A guide to the world’s olive oil capital, castles, and more!

Originally published May 18. Updated September 27, 2023.

All images are courtesy of the Spain Less Traveled team, unless otherwise stated.

Why do we love Jaén province in Spain?

Often overlooked by visitors to Spain, nestled in the heart of interior Andalusia, Jaén Province beckons travelers with its rich tapestry of history, cultural heritage, and culinary delights. From the enchanting city of Jaén itself to the hidden gems of smaller towns, this captivating region offers a multitude of experiences. Explore castles, delve into Jewish and Moorish history, wander through UNESCO World Heritage sites, and immerse yourself in the world of olive oil production. Learn about some of the best things to do in Jaén Spain!

Here you won’t find beaches, resorts, big monuments, or mass tourism. Jaén province is still one of Spain’s best-kept secrets and we can not deny it, we at Spain Less Traveled love Jaén province!

Where is Jaén province?

Jaén province is one of the eight provinces of Andalucía, the southern part of Spain. To the north is the region of Castilla-La Mancha. And it borders the Andaluz provinces of flowery Córdoba and magical Granada.

Jaén is truly Southern Spain off the beaten path. You will not find the tourism here that you see in the surrounding Andaluz provinces.

There are no monuments like in Seville and no beaches like in Málaga. Along with the provinces of Almería and Huelva, Jaén is an honest gem of the south!

Our favorite things to do in Jaén Spain

What is there to do in Jaén city?

(Hint: it’s an underrated regional capital)

One of Spain’s most underrated regional capital cities is Jaén City, the capital of the province. Here you will find a harmonious blend of history and modernity. (Check out this post for some of our other favourite Spanish cities)

Marvel at the awe-inspiring Jaén Cathedral, a Renaissance masterpiece featuring huge Corinthian columns. Designed by the famous 16th-century architect, Andrés de Vandelvira, the massive cathedral is definitely Jaén city’s crown jewel.

Be sure to visit the San Ildefonso Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site with its impressive Mudéjar-style tower. Stroll through the lively Plaza de la Constitución and lose yourself in the quaint and winding streets of the historic quarter, where you will be surrounded by amazing Renaissance and Gothic buildings.

Jaén city also has some of the most impressive ancient (11th century) Arab baths in all of Spain which are housed in the Palacio de Villardompardo. Here you will also find a popular art and custom museum as well as an exhibit of international quirky, youthful art.

If you are interested in archeology, you will want to be sure to visit the Museo de Jaén, which is Jaén’s provincial museum. There you will find a collection of artifacts spanning several time periods that were found within Jaén province.

Finally do not miss the Santa Catalina Castle, perched high on a hill. For a small entrance fee, you can explore the interior of this castle and fortress. Walk all the way to the end of the castle grounds to the cross where you will get a panoramic view of the city of Jaén. And as a bonus and a splurge, you can even stay at the castle by booking a few nights at the Parador of Jaén! Here are some of our other favourite Paradores.

Are Úbeda and Baeza the twin UNESCO towns of Jaén Spain worth visiting?

Absolutely!!!

One of the top things to do in Jaén Spain is to visit Úbeda and Baeza. These are twin UNESCO World Heritage site towns, known for their well-preserved incredible Renaissance architecture and picturesque squares.

Úbeda is also known for its Renaissance architecture and a lot of it! The quintessential photo of the town’s Palacio de las Cadenas and Capilla del Salvador can be taken from Plaza de Vazquez de Molina. There is even a parador there to stay at if you want to stay in a converted palace. Be sure to check out the mirador of the sweeping views of the olive trees from the edge of town.

Nearby Baeza is noted for also having some of the best Renaissance architecture in all of Spain. Take some time to wander around the narrow streets that surround the cathedral.

These twin towns truly do make a great pair!

Spain’s largest natural protected area

If you're seeking outdoor adventure and some of the best natural landscapes in Spain, look no further than the Three Sierras of Jaén: Sierra de Segura, Sierra de Cazorla, and Sierra de Las Villas. This area makes up Spain’s largest protected area as well as one of the largest in all of Europe.

This stunning mountain range is a paradise for hikers, climbers, cyclists, and nature lovers. With rugged hiking trails, breathtaking viewpoints, and diverse wildlife, it offers an unforgettable experience.

Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive Iberian lynx, one of the rarest wildcats in the world. You have to be really lucky to see one, but it is possible!

This is where the Guadalquivir River begins, flowing through the mountains of Jaén all the way into the Atlantic Ocean in Cádiz province, at the other end of Andalucía.

The hills are also dotted with breathtaking towns such as Cazorla. These towns are where you can pick up local hiking maps and learn about the trails.

But there’s more to wild Jaén than the three sierras. The province is full of nice places to soak up nature and really get away from it all. If you like the outdoors, visiting these natural areas are one of the best things to do in Jaén Spain.

