El Condado

Why visit El Condado

El Condado lies in the north-east of Jaén province, between the southern foothills of the Sierra Morena and the valleys of the Guadalimar and Guadalén rivers. Olive groves cover the lower ground, giving way to holm-oak dehesa, scrub and hunting estates on the hills, while reservoirs add sheets of blue to the landscape. Its small towns sit on rises once fought over on the medieval frontier, and the area is especially rich in Iberian archaeology. Far from the main routes and rarely crowded, it suits independent travellers, archaeology enthusiasts, walkers and anyone wanting a quiet rural stop between the Renaissance towns of Úbeda and Baeza and the Sierra Morena.

Main attractions in El Condado

Archaeology is the standout: the Iberian oppidum of Giribaile near Vilches occupies a dramatic flat-topped hill above the Guadalimar, and Castellar is known for the Iberian sanctuary of the Cueva de la Lobera, whose votive figures are displayed in the town’s museum. Santisteban del Puerto has the ruins of the Castillo de San Esteban and a Romanesque-style church, Montizón is overlooked by a castle that once guarded the frontier, and Chiclana de Segura is a hilltop village with wide views over the olive country. The Giribaile and Guadalén reservoirs are good for walks and fishing, while tracks through dehesa and scrub suit hiking, cycling and spotting raptors. Hearty country food rules here, from game dishes and migas to andrajos, all cooked in the local olive oil.