Los Villares: Natural Attractions and Local History

If natural attractions and local history shape your travel decisions, Los Villares offers specific points of interest for both. The Cañones del Río Eliche, the source of the Río Frío and several described circular routes sit alongside historic buildings and cultural traditions. When planning your trip, it is worth considering each place and route according to your preferred focus.

Gorge, spring and viewpoint

Los Cañones del Río Eliche stretch for two kilometres between Los Villares and Jaén. At some points, the rock walls are more than 200 metres high. The gorge includes 16 rock shelters, which are classified as Bien de Interés Cultural because of their archaeological remains and rock paintings. At Las Cimbras, the Tajos de la Veleta form a viewpoint overlooking Los Cañones.

The Río Frío rises at the foot of the Sierra de la Pandera, at an altitude of 1,190 metres, in a place known as Ojos del Moral. There is also a recreation area with tables and benches, suitable for spending time outdoors. If you plan to stop there, check the condition of the facilities before your visit.

Circular routes with different landmarks

The Ruta Natural del Puerto de Navatrillo is a circular route of moderate difficulty. It is 7.7 kilometres long, with an estimated walking time of three hours. Via the Llano de los Propios, the route provides access to the Cueva del Contadero. As trail conditions can change, check them before setting out.

The Ruta Natural del Cerrejón is also a circular route; it runs entirely along rural tracks. Its starting point is on the access track to the municipal landfill in the area of Los Villares. The Ruta Natural de La Sierra begins on the road to Valdepeñas, A-6.060, at the access track to the La Carrasquilla residential development, and ends on the same road at the Río Frío. When planning, you can therefore take into account the explicitly stated distance and walking time for the Navatrillo route, as well as the routes and landmarks of the other two trails.

Historic streets and buildings

The present-day Casas Capitulares were built between 1773 and 1775 and inaugurated in 1775. Calle Arroyo runs along 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 history, the street was the main thoroughfare of the town and the commercial centre of Los Villares.

Casa del Vizconde was listed as a monument in the Catálogo General del Patrimonio Histórico Andaluz by decree dated 28 October 2008. Today, the building houses the municipal public library and an exhibition hall. The construction dates of the temple of Los Villares are also documented: it was built between 1583 and 1593.

Legends, feast days and olive culture

A legend dating from the late 18th century is associated with the Callejón del Duende. According to the story, a goblin lived in one of the houses in this alley. Feast days in honour of the patron saint include a procession through the streets of the town centre, cultural activities, sports and dance competitions, and evening celebrations. Dates and programmes may vary.

The Centro de Interpretación de Los Villares is part of a regional network of nine olive-tourism interpretation centres in olive mills across the Sierra Sur. The network covers various aspects of olive growing, olive oil production and quality, varieties, traditions and olive-related heritage. Visits to the centre must be arranged in advance. Basket weaving is also considered a rich craft tradition in the Sierra Sur.

Discover more destinations: Cabra Del Santo Cristo, Pegalajar, La Puerta De Segura, Santiago De Calatrava, Andújar, Alcaudete, Castellar, Tíscar.

For the overview of the wider region: Jaen.