Bandits, apart from being the stars in romantic dramas much to the liking of European writers, were the terror of Andalusian roads. The usual lines of communication, crossing either the plains or the hills, were the scenes of hold-ups by these men who knew the lay of the land perfectly, as well as the risks they took. Their degree of specialization was such that they used different horses, depending on whether they might have to flee across the open plains pursued by the "Migueletes", or up the hills, jumping over precipices and galloping up steep mountain sides.
They sometimes became popular heroes, their fame caught the imagination of the many villages affected by their lightning robberies nearby. The renowned "Niños de Ecija", gained their fame in the short period from 1814 to 1818, during which time they ruled the hills of Cordova and Seville.
Diego Corrientes (1757) was one of the most famous bandits in Andalusia. Known for his chivalrous behaviour, he was often seen as a Robin Hood figure, stealing from the rich to give to the poor. He was captured in Portugal and brought back to Seville, where he was hanged in 1781. His body was cut into pieces and sent to different provinces where he had been active. He mainly operated in the areas around Utrera and Seville.
José Ulloa, also known as "El Tragabuches" (1781), was a notorious bandit who became a legend in the region. His daring exploits and dramatic escapes made him a popular figure in Andalusian folklore. He killed his wife's lover and then his wife, which led him to become a bandit. He joined the infamous "Los Siete Niños de Écija" but disappeared after the group was disbanded. He mainly operated in the areas around Ronda and Arcos de la Frontera.
Juan Caballero, known as "El Lero" (1804), was another infamous brigand. His knowledge of the terrain and his ability to evade capture made him a formidable opponent for the authorities. He was known for his humane treatment of his victims and for saving a soldier who was pursuing him. He received a royal pardon and lived peacefully in Estepa until his death from a simple infection in 1895. He mainly operated in the Sierra Morena and around Estepa.
José María Hinojosa, known as "El Tempranillo" (1805), was the leader of the notorious gang "Los Niños de Écija". His leadership and strategic mind made him one of the most feared bandits in Andalusia. He was ambushed and fatally wounded by another bandit in 1833. He mainly operated in the Sierra de Ronda and around Lucena.
Pasos Largos, the last bandolero in Andalusia, held out until his death in 1934. His life marked the end of the era of the legendary Andalusian bandits. He was killed in a shootout with the Civil Guard. He mainly operated in the areas around Ronda and the Sierra de las Nieves.
Utrera, a walled town with a castle, also suffered the menace of bandits in the rich farms dotted about nearby. The bandits would often raid the farms, stealing livestock and crops, and sometimes taking hostages for ransom. The local population lived in constant fear of these attacks, which disrupted their daily lives and economic activities.
Further south, their exploits reached into the hills around Ronda. The rugged terrain and deep gorges provided perfect hideouts for the bandits. Ronda's strategic location made it a frequent target for raids. The town's famous Puente Nuevo bridge was often used by bandits to escape quickly into the mountains.
The thick oak woods near Jimena de la Frontera were another hotspot for brigand activity. The dense forest provided excellent cover for ambushes and quick getaways. The local villagers had to be constantly vigilant, and many took to arming themselves for protection.
The dazzling whiteness of Medina Sidonia's buildings contrasted sharply with the dark deeds of the bandits. The town's elevated position made it a strategic lookout point, but it also meant that bandits could easily spot approaching patrols. The local authorities often struggled to maintain order and protect the townspeople.
Arcos de la Frontera, with its dramatic cliffs and narrow streets, was another area affected by brigand activity. The town's layout made it difficult for authorities to pursue bandits, who could easily disappear into the labyrinthine streets. The local population often had to rely on their own resourcefulness to protect themselves.
As quick as the winds that blow in the Straits and as elusive as the torrents that flow in the Andalusian hills, the brigand became invisible in the exuberant variety of the land where he was born. The diverse landscape of Andalusia, with its rugged mountains, dense forests, and hidden valleys, provided perfect hideouts for these elusive figures.
The Sierra Morena mountain range was a notorious hideout for bandits. Its dense forests and rugged terrain made it difficult for authorities to pursue them. The bandits used the natural caves and hidden paths to evade capture and plan their next raids.
The Sierra de Grazalema, with its numerous caves and thick forests, was another favourite hideout. The bandits could easily disappear into the dense vegetation and use the high vantage points to spot approaching patrols.
The Sierra de las Nieves, with its steep cliffs and deep gorges, provided excellent cover for bandits. The area's natural beauty contrasted sharply with the dangerous activities that took place there. The bandits used the narrow mountain paths to move quickly and avoid detection.
The thick oak forests of Los Alcornocales were another popular hideout. The dense canopy provided excellent cover, and the bandits could use the numerous streams and rivers to their advantage. The area's natural resources also provided sustenance for the bandits during their time in hiding.
The Guadalquivir River and its surrounding areas were also used by bandits as escape routes. The river's winding course and numerous tributaries provided multiple options for evasion. The bandits could use boats to move quickly and avoid detection by land-based patrols.