Campillo de Arenas: Nature, History and Holiday Apartments

Campillo de Arenas combines nature, history and regional cuisine in distinctive ways. The Sierra de Campillo, also known as the Sierra de Alta Coloma, is a Mediterranean mountain area with geological and plant formations of great value, including holm oaks, oaks, junipers and savin trees.

Nature

At the Desfiladero de Puerta Arenas, there is an educational trail dedicated to local botany. The Área Recreativa de Puerta de Arenas offers birdwatching, a botanical garden, hiking opportunities, a picnic area and a recreational area. The combination of observing nature, physical activity and taking a break provides different options for planning your day.

La Peñuela is a picnic and recreational area near the town centre, with a viewpoint, shaded areas and a water spring. The Sierra de Campillo can be reached by off-road vehicle, bicycle or on foot via the JV-2.228, as well as via agricultural and forestry tracks that lead directly out of the town.

Culture

On Cerro del Castillo stands a rock fortress of Arab origin that belonged to the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada for many centuries, until it was conquered by the Catholic Monarchs in 1486. Construction of the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación began at the end of the 16th century on the site of a small chapel dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament.

The Ermita de Santa Lucía was built in 1858 after believers had collected donations for several years. Travellers stopped at an image near the old tunnel to pray. The chapel has a richly decorated wooden ceiling, a main altar with an image of the saint, flooring and a dado made of high-quality materials, as well as two wrought-iron lamps.

Campillo de Arenas's main patron-saint festivities take place on the second weekend of August in honour of the Virgen de la Cabeza and include staged battles between Moors and Christians. These festivities include the Campanilleros, who on Saturday night sing the traditional “coplas de la Aurora” with bells, guitars and bandurrias and invite people to take part in the Holy Rosary.

Cuisine

The traditional cuisine of Campillo de Arenas includes chickpea stew with bacon and other pork ingredients, “ardoría” gazpacho made with olive oil, garlic, salt, vinegar and breadcrumbs, as well as a stew of white beans, chickpeas and cod, traditionally served during Holy Week.

Campillo de Arenas has a strong tradition of producing pork products, including various types of chorizo, especially one made with mutton or goat meat, blood sausages, longanizas, known there as salchichas, and lomo, which is usually prepared with garlic.

When comparing a holiday apartment in Campillo de Arenas, you can view travel dates, room category and cancellation policies side by side on the offer pages. You decide which of these details to prioritise for your stay and the order in which to check them.

Other places

Other places to choose from: Virgen De La Cabeza, Huesa, Los Villares, Arbuniel, Santisteban Del Puerto, Hornos, Porcuna, Mancha Real

For the higher-level travel overview: Jaen.