Sierra Morena: A peaceful escape in nature

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.

Sierra de Andújar: The realm of the lynx and wild nature

In the heart of Sierra Morena, Sierra de Andújar is renowned as the world's greatest refuge for the Iberian lynx, the most endangered feline on the planet, which found a lifeline against extinction among these wooded pastures and granite outcrops. This remarkable wilderness is one of the few places in Europe where the “Big Four” of Iberian wildlife coexist: the lynx, the wolf, the Spanish imperial eagle and the cinereous vulture.

Beyond its rich wildlife, the park is home to a unique cultural and inland heritage:

• El Cerro del Cabezo: At the top of the mountains stands its famous sanctuary, home to the Romería de la Virgen de la Cabeza, considered the oldest pilgrimage in Spain, dating back to the 13th century.

• Natural spectacles: Autumn brings the deafening roar of the red deer rut, followed at the end of winter by antler shedding, when the males shed their enormous antlers.

• Starlight skies: Its distance from major urban centres has earned it international Starlight certification as one of the best natural sites for astronomical observation on the Iberian Peninsula.

What do we recommend?

Make the most of your visit by combining wildlife, views and food with ease:

• Wildlife watching at dawn: Head to the Río Jándula gorge or the canal road early in the morning with binoculars or a spotting scope. The first hours of daylight are the best time to see the lynx and the Spanish imperial eagle on the move.

• A peaceful visit to the sanctuary: Climb Cerro del Cabezo on a weekday to enjoy the panoramic views of Sierra Morena and the sanctuary's architecture in complete silence, without the crowds that gather on public holidays.

• Mountain cuisine: Stop at a local inn to sample traditional mountain cooking, especially game such as venison or wild boar with garlic, prepared with local extra virgin olive oil.

Jaén is one of Andalusia's best-kept secrets. Set in the heart of inland Andalusia and surrounded by a sea of olive groves that stretches to the horizon, the world capital of olive oil blends Renaissance architecture, a rich Moorish legacy and honest, flavour-packed cooking. It's a place to slow down, far from the busy coastal resorts.

It suits couples looking for a cultural break just as well as families who enjoy history and the outdoors: mornings exploring monuments, long lunches with local olive oil, and sunsets over the olive groves from the hilltop castle.

Make sure you visit:

Start in the old town at Jaén Cathedral, one of the great works of the Spanish Renaissance, whose façade and vast interior are equally impressive. A short walk away, the Palacio de Villardompardo hides the Arab Baths in its basement. Dating from the 11th century, they are among the best preserved in Spain, and the palace also houses two small museums of folk art and naïve art.

Once you've explored the centre, wander through the Magdalena quarter, the oldest part of the city, before heading up to Santa Catalina Castle. Built on the site of an old Moorish fortress, it looks out over the city and endless olive groves, and it's at its best in the late afternoon light.

Family-friendly activities:

A family day in Jaén can easily revolve around olive oil. Many mills in the surrounding countryside offer guided visits where children can see how olives become "liquid gold", followed by a tasting for everyone. Back in town, the castle walls and viewpoints make a fun climb for younger explorers.

If your family loves the outdoors, the countryside around the city has easy walking trails among the olive trees, perfect for a picnic. In the evening, the squares of the old town fill with local families out for a stroll.

Local delicacies you have to try:

In Jaén, extra virgin olive oil is the star of almost every dish. In summer, order a pipirrana, a refreshing chopped salad of tomato and pepper, while in the colder months the hearty andrajos, a traditional stew with pieces of flatbread, often made with rabbit or salt cod, is pure comfort food.

For a relaxed evening, join the locals hopping between tapas bars in the old town, and before you leave pick up some ochíos, soft olive oil buns topped with paprika, a classic of the province.

Make the most of your visit:

Jaén is a great base for exploring the province, with Renaissance towns, mountains and one of Spain's most famous monuments within easy reach. These are our favourite day trips:

• Baeza (40 minutes): a UNESCO World Heritage town with a quiet, intimate atmosphere.
• Úbeda (45 minutes): Baeza's twin, packed with Renaissance palaces and squares.
• Sierra de Andújar Natural Park (1 hour): one of the best places in Spain to spot the Iberian lynx.
• Granada (1 hour): home to the iconic Alhambra.