Jaén, province of Andalusia, does not only attract visitors eager to discover its important olive groves, its historical towns, its long history and its precious heritage. It is also a choice territory for nature lovers. Jaén is the largest expanse of protected natural areas in Spain, which bodes well for those who dream of hiking and outdoor activities under the generous Andalusian sun. In total, almost a third of the provincial territory is protected, with natural parks, sites, reserves and other natural monuments of great beauty. What will definitely surprise travelers? The diversity of the landscapes, the richness of the fauna and flora. No need to say more here, let's get to the heart of the matter.
Province of Jaén: focus on its natural parks
Jaén is a province that has long been aware of the exceptional richness of its natural environment. This has led the authorities to protect them, while at the same time providing locals and visitors with the necessary infrastructure to discover and understand the landscape. It is thus in a perfect climate of confidence that hikers can leave to conquer its most beautiful spaces, starting with its four natural parks.
The first is the largest protected area in Spain, the second largest in Europe: the Natural Park Sierras de Cazorla, Segura and Las Villas. The landscape is made up of high, steep peaks, steep slopes, holm oak, maple and pine forests, and deep valleys. It is also here that the Segura, Madera, Tus, Borosa and Guadalquivir rivers have their source. Regarding the latter, the path that leads to the birth of one of the most important rivers in Spain, in the Sierra de Cazorla, is a must. But in reality, there are a multitude of routes that are offered to hikers in the park. They allow you to cross the most unexplored areas, like the Sierra de las Villas. The Bosques del Sur (Southern Forests) trail - GR 247 is the circular hiking route that crosses the park and connects emblematic areas. it is 478 kilometers of marked trails, 21 stages and 11 branches that allow you to discover beautiful mountain landscapes with high peaks, plateaus, forests, rivers, waterfalls, olive groves, orchards, as well as castles, villages and historical sites.
The Sierras de Cazorla, Segura and Las Villas Natural Park offers multiple possibilities for outdoor activities. You can contemplate the local fauna and take a boat ride on the lake at the El Tranco active tourism and leisure center; board a tourist train to admire the species of wild game in semi-liberty at the Collado del Almendral animal park; or take up aerial sports from El Yelmo, the emblematic peak of the Sierra de Segura, around which the famous Festival Internacional del Aire (International Air Festival) takes place in June. You can also go mountain biking, rafting, kayaking, go on a 4x4 trip, climb or watch the stars in the clear skies of Hornos de Segura at the cosmolarium. The choice is wide!
The second natural park is Sierra Mágina. Surrounded by a sea of olive trees, hiking in its intermediate areas allows you to contemplate large forests mixed with shrubs such as juniper and hawthorn. In the highest parts, endemic species are present, such as the Jurinea fontqueri, a species of thistle. The Sierra Mágina Natural Park offers beautiful views of the highest peaks in the province of Jaén, such as Almadén and Peña de Jaén. Visitors take part in diverse experiences, with the discovery of ancestral castles such as Albanchez de la Mágina, and historical hamlets such as Torres, known for its beautiful waterfalls at Paraje de la Fuenmayor. To better understand the specificities of the territory, a visit to the Mata Bejid interpretation center is a must.
We now move on to the Sierra de Andújar Natural Park, one of the most beautiful examples of Mediterranean ecosystems with its reliefs covered by oak, holm oak and cork oak forests. A visit to the Viñas de Peñallana visitor center is a good way to learn more about the plant and animal species that inhabit the park. The natural park is also suitable for hunting tourism, with the possibility of visiting the national hunting reserves of Lugar Nuevo and Selladores-Contadero. The deer is present in large numbers in the territory, as well as other species such as the Iberian lynx and raptors. You should also not miss the banks of the river Jándula, a river that feeds the reservoirs, which are ideal for water sports activities. For travelers who plan a trip in April, it is worth noting that the sanctuary of the Virgin of La Cabeza gathers on the last Sunday of that month a large number of pilgrims for the oldest pilgrimage in Spain.
Let's finish with the Natural Park of Despeñaperros, the smallest in the province of Jaén, but whose parade created by the waters of the eponymous river leaves unforgettable images in mind. It is difficult not to be fascinated by the incredible geological formation of Los Órganos, a natural monument located on one of the sides of the Despeñaperros gorge. This natural park is rich in cliffs, ravines, precipices and jumps. It is also crossed by a panoramic road, the old N-IV, which delights the bird watchers. Genets, wildcats, and martens have also made their home in the park. Another natural beauty is the Cimbarra waterfall, a spectacular waterfall, for one of the most rugged and amazing natural sites in the region, near Aldeaquemada. To vary the pleasures, the site of Collado de los Jardines and Cueva de los Muñecos allows to contemplate magnificent cave paintings.
A paradise for outdoor activities
The beautiful natural environment of the province of Jaén is a huge playground for outdoor enthusiasts What could be sweeter and more soothing than walking along the paths to feel nature, privileged moments of observation of the fauna and flora? To do this, you can follow the great mountain hiking trails, such as the GR 7 in the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura and Las Villas Natural Park or the part of the GR 48 that crosses the Despeñaperros Natural Park. These trails lead to treasures such as the Roquero de La Iruela Castle or the Segura de la Sierra Castle. In the Sierra Mágina, beautiful paths lead to impressive sites like the castle of Albanchez. A great opportunity to enjoy breathtaking views.
The steep landscapes of the province of Jaén are a must for mountain bike enthusiasts. For bicycle touring, it is also advisable to follow the greenways, routes that run along old railroads that have fallen into disuse and that cross the territory from southeast to northeast. For example, the Guadalimar Greenway, which approaches the eponymous river and alternates between olive groves and views of high hills and ravines. A route necessarily dotted with viaducts and tunnels
To vary the pleasures, we also take advantage of places like the upper Guadalquivir River to make a sweet trip in a kayak. Unless you are fond of adrenaline-pumping activities. In that case, we will opt for a climbing session on the limestone walls of the Tajos de las Alcandoras, in the peaceful and beautiful valley of Otiñar, only 20 km from the city of Jaén. Or for a paragliding flight over the magnificent mountain range of the Ahillos, in the Sierra Sur region
It is impossible to talk about the nature of the province of Jaén without mentioning the incredible richness of its wildlife. There are about 70 species of mammals that inhabit the Mediterranean climate, such as otters, genets, polecats and badgers. The Sierra Morena and the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura and Las Villas are two of the most important places in Europe to enjoy the sound of the stag's bellow and to watch the males fighting under the eyes of the females. Also in the Sierra Morena, one of the most endangered cats in the world, the Iberian lynx, is present. But also that of the Iberian wolf, which survives thanks to the presence in number of species such as the ibex, the roe deer, the wild boar or the fallow deer. The walks are opportunities to open your eyes and be on the lookout to capture beautiful images.
The splendid nature of the province of Jaén is easily accessible to travelers after a 2 hour and 20 minute flight from Paris to Granada-Jaén's Federico-García-Lorca airport
More information on the websites of the tourist offices of the province of Jaén and the autonomous community of Andalusia
