Cascada del Aliviadero

Cascada del Aliviadero is a small but striking waterfall in the municipality of Villacarrillo, in the province of Jaén, formed at the spillway of the Aguascebas reservoir dam. It sits at the heart of the Sierra de las Villas, inside the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y las Villas Natural Park, one of the largest protected areas in Andalusia.

Where does the waterfall come from?

The Aguascebas reservoir was built in 1967 and holds a usable capacity of around 6.37 hm³. When heavy rainfall pushes the water level above the dam crest, it spills over the top — that overflow (aliviadero in Spanish) is exactly what creates the cascade visible from below. This means the waterfall isn't a permanent feature: its flow depends directly on the reservoir's water level, and it can dry up completely during long dry spells.

What will you see there?

Water from the spillway feeds the Arroyo de las Aguascebas Chico stream, which further down the same ravine forms Andalusia's tallest waterfall, the Cascada de la Osera, dropping around 130 meters. Many visitors combine both cascades in a single hiking route, crossing the rocky, forested terrain typical of the Sierra de las Villas — pine woods, limestone cliffs, and deep river valleys.

How do you get there?

The usual starting point is Villacarrillo or nearby trails leading to the Aguascebas reservoir. Hiking routes connect Cascada del Aliviadero with other water features in the area, such as the Cascada de Chorrogil. Because the terrain is uneven and rocky, sturdy trekking shoes and a reliable sense of orientation are recommended — the trails have minimal tourist infrastructure, which is part of their appeal.

When should you visit?

The best time to visit is late winter through spring (February to May), when the reservoir is full after the rainy season and the spillway runs at its strongest. In summer, after long dry periods, the waterfall often dries up or slows to a trickle, so it's worth checking recent rainfall or trip reports before setting out.

Frequently asked questions

Does Cascada del Aliviadero flow all year round? No. It's a rain- and reservoir-dependent waterfall that mainly appears after rainfall and during periods of high water levels in the Aguascebas reservoir, and it can dry up in the drier months.

Can you reach it without a guide? Yes, the area is accessible to independent hikers following the trails through the Sierra de las Villas, though a map or GPS app is useful since signage is minimal.

Is it worth combining with a visit to Cascada de la Osera? Definitely — both cascades lie in the same ravine, and many popular routes link them into a single hike, letting you see Andalusia's tallest waterfall on the same trip.

Is this suitable for families with children? It depends on the children's age and fitness — the terrain is uneven and requires some hiking experience, but with good weather and a moderate pace the route is manageable for older kids.