Sierra Magina was declared Natural Park in 1989 and it is a natural place of great beauty that can become the ideal rural weekend getaway in Jaén. We will be surprised by the towns full of fortifications that tell us about a past like the Nasrid Route, but it is also a unique and protected natural environment.
La visit to Sierra Magina It will allow us to discover a place that is much more than olive groves, a rugged natural space in the mountains and with small towns in the most habitable places. A real discovery that covers several municipalities and offers great experiences to enjoy with family or friends.
How to get to Sierra Mágina
El Sierra Magina massif it rises over the countryside of Jaén, full of olive trees and small towns. It can be reached from the city of Jaén, since it is only 50 kilometers away. Already in the park we find a large area in which we will have to orient ourselves depending on what we want to see. It is better to think about everything that we want to visit, from the villages to the natural spaces, and make an orderly route.
Hiking and cycling in Sierra Mágina
One of the main activities that we can do in Sierra Mágina consists of enjoy its natural spaces, either on foot or by bicycle. There are already signposted routes and some places not to be missed for their great value and beauty. If we do not want to complicate ourselves too much, there are some companies that have a European Charter for Sustainable Tourism and that carry out organized activities in the area. However, there are some places that can be of great interest to see for ourselves:
Path of the Cherry Blossoms of Torres
In the town of Torres there is a wonderful microclimate that favors the growth of a large number of cherry trees that populate the valley. In the spring, in the short period in which they bloom, this area becomes a sight to see, comparable to Japanese prints. There is a route that goes to him Fuenmayor spring and that passes through the Zurreón waterfall.
Pinar de Cánava in Jimena
La Cánava hermitage in Jimena It is the starting point for the route through the beautiful and wide pine forest. It has Aleppo pine and has been declared a Natural Monument by the Junta de Andalucía. The route goes up to the massif and in it you can visit the Cueva de la Graja with Neolithic paintings.
Miramundos refuge
This place offers one of the best views of the mountains. Is in the Pico Magina route, one of the highest and most complicated, only for the most lovers of the mountains and hiking. There are several trails from which you start, although one of the most popular is that of Bélmez de la Moraleda.
Square of Pictures in Bedmar
Located a few kilometers from the town of Bedmar is this place, which has one of the most extensive oleander forests in all of Europe. In this area is the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Cuadros, next to an XNUMXth century tower.
Get to know the towns of Sierra Mágina
In the Sierra Mágina it is possible to find many towns, quiet and small, but they are points that have historically been very important in the Route of the Nasrid, a place of passage in the conquest of the Arabs. Today we find very cozy and relaxing places to make a stop on the hiking trails. In these towns you can visit old churches, such as the Renaissance church of Huelma.
Similarly, it is possible to do the great route of the castles, because we must not forget that this was a strategic place in Arab times, so that all towns have castles or very old defensive fortifications. Cambil Castle dates from the XNUMXth century, from the time of the Nasrids and close to it are the Alhabar Castle, from the same century. The Castle of Jódar is considered the oldest castle in Andalusia and has become a Historical Monument. Inside is the Reception and Interpretation Center of the natural park of Sierra Mágina. Bedmar Castle is located in an elevated area and has spectacular views. The Castle of Albanchez de Mágina is also in a steep area that can be reached by climbing a large number of steps.
Oil cultivation in Jaén
The cultivation of oil is an important part of the activity in the province. If we want to know more about the cultivation of oil, we can visit the Regulatory Council of the denomination of origin of Sierra Mágina in Bedmar. You can know the details of the production and also take interesting guided tours.