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Visit this tiny Andalucian city with four Michelin starred restaurants, free bar snacks, and a sea full of olives.
Welcome to Jaen. One of the best-kept southern Spanish secrets.
While Granada, Cordoba and other nearby cities draw in crowds, this small city is a great option for those who want to experience a less polished and more authentic Andalucia.
Santa Catalina Castle is situated on a hilltop, offering the best views of the surrounding olive groves.
Jaen’s setting is enough to explain why it produces some of the finest olive oils in the world, dating back centuries.
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Olive oil is renowned as the town’s ‘liquid gold’.
History is felt in the heart of the old town.
Jaen has been a melting pot of cultures for many thousands of years. You can see the Iberians and Romans as well as the Arabs, Jews, and Christians.
Andres de Vándelvira’s impressive 16th-century Jaen Cathedral dominates Jaen’s skyline.
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The Holy Veil that Saint Veronica used to wash Jesus’ face is said to still be inside.
Bernabe Soriano and Santiago Square are two of the best spots to experience Jaen local life.
You can also find the remarkable baths and the air raid shelter from 1937, hidden beneath a church.
Jaen’s Arab baths are among the best preserved in Europe. They lie beneath a 16th Century palace that is now a cultural centre with several museums.
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The Church of Santa Maria Magdalena is just a few minutes away. It was built on top of the remains of a mosque dating back to the 9th century. This church is considered Jaen’s oldest landmark.
Andalucia’s gastronomic scene is praised constantly for its tapas.
Jaen’s no different. Ordering a drink will still get you a plate of free food.
This tradition feels almost rebellious to the modern Spaniard.
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You can enjoy a variety of flavours, from rustic migas to simple bread with anchovy and tomato.
The city now boasts four Michelin-starred restaurants as well, for those looking for something more refined.
Jaen is a foodie’s paradise.
You may wonder how Jaen has managed to remain so under the radar.
Enjoy the views, the food and the atmosphere.
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