you can take the bus from Prado de San Sebastián station.
Getting around
Walking and exploring the surroundings are the best two activities you can enjoy in this small, Sierra Sur town. Enjoy the clean air and the beautiful alleys. Be sure to go on a hike to Corcoya hamlet.
Reasons to visit
- Take the Ruta del Tempranillo and learn about the history of the most famous outlaw in Spain. Then, visit the caves where he and his men lived.
- Admire the beautiful views of the River Genil and its surroundings from the Meandro Viewpoint.
- Visit the Malpasillo Tourist Center and see an exhibition of local fossils and the taxidermy room.
- Experience the devotion to the Virgen de la Fuensanta during her remarkable pilgrimage in September, which dates back to the Middle Ages when her statue was found.
- Hike through the protected areas of Malpasillo and Cordobilla reservoirs. Both were designated Wetlands of International Importance in 1982.
- In true Badolatosa style, sample the migas, achicorias a la flamenca, alcachofas a la gitana and gazpachuelo. You will love these typical dishes.
What to see
The Nuestra Señora del Socorro Church is the most significant monument in Badolatosa. This baroque-style temple is home to a replica of the Holy Shroud of Turin.
If you walk through its streets, you can find the more than one kilometer walkway next to the Genil River where different ducks and birds native to Genil will welcome you.
The only 19th-century building left in Badolatosa is on Avenida de Cuba. This privately-owned mansion is known as Casa Grande or Casa de los Santaella. Malpasillo Tourist Center is undoubtedly the best place to learn about the origins of the town and the surrounding area. It hosts various exhibitions, as well as several rooms with fossils, rocks, minerals and taxidermy.
However, the best experience is to follow the Ruta del Tempranillo. You will not only visit the caves used by the famous outlaw and his men as a hideout but also enjoy the town’s natural surroundings. While you travel the route, look for an Arab waterwheel in Huertas del Duque and take in the impressive views from the Meandro Viewpoint. Continue to Corcoya hamlet and visit the Shrine to Nuestra Señora de la Fuensanta, a statue that was also highly revered by El Tempranillo.
Places to visit
- Shrine to Nuestra Señora de la Fuensanta (Corcoya)
- Nuestra Señora del Socorro Church
- Malpasillo Centre
- Plaza de Andalucía with La Fontana Fountain
- Cordobilla Reservoir Natural Area
- Malpasillo Reservoir Natural Area
Surroundings
Badolatosa is 134 kilometres from Seville, nestled in the Genil River Valley, in the Sierra Sur tourist region. The municipal district is home to the Cordobilla and Malpasillo Reservoirs, two Protected Natural Areas.
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