Four circular family hiking routes start at Peñolite’s church square; the linear PR-A 189 passes through the olive groves of the Sierra de Segura and connects the hamlet with Arroyo del Ojanco. There are also panoramic views across the Arroyo de Peñolite basin and the surviving remains of a fortified settlement dating from the 12th century. Hiking, landscapes and history thus offer three distinct themes for a stay.
Hiking Trails and Route Types
The four family circular routes start at Peñolite’s church square and follow well-maintained paths and tracks. Surfaces and signage may change; check both before setting out. By contrast, PR-A 189 is a linear hiking trail connecting Arroyo del Ojanco with the hamlet of Peñolite and passing through the olive groves of the Sierra de Segura. This makes the circular routes starting in Peñolite distinct in type from a route connecting two places.
On one family route, Fuente del Barranco Negro is 800 m from the start and about 20 m to the left of the path. It is a drinking-water spring. Check the water quality and availability on site before using its water.
The PR-A 189 route follows paved roads or forest tracks and has little vehicle traffic. Traffic levels and surface conditions may vary. You can reach Cuerda de Lucas via the forest track between Peñolite and Cañada Catena; conditions on the unpaved track may vary.
Landscapes and Ridges
From the surrounding peaks, the Arroyo de Peñolite basin offers panoramic views of the area around the Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Natural Park and the neighboring Parque del Calar Alto in Albacete. The basin also offers west-facing sunsets, with the landscape of Jaén province in the background. Cuerda de Lucas reaches 1,143 m at its highest point.
Fortified Settlement and Churches
Two freestanding towers, remains of walls and a third tower built into the walls of a ruined farmhouse survive from the fortified settlement of Peñolite. The towers are part of a Hispano-Muslim fortified settlement dating from the 12th century. The surviving structures display different forms: two towers stand free, while the third is incorporated into the farmhouse walls.
The Iglesia de San Juan Bautista is a chapel in the Peñolite-Puente de Génave settlement center. The Iglesia de Peñolite features elements of Andalusian regionalism. Alongside the medieval fortification, church architecture thus offers another distinct cultural theme in the area.
Patron Saint Festivals Throughout the Year
The feast of San Antón is celebrated in Peñolite on January 17; San Antón is the town’s second patron saint. The patron saint festival of San Juan takes place on June 24. Sporting, cultural and social activities are organized in the days before and after. The two festival dates therefore fall in January and June, while the San Juan activities extend beyond June 24. Individual events may vary from year to year. If you are planning your trip around San Juan, check that year’s program.
Discover more destinations: Castillo De Locubín, Rus, La Hueta, Ermita Nueva, Escañuela, Lopera, Vilches, Fuensanta De Martos
For the broader travel overview: Jaen.
