Jaén: Family-Friendly Fun in Southern Spain's Historic Gem
Discover Jaén: the perfect family adventure in charming Spain.
19 July 2023
Pablo Escudero
Spain Travel Writer
Jaén, located in southern Spain, offers a perfect family-friendly trip with its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. Explore the magnificent Jaén Cathedral and the imposing Alcazaba fortress, which will transport you back in time. Additionally, take your family to the captivating Parque del Seminario, where they can enjoy nature walks, playgrounds, and even a small zoo, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information
- Start the day with a visit to the impressive Jaén Cathedral, where you can marvel at its stunning Renaissance architecture.
- Take a stroll through the charming streets of the Old Town, lined with picturesque buildings and quaint cafes oozing with Spanish charm.
- Perch yourself on top of Santa Catalina Castle, a hilltop fortress with panoramic views of the city below. Embrace your inner king or queen!
- Indulge your taste buds in traditional Andalusian cuisine at Taberna El Pájaro, where locals feast on mouthwatering tapas like the famous salmorejo.
- Take a leisurely evening walk along Paseo de la Estación, a boulevard adorned with beautiful fountains and vibrant vegetation, perfect for a romantic sunset stroll.
- Embark on an olive oil adventure at Olive Oil Museum, where you'll learn the secrets of the region's liquid gold. Olive oil enthusiasts, rejoice!
- Taste and savor different varieties of olive oil at a local tasting session. Dip, drizzle, and dunk to your heart's content!
- Visit the Sierra Magina Natural Park, home to picturesque olive groves spanning as far as the eye can see. Don't forget to snap that Insta-perfect shot amidst the endless greenery.
- Treat yourself to an olive oil-infused spa experience at Senzia Spa, where you can soak in luxurious olive oil baths or opt for an olive oil massage. Bliss!
- Dine at Restaurante El Ferrocarril, housed in an old train station. Take your taste buds on a culinary journey with their creative dishes highlighting the flavors of olive oil.
- Immerse yourself in the world of art at the Centro Cultural Baños Árabes. Admire the modern exhibitions and explore the stunning Arab Baths.
- Explore the fascinating Renaissance architecture of Palacio de Villardompardo, housing the Museum of Jaén. Get your culture fix amidst stunning artifacts and art pieces.
- Discover the quirky charm of the Banos Arabes de Jaén, a unique Moorish bathhouse nestled in the heart of the city. Time for a relaxing soak, anyone?
- Treat your taste buds to a fusion of Spanish and Moroccan flavors at Restaurante La Tragantúa. Their creative tapas will transport you to a culinary oasis.
- Catch a captivating theatrical performance at Teatro Infanta Leonor, where local talents take center stage and whisk you away into a world of drama and entertainment.
- Embark on a thrilling off-roading adventure through the rugged Sierra de Cazorla. Buckle up and prepare for an adrenaline-fueled journey!
- Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature at Parque Natural de las Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas, where hiking trails lead to hidden waterfalls and breathtaking viewpoints.
- Channel your inner Tarzan as you zip-line through the treetops at the eco-adventure park, Cazorla Aventura. Feel the rush of wind and hear the call of the wild!
- Feast on a hearty lunch at Mesón Restaurante Ochoa, famous for its traditional mountain cuisine. Try their lomo de orza, a slow-cooked pork delicacy.
- End your trip with a leisurely boat ride on Embalse del Tranco, a mesmerizing reservoir surrounded by lush green hills. Let the tranquil waters soothe your soul.
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Jaén by plane is to fly to Federico García Lorca Granada-Jaén Airport (GRX) and then take a bus or a car from the airport to Jaén. The journey by bus takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, while the journey by car takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Car
The best way to get to Jaén by car is to take the A-44 motorway from Granada. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Train
Unfortunately, there are no direct trains to Jaén. The closest railway station to Jaén is Linares-Baeza Station, which is approximately 25 kilometers away. From there, you can take a bus or a car to Jaén.
Boat
Unfortunately, there are no direct boats to Jaén as it is an inland city. The closest port is the Port of Algeciras, which is approximately 250 kilometers away. From there, you can take a bus or a car to Jaén.
Bus
The best way to get to Jaén by bus is to take a direct bus from Madrid to Jaén. The journey takes approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Granada, which takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.