Discover Pegalajar: Nature, Trails and Cultural Heritage

Pegalajar extends into the protected Parque Natural de Sierra Mágina, where the protected area covers approximately 719 hectares. The self-guided and well-signposted Sendero de la Serrezuela is a circular route of approximately 7 kilometres that can be started in the centre of Pegalajar or at the Área Recreativa Siete Pilillas.

When choosing a holiday apartment in Pegalajar, you can compare travel dates, room categories and cancellation policies on accommodation listing pages. Which details you prioritise depends on your own travel plans; nature, culture and olive oil provide different thematic points of reference for planning.

Nature and Trails

The information boards along the Sendero de la Serrezuela cover the flora, fauna and geology of the Sierra. The Sendero del Hoyo de la Sierra passes through Mediterranean vegetation; griffon vultures, eagle owls and Iberian ibex can be observed along the route.

The Serrezuela de Pegalajar is a Mediterranean mountain with Aleppo pines originating from reforestation, naturally regenerating holm oaks and aromatic plants such as rosemary, lavender and thyme. The Sendero de la Huerta de Pegalajar is a circular route of just under 2.5 kilometres that begins at La Charca and passes through the Huerta de Pegalajar. The distances of approximately 7 and just under 2.5 kilometres provide two different points of comparison for planning your day.

Water and Cultural Landscape

The Huerta de Pegalajar is a traditional irrigation area of approximately 200 hectares south of the town, laid out on terraces. The Sistemas de charcal-huerta de Pegalajar dates back to the Muslim medieval period and combines water storage, irrigation and traditional gardens on masonry terraces.

The Sistemas de charcal-huerta de Pegalajar is classified as a Lugar de Interés Etnológico and included in the General Catalogue of Andalusian Historical Heritage; the Huerta de Pegalajar is also listed there as a Lugar de Interés Etnológico. La Charca is a reservoir that has collected the water from the Fuente de la Reja spring since the Middle Ages.

Siete Pilillas is a recreational area 2 kilometres from Pegalajar, where the Club Parapente Pegalajar is active; access is via the road towards Mancha Real. In addition to free flying, the Club Parapente Pegalajar promotes training programmes and events.

History and Culture

The Iglesia de Santa Cruz was built in the final decades of the 16th century and the beginning of the 17th century by the architect Alonso Barba. Its two portals are designed in the Mannerist style; the tower of the former fortress was used for the bell tower.

The Arco de la Encarnación is a pointed arch with three coats of arms and an inscription, and was part of the enclosure of the Castillo de la Peñuela. The Torre de la Cabeza is a cylindrical masonry watchtower that served for surveillance and communication.

The Torre de la Cabeza belonged to a group of towers running from north to south through the province and is said to have been built between 1462 and 1470 by Miguel Lucas de Iranzo. Since 1969, the Peña Flamenca de Pegalajar has organised the Festival de Arte Flamenco de Pegalajar.

The Centro de Interpretación de la Caminería de La Cerradura in Pegalajar (Jaén) displays an extensive collection of landmarks used by travellers on Spain’s roads; it is supplemented by information boards on the history of the roads and the development of transport links in the region.

Other places: Castillo De Locubín, Quesada, Aldeaquemada, Friar, Mancha Real, Torre Del Campo, Garcíez, La Carrasca.

Climbing and Olive Oil

The Peña de los Buitres cliff face is used for traditional climbing and long routes; bouldering is also practised on nearby limestone blocks.

The Finca Ecológica la Casona de Puerto Alto offers an olive oil tasting during which the organoleptic properties and composition of a good extra virgin olive oil are explained. The Aceites-Melgarejo experience ends with an olive oil tasting combined with Melgarejo products and local appetisers.

From the A-44, the road journey to Pegalajar is via exit 50, followed by approximately 4 kilometres on the JA-3241.

To the higher-level travel overview: Jaen.