Nature parks and green spaces

More than a fifth of the province is protected as nature park. From high mountain pine forest to holm-oak wood pasture, Jaén's natural areas shelter unique species such as the Iberian lynx, the Cazorla violet and the Spanish imperial eagle, and offer hundreds of kilometres of waymarked trails.

Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas

A Biosphere Reserve since 1983, it is Andalusia's great park. The Guadalquivir and the Segura both rise here. The most visited spots: the Río Borosa trail, the source of the Guadalquivir, the Tranco reservoir, the Cerrada del Utrero and the viewpoints along the Tranco road. Red deer, fallow deer, wild boar and ibex are easy to see.

Full guides: Sierra de Cazorla, Sierra de Segura and Las Villas.

Sierra de Andújar

Holm and cork oak wood pasture, granite and clean rivers. It is a stronghold of the Iberian lynx and the imperial eagle, and in autumn you can hear the deer rut. The Virgen de la Cabeza sanctuary stands inside the park.

Despeñaperros

The smallest and most historic park: the gorge through which you enter Andalusia. Quartzite walls, viewpoints such as the Salto del Fraile, rock paintings and the Despeñaperros river. More about Sierra Morena.

Sierra Mágina

A limestone massif with the province's highest peaks, above 2,100 metres. Holm oak and pine forests and high mountain plants found nowhere else. Sierra Mágina guide.

Other natural areas and green spaces

• Cimbarra waterfallA protected natural site in Aldeaquemada, with a waterfall on the Guarrizas river.
• Laguna GrandeA natural site near Baeza, among olive groves, with water birds and an olive oil museum nearby.
• Upper GuadalquivirA natural site along the river and its riverside woods between Cazorla and Úbeda.
• Urban forest and Parque de la VictoriaGreen spaces in Jaén city for a shady walk.
• Olive Oil GreenwayA former railway line turned into a cycling and walking route through the olive groves.