Gateway to Andalucía

Jaén is something of a hidden treasure for many visitors to Andalucía. The seven other provinces (Málaga/Costa del Sol, Granada, Sevilla, Cádiz and, to a less extent, Córdoba, Huelva and Almería) tend to corner the market when it comes to tourism in Spain’s renowned southern region.

For those familiar with its diverse charms, however, Jaén deserves a more prominent place on the tourist agenda: Andalucía’s northern-most province (bordering Ciudad Real and Albacete), it has four national parks (including the incomparable Sierra de Cazorla), many other protected areas and a stunningly rich cultural patrimony – highlighted by the two Renaissance cities of Úbeda and Baeza, both UNESCO-designated World Heritage Sites.

Jaén also hosts the famous annual chess tournament in Linares and is the world’s premier olive oil producer (over 20 per cent) – much of it “re-marketed” as Italian and even US produce.

And all of this – as a special tourism delegation from Úbeda and Baeza pointed out during a video presentation and cocktail reception in Marbella for local foreigner associations and press – just two and a half hours by road from the Costa del Sol.

Understandably, these two cities (separated by eight kilometres) are best known for their intriguing links with the past but – in addition to their enduring appeal to art and crafts lovers, serenity-seeking ramblers, and connoisseurs of traditional Andalucian cuisine – they are also outstanding contemporary destinations for hosting congresses, fairs and other events.

Located in the heart of Jaén province, overlooking the Guadalquivir River valley, Úbeda and Baeza offer the whole gamut of high-tech professional services and infrastructure – from avant-garde buildings and spas to boutique hotels and health centres – in a pleasant year-long Mediterranean climate.

Immersed in a world of venerable history, captivating culture, exquisite gastronomy and verdant nature, surrounded by sweeping olive tree forests, Úbeda and Baeza provide an enchanting taste of Andalucía.