A walking route starts in La Matea, La Despensa del Berral brings together regional produce and tastings, and the historical “Grandes Encierros Tradicionales” offer a distinctive cultural connection. A transhumance route also led from La Matea to another municipality. With the El Muso and El Berral recreational areas, as well as Pino Galapán in the wider region, there are different ways to shape your stay: enjoy the outdoors, discover regional products, or explore history and livestock farming. This lets you plan your trip around the themes that interest you most.

Walking Trails and Nature near La Matea

The “La Matea – Castellón de La Nogueras – Fuente del Berral” walking route starts in La Matea. On the La Matea hill, it passes through a holm oak forest. The El Muso recreational area can be reached via the J-9005; after passing through La Matea, it is on the left. The Río Muso runs through the area. The Fuente del Berral spring rises in the El Berral recreational area.

If you want to plan a walk along a named route, starting in La Matea gives you a clear point of departure. At El Muso, the recreational area’s connection to the river takes centre stage; El Berral offers another natural attraction with its spring. Access conditions at El Muso and conditions on the walking route may change. Check them before your visit.

Regional Products and Tastings

La Despensa del Berral is a shop and tasting venue for gourmet products in the village of La Matea. Its range of products from the Sierras includes ham and pork loin, oils, wines, cheeses, pâtés, various cured meats, liqueurs, honey and jams. Tastings are complemented by a variety of regional products.

A visit to the ham and pork loin curing and drying facility is also part of the La Despensa del Berral experience. Visitors learn about the traditional curing process. This provides a tangible connection between the culinary theme and how the products are made. Check visit and booking arrangements before you travel.

Historical Events and Livestock Farming

The “Grandes Encierros Tradicionales” are historical events that took place in La Matea. They were held on 29 and 30 June. On both days, the programme began at 1 pm, followed by the release of fighting bulls at 6 pm. These details refer to historical events. Please check before travelling whether a current programme is scheduled.

Another cultural connection is transhumance: it led from La Matea, in the municipality of Santiago-Pontones, to El Porrosillo in Arquillos. This practice is linked to the extensive livestock farming that is important to the Santiago-Pontones area and the Sierra de Segura. The area’s heritage therefore includes an agricultural tradition as well as historical events.

Pino Galapán in the Wider Region

The route to Pino Galapán continues through La Matea towards Don Domingo in the wider region. From there, a signposted forest track leads to the attraction. Pino Galapán is over 400 years old, 39 metres tall and considered one of the giants of Spain’s forests. Road and trail conditions may change with the seasons; check them before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Marmolejo, Fuensanta De Martos, Tíscar, Baeza, Pilas de Fuente Soto, Sabiote, Arbuniel, Vilches.

For the full travel overview: Jaen.