Noalejo: Nature, Routes and Heritage

When planning a stay in Noalejo, you can focus on nature, hiking and cultural interests. If you are looking for hotels in Noalejo, it helps to decide first which of these aspects of the destination interests you most. The municipality’s elongated area extends across the border between the provinces of Jaén and Granada. The A-44 runs through Noalejo and is an important transport link between Jaén and Granada.

Landscape, wildlife and routes

The Paraje de Navalcán is a karst depression with cliffs, caves and watercourses. The landscape there also includes Mediterranean flora and fauna. The dehesa valleys of Navalta and Navalconejo are surrounded by holm oak and pine forests. In autumn, mushroom pickers visit both areas to gather the inkcaps found there.

At the summit of the Sierra de Alta Coloma is a large sinkhole formed by underground cavities and the collapse of the terrain. The sierra also has caves with small bat populations. A small population of Montpellier maples grows in the Cañada del Toril; the species is classified as endangered in the Red Book. Herds of mouflon can be spotted on the slopes of the La Piedra Granaina mountain formation, which includes the rock outcrops of El Porrón and Los Castillejos. The Sierra del Trigo is an important mountain pass with wide panoramic views of the surrounding ranges.

For hiking, the Ruta del Santo Custodio is one way to experience both the landscape and popular religious devotion: it leads to the Cueva del Santo Custodio, a place closely connected to Noalejo’s religious tradition. The route offers panoramic views of the surrounding sierras and the landscape shaped by olive groves. Another named hiking route starting from Navalcán is called Navalcán–Los Castillejos–Pinturas rupestres.

Cycling routes are another part of the picture: Noalejo–Hoya del Salobral–Noalejo is a signposted mountain bike route. On the C1 Valdepeñas de Jaén–Noalejo–Campillo de Arenas cycling route, the route reaches Noalejo after about 5.3 km from Navalcán. The area around Plaza de España is a convenient place on this route to restock supplies and adjust your route.

Church, history and crafts

The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción has a single nave, a rectangular floor plan and a Mudéjar style. It was built between 1570 and 1575. The church houses a painting of the Virgen de Belén, Noalejo’s patron saint, and a 16th-century copy of the Shroud of Turin. At the Torre de la Atalaya del Rey Gallarín, the circular floor plan of the medieval watchtower is still visible.

The Centro de Interpretación de “La Santería” explains the life and work of Custodio Pérez Aranda. If you are planning a visit, check access before your trip. Creative handmade ceramics are displayed in the lower rooms of the Mirador de la Puerta Nueva. In La Platera, special attention is given to the bobbin lace of Gregoria Berjaga.

Festivals and local cuisine

The Fiestas Patronales de la Virgen de Belén usually take place over six days on the third weekend of August; the exact dates vary from year to year. During the festivities, the procession of the Virgen de Belén travels for four hours along Calle Real to her hermitage. Some programme details may vary.

San Antón is also still celebrated: bonfires are lit and songs are sung, while homemade chorizos and morcillas are grilled over the embers. Local dishes include Cachorreñas noalejeñas, a hot soup made with water, vinegar, olive oil, garlic, salt, ground pepper and toasted bread. Alongside routes and landscapes, you can also plan your trip around festival traditions and regional food.

Discover more destinations: Huelma, El Parralejo, Friar, Andújar, Alcalá La Real, Iznatoraf, Chilluévar, Escañuela.

For an overview of the wider area: Jaen.