What province in Spain has the most castles?

The answer may surprise you, but it’s Jaén province!

Jaén Province is home to a plethora of castles that provided protection during various eras of Spanish and Iberian history. In fact, one of visitors’ and locals’ alike favorite things to do in Jaén Spain is to castle-hop!

For one of the best castles in all of Spain, head to the town of Baños de la Encima and admire the Castillo Burgalimar. Constructed in the 10th century under the Caliphate of Córdoba this is one of those hidden gems as far as Moorish castles in Spain go. You may notice right away that the castle is oddly shaped. With fifteen towers, once inside you see just how massive this castle is.

In Alcalá la Real, visit the imposing La Mota Castle, a well-preserved medieval fortress that once guarded the border between Christian and Moorish territories. These castles transport you to a bygone era and offer a glimpse into the region's storied past.

And get off the beaten path in Alcaudete to explore the castle there. Once an important border town, dividing Moorish and Catholic Spain, today the town is barely a bleep on most travelers’ radars. Chances are you will have it all to yourself!

These are just a few of the castles of Jaén Spain! Fun fact: Jaén province is the province with the most castles in all of Spain!

The three cultures meet in Jaén, Spain

Over the centuries, three prominent cultures—Jewish, Moorish, and Catholic—have shaped Jaén’s history, leaving indelible imprints on its architecture, traditions, and way of life.

Jaén Province has a rich Jewish heritage, and exploring its Jewish history is a fascinating experience. In Jaén City, visit the Banuelo, an ancient Arab bathhouse where the Jewish community thrived. It is in the middle of an ancient Judería (old Jewish neighborhood).

And in Úbeda be sure to arrange a visit to the Sinagoga del Agua (synagogue). It was recently unearthed when they were renovating tourist apartments. And several artifacts were found on site including a Mikvah (baths) and a Torah.

The Moorish rule spanning over seven centuries left an indelible mark on Jaén Spain too. The iconic Alcazaba de Jaén, a fortress overlooking the city, stands as a testament to their influence. Úbeda boasts the remarkable Santa María de los Reales Alcázares, a grand palace complex that showcases the intricate Moorish architectural style. And of course, several castles were built by the Moors.

Following the Christian Reconquista, Catholicism became the predominant religion in Jaén province and still is to this day. Many majestic churches and Jaén’s Cathedral were constructed during this era. Religious processions, such as the Semana Santa (Holy Week), continue to be celebrated with great fervor, offering a glimpse into the deep-rooted Catholic traditions that have endured through the centuries.

For history lovers, diving into the three cultures is one of the top things to do in Jaén Spain!

Where is the best place to taste olive oil in Spain?

Again, the answer is Jaén province!

Perhaps the most famous thing about Jaén is olive oil production.

Jaén Province is known as the world capital of olive oil production, making it an ideal destination for oleoturismo (olive oil tourism).

Explore the countryside dotted with endless olive groves (sometimes called the “Mar de Olivos,” the sea of olive trees). In fact, the citizens of Jaén are petitioning to have the miles and miles of olive trees given special status by UNESCO.

You can visit traditional mills, and learn about the olive oil production process. Oro Bailen is the most famous one as they export their liquid gold all over the world. Their tour and tasting are comprehensive. But there are several smaller mills as well.

Discover the nuances of different varieties of olive oil in Jaén Spain and gain a deeper appreciation for this essential ingredient in Spanish cuisine. Tasting and learning about olive oil is one of the most popular things to do in Jaén Spain.

Visit even more charming pueblos in Jaén, Spain

It’s obvious that the Spain Less Traveled team loves a good pueblo (village). And Jaén province is full of picture-perfect small towns. Because this province is so off-the-beaten-path, it is a great place to explore local life.

Aside from some of the pueblos already mentioned, you may want to take some time to explore Segura de la Sierra which (along with Baños de la Encina) is on the official list of “Pueblos Más Bonitos de España” (most beautiful villages of Spain).

A few other favorites that deserve a mention are Quesada, La Iruela, Beas de Segura, and Hinojares, the smallest town in the province. These types of towns are perfect for rural stays at guesthouses like Casa en la Plaza in Hinojares. These types of accommodations offer a true glimpse into local life in small villages where there aren’t hotels or paradores.

How do I get around Jaén province?

Now that you know about some of the best things to do in Jaén Spain, you may wonder how you can get to all of these amazing places.

One thing that Jaén does not have is great public transportation. While there are slower trains to and from Madrid from the capital as well as a sprinkling of other towns, and some bus services, having your own wheels here is essential for truly exploring.

Therefore the best way of getting around Jaén province is to rent a car. This will give you ultimate flexibility as well as access to all of Jaén’s smaller towns, natural areas, olive oil mills, and more!

Have we enticed you to visit with some of the top things to do in Jaén Spain yet?

You might be interested in our other in depth guides by region.

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