Sierra Sur de Jaén

Why visit Sierra Sur de Jaén

The Sierra Sur de Jaén is the province’s southern highland, a rugged belt of limestone peaks, upland valleys and terraced olive groves along the old border with Granada. For centuries this was frontier country between Castile and the Nasrid kingdom, and the evidence still crowns its hilltops in the form of mighty fortresses and watchtowers. Today the towns are prosperous farming centres, the valleys are green with orchards and the higher ground is wild, walkable and little visited. It suits travellers interested in medieval history and castles, hikers looking for quiet trails and anyone planning a scenic route between Jaén, Córdoba and Granada.

Main attractions in Sierra Sur de Jaén

Alcalá la Real’s Fortaleza de la Mota is the great landmark, a walled hilltop citadel with an abbey church and sweeping views over the surrounding country. Alcaudete is dominated by a castle held by the Order of Calatrava, and Castillo de Locubín, as its name suggests, grew up around a fortress above a valley known for its cherry orchards. Valdepeñas de Jaén is the gateway to the highest ground, including La Pandera, and its countryside is ideal for hiking, mountain biking and spotting birds of prey, while Frailes is a small mountain village surrounded by quiet trails. Spring blossom and autumn colour make good times to walk. Local cooking leans on the area’s olive oil, with hearty dishes such as andrajos and choto, and Alcaudete is known for its traditional convent-style sweets.