The Province of Jaén is not as well known as some of the other provinces of Andalucia but it is a beautiful and breathtaking part of Spain that is well worth a visit.

The province covers an area of 13,484 sq km and is bordered by the provinces of Córdoba, Ciudad Real, Albacete and Granada and has a population of over 650,000.of whom 1/6 live in the capitol city Of Jaén. The nearest airport to the province is Federico García Lorca Granada-Jaén Airport also known as Granada International Airport and is 100km (62.5 miles) south of City of Jaén

The province is made up of 97 municipalities is probably best known for its abundance of olive trees which dominate the landscape , interspersed by stark white-washed farms and houses against a deep orange backdrop; the color of the soil. This province is the world’s leading producer of olives and olive oil, something the locals are very proud of and refer to their famous produce as Liquid Gold. It is the venue for the world’s largest trade fair devoted to this quintessentially Mediterranean crop which takes place in the Capitol city during the first week of October.

The landscape of the province is expansive, un spoilt by commercialism and very beautiful. The small towns and boast numerous magnificent Renaissance buildings - exuberant palaces, richly endowed churches and stately public squares.

The Capitol City of Jaen is an impressive city with many cultural landmarks worth visiting including Jaén Cathedral and Saint Catalina’s Castle, however there are many other great places to visit in this province . Some of the towns and villages worth visiting here include Alcalá ,Baeza and Ubeda

Ubeda and Baeza are located about 50km (30 miles) north along the A-316 from Jaen .These two neighboring cities , are considered as two of the best examples of Renaissance town planning in Spain. These cities lived a great prosperity stage during the 16th century that made them compete in reach better and purer Renaissance buildings. In these cities you will find such sites as Church of St.Mary in Ubeda, or the Cathedral of Baeza.

Alcalá La Real is a beautiful town that has a population of approximately 21,000. There are a large variety of shops all situated around the large picturesque park in the centre and is becoming more and more popular with people from across Europe looking for a place to settle. It has some impressive buildings and monuments such as La Mota Castle, St Juan Church and the Abbey Church.

To the east of Ubeda and Beaza lies , arguably one of the most beautiful nature parks in the Andalucia, the stunning Sierras de Cazorla nature park with a total surface area of 209,920ha and covering almost a fifth of Jaen province, this is Spain’s largest protected area and one it’s most extensive forested zones. Located in eastern Jaen province, it connects the Sierra Morena and the Subbética mountain ranges. The highest peak in this immense park is Pico Empanada at 2,107m and the entire park is higher than 600m.

Other National Parks in The province in include Despeñaperros Natural Park, a breath taking sheer-walled rocky river gorge that forms the backdrop of the most spectacular gateway into Andalucia. As the only natural break in the 500km-long Sierra Morena, it used to be one of the main routes into Andalucia from the north and Madrid. Today it is occupied by the A4 motorway and the Cadiz-Madrid railway line., the Sierra de Andújar Natural Park and the Sierra Mágina Natural Park.

The Province is best known for its cultural tourism and of course the Olive Oil industry but it also offers other attractions such as the annual chess tournament held which attracts many of the world’s best players in the town of Linares not far from Ubeda and Beaza. Here you will also find La Garza Golf Club which offers a 9 - hole par 35 challenging course

Whatever you chose to do when you are here you will be sure of a warm welcome by the people of this province.