Sierra Morena: Nature and a historic Parador

Hospedium GL Parador Virgen de la Cabeza, Nature, Tranquillity and Unforgettable Views

Discover a historic hotel in the heart of the Sierra de Andújar. Housed in a beautifully restored former National Parador, this charming retreat offers just 18 rooms, creating an intimate and peaceful atmosphere that's perfect for unwinding.

Located beside the Sanctuary of the Virgen de la Cabeza, on Cerro del Cabezo and around 33 kilometres from Andújar, the hotel enjoys breathtaking views over the natural park and is within easy reach of attractions such as the sanctuary and the Museo Mariano.

The hotel offers a restaurant, an outdoor terrace, a meeting room, a lift and free parking. Its bright, outward-facing rooms feature a private bathroom, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and a TV, ensuring a comfortable stay surrounded by nature.

With its peaceful atmosphere, spectacular natural surroundings and warm hospitality, it's the perfect choice for anyone looking to relax, reconnect with nature and enjoy a unique escape in the province of Jaén.

Book your stay and experience one of Jaén's most spectacular landscapes.

In the heart of Sierra Morena, northwest of Jaén, the Sierra de Andújar Natural Park protects one of the largest patches of Mediterranean forest on the peninsula: almost 75,000 hectares of holm oaks, cork oaks, dehesas and rivers that span the municipalities of Andújar, Baños de la Encina, Villanueva de la Reina and Marmolejo. Here lives the largest population of Iberian lynx in the world, and that says it all. It’s a destination for those seeking real nature, silence, unhurried roads and villages with history, perfect for families craving gentle adventure, couples looking to unwind, and photography and wildlife enthusiasts.

What to visit?

The park’s emblem is the Sanctuary of the Virgin of the Cabeza, perched on Cerro del Cabezo and reachable by a winding road that crosses the best of the sierra; along the way, the Mirador del Peregrino and the Piedra que Habla are must-stop sights. Below, the Encinarejo reservoir and the Jándula river form the park’s most photographed landscape, with its riparian forest and deer coming down to drink. To understand what you’re seeing, it’s worth starting at the Viñas de Peñallana visitor centre, and if you enjoy heritage, the village of Baños de la Encina houses the Burgalimar castle, a 10th-century Umayyad fortress and one of the best-preserved in Al-Andalus.

What to do?

First, wildlife watching: with binoculars and patience —or on a guided 4x4 tour with local operators— you can see Iberian lynx, deer, fallow deer, otters, imperial eagles and black vultures, especially at dawn and dusk. For walking, the Jabalí-Encinarejo trail is the most accessible and family-friendly, following the Jándula to the reservoir, while the 22-kilometre Camino Viejo links Andújar with the sanctuary on foot or horseback. In autumn the stags’ rut arrives, a spectacular soundscape that fills the sierra with visitors; in summer, the Encinarejo picnic area invites swimming and shaded picnics. And at night, with a sky free of light pollution, you only need to look up.

What to eat?

The sierra’s larder comes from the mountains and the olive grove. The star product is game meat —venison, wild boar, partridge— stewed, grilled or as pâté, always accompanied by a good extra virgin olive oil from Jaén. The table also features lomo de orza, migas serranas, Jaén-style pipirrana and andrajos, a humble, hearty rabbit stew. To finish, homemade sweets such as pestiños and fried roscos.

Nearby excursions

At the feet of the park, Andújar deserves a stroll through its historic centre: the Clock Tower, the Roman Bridge and the church of Santa María la Mayor, which safeguards The Agony in the Garden by El Greco. And if you fancy a change of scene in Córdoba is less than an hour by motorway, just enough for a day at the Mosque-Cathedral, the Jewish Quarter and the patios.