Rural tourism and nature come together in the Sierra de Cazorla mountain range, resulting in one of the favourite destinations for nature lovers who find this area in the northwest region of Jaén to be an authentic natural jewel.
The Sierra de Cazorla is one of the most important natural areas in Spain, and in fact, its full name is the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Nature Reserve, considered a Nature Reserve since 1983.
To enter this corner of nature is to enjoy a typically karstic terrain with waterfalls, vegetation and beauty that are home to species such as the golden eagle and the griffon vulture. It is a Special Bird Protected Area, so the importance of this place is not only focused on the terrain, but also on the animals that inhabit it, such as deer and wild boar, among others.
Do you like active tourism?
Sierra de Cazorla is without doubt the ideal destination to spend a few days and take advantage of the numerous hiking trails that wind their way through the area, which is quite extensive, occupying up to three regions. Some of the best-known routes are those of Félix Rodríguez de la Fuente, the famous nature-loving professor and documentary presenter who taught several generations to love this part of Spain.
There are other interesting routes such as the Cerezuelo River or the Linarejos Waterfall and the Cerrada del Utrero, where you can enjoy the tranquillity, nature and calm at first hand.
But, can I only see nature in the Sierra de Cazorla?
Absolutely not. This area is also home to a rich cultural heritage, with landmarks such as the castle of Segura de la Sierra, because history also has a place here.
This castle was built on the ruins of an ancient Arab watchtower by the Christians, and now you can enjoy taking a stroll and exploring between its walls.
However, although it is one of the most important, it is not the only fortress you will find in the area, and castles such as Cinco Esquinas or La Yedra are not to be missed.
As you can see, the Sierra de Cazorla is a box of surprises, and although we don't want to reveal them all, we are going to give you a guide so that you can discover this region through its villages.
A first stop could be the capital, Cazorla, a fairly touristy town due to the beauty of its landscape and the large number of services it offers for tourists. Not forgetting La Iruela, which you will surely recognise for its imposing castle, or the Historic-Artistic Site created in the town of Segura de la Sierra. These are just a few of the fine examples of what the Sierra de Cazorla has to offer.
And like any self-respecting visit, you should take the opportunity to enjoy its typical gastronomy. In this case, the recipe book of the Sierra de Cazorla undoubtedly has a star dish: the gachamiga (a delicious wheat flour and bread porridge-like mixture with potatoes), although meat dishes, especially rabbit, are a real local delight here too.
For those with a sweet tooth, there's nothing better than closing your visit with the best taste in your mouth of Cazorla’s traditional rice pudding.
Are you already thinking about when to visit the Sierra de Cazorla?
