Discover Arbuniel: Water, Nature and Culture

Arbuniel lies on a plateau more than 900 metres above sea level; broad, straight streets define the townscape. Near the town centre of Arbuniel (Cambil) lies the Nacimiento del río Arbuniel, also known as El Nacimiento del Agua: the spring is located at the foot of Monte Torre de Gallarín and within the Sierra Mágina region.

Nature

At the Nacimiento del río Arbuniel, there is a picnic area with barbecue facilities, benches, tables, litter bins, a small bar and a children's playground. Ducks, crayfish and numerous trout can be seen in the watercourse. For planning purposes, nature observation and time by the water can be considered a separate focus alongside culture, routes and olive farming.

Culture and History

The Iglesia de San Juan Bautista in Arbuniel was completed on 28 September 1895. The Lavadero del Nacimiento is the first of four surviving washhouses in Arbuniel. Arbuniel's patron saint festivities take place in May in honour of Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno.

The Central Hidroeléctrica de S. Cayetano, also known as Sacromonte Alto, was built in 1922 and, after being converted into a flour mill, is still almost operational and well preserved. Around the Central Hidroeléctrica de S. Cayetano, water pipes, canals, sluice gates and the large red-painted pipeline from the former hydroelectric system can be seen.

Waterways and Landscape

The “Arbuniel a través del agua” walking tour presents the history of Arbuniel and the continuing importance of water to local life. The “Los Tesoros de Arbuniel” route begins at the Ermita de Arbuniel and follows an old sunken lane through gardens and olive groves to the Cortijo and livestock shelter of El Torcal. Along this route, distinctive travertine formations of the Torcal rise up.

The two offerings differ in their thematic focus. “Arbuniel a través del agua” concentrates on the history of the town and the importance of water in local life. “Los Tesoros de Arbuniel”, by contrast, leads through gardens and olive groves to the Cortijo and livestock shelter of El Torcal, along whose route the distinctive travertine formations are located. Water, local history, garden and olive landscapes, and the formations of the Torcal therefore stand alongside one another as distinct aspects.

Olives and Farming

The El Trueno olive farm in Arbuniel organises visits during which its organic olive production model is explained. Olimágina offers groups an ecotourism experience focused on the olive landscape, the origin of the oil and the values of this cultivation method in the province of Jaén.

Further Destinations

Other places that you can access from this page include Pilas de Fuente Soto, Jaén, Huesa, Orcera, Fuensanta De Martos, Torres, La Iruela and Lopera.

Information

The Cambil and Arbuniel Tourist Office provides information on historical heritage and attractions, as well as accommodation, guided tours, restaurants, transport, events, activities and routes.

For the higher-level travel overview: Jaen.