8TH WORLD SUMMIT OF TRAVEL AGENTS ASSOCIATIONS

Jaén is a welcoming city that offers visitors an endless range of monumental, cultural, gastronomic, and natural attractions to enjoy at a relaxed pace throughout the year. All of these are incentives to discover the city as a tourist destination and reasons to return.

MONUMENTAL HERITAGE

The capital boasts a monumental heritage, the legacy of the many civilizations that once inhabited our land. We highlight the three must-visit monuments: the Holy Cathedral Church, a Renaissance gem in Andalusia that houses the relic of the Holy Face; the Castle of Santa Catalina, a majestic icon of the city and a landmark in a land of frontier; and the Cultural Center of the Arab Baths, home to the largest and best-preserved baths in Spain.

You cannot miss a visit to the Jaén Museum and the Iberian Museum, which together hold the most important collection of Iberian sculptures on the peninsula. The city invites you to stroll and explore its charming corners and neighborhoods:

  • The Jewish Quarter, perfect for wandering through its maze-like streets.

  • San Ildefonso, the second enclosure of the old city wall, home to the Basilica of San Ildefonso, the second largest church after the cathedral and guardian of the city's co-patron saint.

  • La Magdalena, the Roman and Muslim heart of Jaén, where a visit to the Raudal de la Magdalena is a must — the birthplace of the legend of the Lizard of La Malena.

  • The Church of La Magdalena, the oldest in the city, formerly a mosque, still preserving the minaret, the Ablution Courtyard, and the Almond Grove with its murals.

GASTRONOMY

Our gastronomy is a blend of tradition and modernity, creating a cuisine that offers incredible moments to share and savor bite by bite.

Tapa culture is a ritual. Tapas are a hallmark of the capital. The best way to enjoy this miniature cuisine is to go bar-hopping around the Cathedral area, the San Ildefonso neighborhood, among others, and immerse yourself in the essence of our lifestyle.

The taverns, bars, and restaurants we recommend to our friends have been awarded the "Solete" distinction by the Repsol Guide. Touring them all during your stay is an experience that will lead you to curious stories, such as a ham being kept in a display case for over 100 years, like a museum mummy.

Many of the city's restaurants offer dishes that verge on excellence thanks to their commitment to innovation and their exquisite treatment of local products. It is worth noting that many have been recognized by the world’s most prestigious gastronomic guides. Four Michelin Stars, several mentions, and numerous Repsol Suns have elevated Jaén’s cuisine to new heights.

The proximity of the Michelin-starred restaurants — Bagá, Dama Juana, Radis, and Malak — in the San Ildefonso neighborhood makes Jaén the city with the most Michelin Stars per square meter in the world.

Outside the old town, the most popular and beloved bars and restaurants among locals are located around Plaza de las Batallas and Paseo de la Estación, along with Plaza de las Pastiras.

Late afternoon and evening bring a special charm to the city’s most iconic squares: Plaza del Pósito, Deán Mazas, and Constitución, as well as La Carrera, considered the most photogenic street in Jaén.

EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL

Extra virgin olive oil is the hallmark of both the capital and the province, with a landscape dominated by the geometric lines of endless olive groves. A sea of olive trees — 68 million trees — makes us the world capital of olive oil. The vast majority of Jaén's olives are used for oil production, with the dominant variety being Picual. It coexists with a native olive variety called Cornezuelo, a gourmet delicacy that is essential in tapas culture.

Early harvest oils are featured at breakfast, in salads, and in many favorite dishes, offering you the chance to learn how to pair them. There are many establishments where you can purchase oils from the capital, and you can visit the Cooperativa Ciudad de Jaén (AOVE Xave) as well as specialized shops where you’ll find the full range of oils from brands like Supremo and La Casería de Jesús. Don’t miss a visit to the local markets either, such as San Francisco Market in the heart of the old town. In this area, you’ll also find gourmet tastings at shops like Paraíso Virgen Extra.

FESTIVALS

The city has a calendar of festivals and events that span all seasons of the year. Stepping outside and enjoying the open, communal atmosphere sets us apart and makes visitors feel like true locals.

Here are some of the most representative festivals:

  • San Antón Festival and International Urban Race, in January. Bonfires and a night race with over 10,000 runners and a torch-lit route have earned it the designation of National Tourist Interest Event.

  • Holy Week, in spring. Known for the artistic richness of its sculptures, the solemnity of its processions, and the fervor and devotion of locals who take to the streets to reconnect with tradition.

  • The Virgin of the Chapel Festival, in June, and the San Lucas Fair, in October, the "small" and "big" festivals of Jaén, respectively. Days to enjoy traditions, music, fairground booths, cultural activities, and, above all, the great atmosphere.

  • Autumn Festival, when the capital hosts some of the most sought-after opera, classical music, dance, and theater performances. A wide variety of events for the whole family.

  • Santa Catalina Pilgrimage, on November 25th. A pilgrimage up to the hilltop of Santa Catalina to honor the city's co-patron saint, ending the day with a countryside meal where it's traditional to eat grilled sardines around the castle.

NATURE

Jaén surprises with its almost untouched nature, located just minutes from the city center, offering many options for hiking, trail running, mountain biking, and climbing. Here you have the chance to explore its spectacular protected natural landscapes, hidden and unexplored mountain routes, deep valleys carved by rivers running between impressive cliffs, peaks at the threshold of high mountain terrain, and a via ferrata with breathtaking views of the city.

Before you leave, make sure to take home a tasty memory and a reason to return: stock up on extra virgin olive oil (AOVE), olive oil-fried potato chips, and Cornezuelo olives, lovingly crafted by local companies. Also, don't leave without tapas hopping in the oldest taverns around the Cathedral, tasting oils in specialty shops or visiting the mentioned oil mill, and of course, enjoying the lively atmosphere on the capital’s terraces.

INFORMATION

Tourist Office

C/ Carrera de Jesús, n-2
Phone: +34 953 19 04 55
oficinaturismo@aytojaen.es
www.turjaen.org

Tourist Service Companies

GROUPS
Provincial Association of Tourism Guides - APIT Jaén
Phone: +34 606 682 303 (Eva de Dios)
guiasoficialesjaen@gmail.com

INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS
Cláritas Turismo – Cultural Tourist Experiences
Phone: +34 678 775 043 / +34 953 96 06 18
claritasexperienciasculturales@gmail.com
www.claritasturismo.com

Lagarto Tours
Phone: +34 683 111 094
info@lagartotours.com
www.lagartotours.com