Sierra Mágina
An island of rock in the middle of the province, with frontier castles at its feet.
Key points
- Sierra Mágina Nature Park holds the province's highest point: Pico Mágina, at about 2,167 metres.
- Fourteen municipalities with castles, caves and olive-growing villages at the foot of the mountain.
- Its olive oil is protected by the PDO Sierra Mágina.
Sierra Mágina rises in the centre of the province like an island of rock among the olive groves. Its silhouette, snow-capped in some winters, can be seen from almost anywhere in Jaén. At its foot, villages such as Cambil, Huelma, Jódar and Bedmar keep castles, frontier towers and a hearty mountain cuisine.
The nature park
Holm oaks, gall oaks, pine forests and, higher up, mountain scrub with plants found nowhere else. The climb to Pico Mágina from the Cuevas Altas refuge is demanding but not technical, and from the summit you can see Sierra Nevada and Cazorla. Easier options are the walk through El Gargantón or to the Bedmar spring.
Castle villages
- CambilTwo castles, Cambil and Alhabar, facing each other on a crag split by the river.
- HuelmaA castle and a Renaissance church with designs attributed to Diego de Siloé and Vandelvira.
- JódarIts castle houses the park visitor centre.
- PegalajarLa Charca, a large historic irrigation pool next to the village.
- JimenaThe Cueva de los Esoterios, with schematic rock paintings.
When to go
Spring and autumn are ideal for walking. In summer, start early. In winter the summit may be snow-covered: check the forecast and don't go up without the right gear.
What to eat
Kid goat with garlic, lamb, migas, Mágina pickles and, of course, PDO Sierra Mágina olive oil, one of the most highly regarded in Jaén.