Discover Los Villares: Nature, Culture and Gorges

Los Villares showcases its natural side at the Los Cañones del Río Eliche gorge. It stretches for 2 km between Los Villares and Jaén; in some places, its walls rise more than 200 m high. The source of the Río Frío is a spring at an altitude of 1,190 m at the foot of the Sierra de la Pandera, at the place known as Ojos del Moral.

Nature and Trails

The Ruta Natural del Puerto de Navatrillo is a moderately difficult circular route measuring 7.7 km, with an estimated walking time of 3 hours. Via the Llano de los Propios, it provides access to the Cueva del Contadero. The circular route, difficulty level and walking time offer different points of reference for planning the day.

The Ruta Natural de La Sierra begins on the road to Valdepeñas A-6.060, at the access lane to the La Carrasquilla residential development, and ends on the same road at the level of Río Frío. The Ruta Natural del Cerrejón is also a circular route, runs entirely along rural paths and begins at the access lane to the municipal landfill in the area of Los Villares.

The Tajos de la Veleta in Las Cimbras form a viewpoint overlooking Los Cañones. At the source of the Río Frío, there is also a recreational area with tables and benches, suitable for spending time in the countryside.

Culture and History

The present-day Casas Capitulares of Los Villares 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 creation is linked to the town layout established by Juan de Reolid in 1539. Throughout its history, it was the main transport axis of the urban fabric of Los Villares and the town’s commercial centre.

Casa del Vizconde now houses the municipal public library and an exhibition hall. By decree of 28 October 2008, the building was entered in the Catálogo General del Patrimonio Histórico Andaluz under the classification “Monument” as a Bien de Interés Cultural.

The temple of Los Villares was built between 1583 and 1593. The Callejón del Duende is associated with a legend from the late 18th century, according to which a goblin existed in one of the houses in this dead-end street.

Los Cañones del Río Eliche include 16 rock shelters that are classified as Bien de Interés Cultural because of their archaeological remains and rock paintings. The festivities in honour of the patron saint of Los Villares include a procession through the streets of the town centre, cultural activities, sports competitions, dance contests and evening celebrations.

Olive Oil and Crafts

The Centro de Interpretación de Los Villares is part of a regional network of nine oil tourism interpretation centres located in oil mills in the Sierra Sur. The centres address various aspects of olive cultivation, olive oil production, oil quality, varieties, traditions and olive-related heritage. In the Sierra Sur, basket weaving is considered a rich craft tradition.

When searching for a holiday apartment in Los Villares, you can compare travel dates, accommodation category and cancellation conditions side by side on the offer pages. The three fields provide an objective basis for comparing different travel plans and offer conditions before making a booking decision.

Other places: Santisteban Del Puerto, Hinojares, La Carolina, El Parralejo, Pontones, Vilches, Cazalilla, La Iruela

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