Los Villares offers two distinct perspectives: trails through the landscape and a local history that can be traced through its streets and buildings. When planning, it is worth taking a closer look at the routes: they differ in length, estimated walking time, course, and the explicitly stated starting and finishing points. The historic sites offer a separate way to explore the history of the town.

Routes with Different Highlights

The Ruta Natural del Puerto de Navatrillo is a 7.7-kilometre circular route of moderate difficulty, with an estimated walking time of three hours. Via the Llano de los Propios, the route provides access to the Cueva del Contadero. This gives you both specific distance and time information, as well as a named destination along the way. As route conditions can change, it is best to check them before setting off.

The Ruta Natural del Cerrejón is also a circular route, but runs entirely along rural tracks. Its starting point is on the access track to the municipal landfill in the town of Los Villares. The Ruta Natural de La Sierra has different reference points: it begins on the road to Valdepeñas, the A-6.060, at the access track to the Urbanización La Carrasquilla, and ends on the same road at Río Frío. These details help distinguish the routes by their respective courses.

Landscape Along the Río Eliche and Río Frío

Los Cañones del Río Eliche stretch for two kilometres between Los Villares and Jaén. In some places, the rock walls rise more than 200 metres. At Las Cimbras, the Tajos de la Veleta form a viewpoint overlooking the Cañones. The course of the gorge and this specifically named viewpoint are two distinct features of the landscape.

The Río Frío rises at an altitude of 1,190 metres, at the foot of the Sierra de la Pandera, at the site known as Ojos del Moral. There is a recreation area at the source, with tables and benches for spending time outdoors. If these facilities are important to your plans, check the current condition of the area in advance.

The Cañones are also of archaeological significance: they include 16 rock shelters with archaeological remains and rock paintings. They are classified as a Bien de Interés Cultural.

Streets and Buildings as Traces of the Past

Calle Arroyo follows the historic royal road between Jaén and Alcalá la Real. Its origins are linked to the town plan laid out by Juan de Reolid in 1539. Throughout its history, Calle Arroyo was the main thoroughfare in the town’s layout and the commercial centre of Los Villares. The street thus brings together several historical aspects: its route, its role in the town, and its connection to the town plan.

The present-day Casas Capitulares were built between 1773 and 1775 and inaugurated in 1775. The temple of Los Villares was built between 1583 and 1593. Casa del Vizconde now houses the municipal public library and an exhibition hall; as institutional uses can change, it is worth checking the latest information if you are planning a specific visit.

By decree of 28 October 2008, Casa del Vizconde was entered in the Catálogo General del Patrimonio Histórico Andaluz as a Bien de Interés Cultural, classified as a Monument. Another cultural theme is associated with Callejón del Duende: according to a legend dating from the late 18th century, a goblin is said to have lived in one of the houses on this cul-de-sac. The story belongs to local folklore and is passed down as a legend.

Olive Culture and Planning Your Stay

The Centro de Interpretación de Los Villares is part of a regional network of nine olive-oil tourism interpretation centres located in olive oil mills in the Sierra Sur. The network covers various aspects of olive cultivation and oil production, oil quality and varieties, as well as traditions and heritage related to olives. Visits to the centre must be arranged in advance.

When planning your trip, you can first decide whether to focus on a route with a stated walking time, on landscapes and viewpoints, or on the streets and buildings of Los Villares. The specific route details offer a different kind of guidance from the historical dates and cultural themes. When looking for a hotel in Los Villares, you can use this focus as a starting point for your plans.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Escañuela, Quesada, Miller, Bailén, Garcíez, Rus, Canena, Martos.

For the main travel overview: Jaen.