Linares

Why visit Linares

Linares grew rich on lead and silver mining from Roman times until the twentieth century, and its streets of eclectic and modernist buildings, theatres and old foundries recall that industrial boom. Today it is a working town rather than a tourist centre, which makes it a relaxed and good-value stop between Jaén, Úbeda and Baeza. It has a strong musical identity, as the birthplace of classical guitarist Andrés Segovia and of the singer Raphael. Linares suits travellers interested in archaeology, industrial heritage and music, and food lovers who appreciate generous local tapas.

What to see and do in Linares

Just outside town, Cástulo was one of the great Iberian and Roman cities of the upper Guadalquivir; its site and museum display finds including a remarkable fourth-century Roman mosaic. In the centre, the Andrés Segovia Museum keeps the guitarist's instruments, scores and his tomb, and the Raphael Museum celebrates the singer's long career. The modernist Mercado de Abastos is worth a morning visit. Linares is also olive oil country: Hacienda Santa María 1885 offers tours and tastings on a historic estate. Within a short drive are the Renaissance towns of Úbeda and Baeza, the castle of Baños de la Encina and the hills of the Sierra Morena.

A day in Linares

Drive out to Cástulo in the morning to see the archaeological site and its famous mosaic. Back in town, visit the Andrés Segovia Museum and walk through the centre to the modernist Mercado de Abastos. After a long tapas lunch, spend the afternoon at an olive oil estate such as Hacienda Santa María 1885, or continue to Baños de la Encina's castle.

Food and local life

Linares is proud of its tapas, which often arrive free and generously sized with each drink in the bars around the centre. Look for local stews, pipirrana salad, fried fish and grilled meats, with plenty of local olive oil. The town's August fair is one of the liveliest in the province.

Around Linares

Linares belongs to the Sierra Morena comarca, where the farmland of the Guadalquivir meets the hills. Baños de la Encina has one of the best-preserved Moorish castles in Spain, La Carolina was founded as a model town in the eighteenth century, and the Despeñaperros pass marks the historic gateway to Andalucía. Úbeda and Baeza are about 30 minutes away.

See every town and village on the Sierra Morena page.

Getting there and around

Linares is in the Sierra Morena comarca, about 50 km north of Jaén, around 40 minutes by car. Linares-Baeza station has trains to Madrid and other cities, and buses link to Jaén, Úbeda and Baeza. The centre is easy to walk; you will need a car or taxi for Cástulo, about 5 km away. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons.