Sierra Sur in Jaen route
Curves and castles on the final Nasrid frontier
If there is an ideal route for motorcyclists who love to ride among castles, it is surely in the Sierra Sur in Jaen. Together with the Subbética Cordobesa and the Poniente Granadino, they constituted ‘the final frontier of the Nasrid kingdom.’ The province of Jaen may be the European territory with the greatest number of medieval castles and defensive structures, with more than 400 examples. Its status as a marchland during the conflicts between al-Andalus and the Christian kingdoms of the north left an impressive legacy of defensive architecture in the Sierra Sur in Jaen; citadels, castles and watchtowers crown and were the origin of many of the white villages in these mountains.
And connecting them, winding roads lead through valleys and hills, conquering the steepest peaks and fording rivers and streams of crystal-clear water. Always-curved lines that slide across a silver-green landscape, very reminiscent of naïve art, formed by millions of dots that extend as far as the horizon. A route to do unhurried, knowing the past and the present of the mountains that rise in the south of the province.
On route
You will depart from the monumental city of Martos (stop 1), which was once the Colonia Augusta Gemella Tuccitana in Roman times and, later, a Calatrava command, under the watchful eye of the two castles that dominate the historic quarter, the Peña, and the Fortaleza Baja (Lower Fort), in the town itself. You will quickly leave the countryside to reach Fuensanta de Martos, where the road penetrates further and further into the mountains, twisting and rising to higher altitudes. In general, the asphalt is in good condition, with few potholes and good grip, although you will need to exercise caution because of the many agricultural vehicles, especially during the olive harvest (late autumn and early winter)
Once you enter mountainous terrain, you will be accompanied by various towers and watchtowers on either side. After reaching an altitude of 1,000 metres at Locubín Castle, you could take a detour to visit the nearby source of the River San Juan (stop 2), a unique place whose lushness will captivate you. Then, after a long descent, you will reach the town of Alcalá la Real, which is crowned by the impressive silhouette of its La Mota alcazaba (stop 3). A monumental city like few others, it is recommended that you explore it in detail before continuing with the route. You will then pass through charming small villages and a rich meadow, until you reach the village of Frailes. You should not leave the village without visiting its zip-line and suspension bridge, and sampling its traditional kid or its churros on the roadside, a popular meeting place for bikers (stop 4). You then begin a new winding, narrow ascent, albeit with good asphalt, until you have reached an altitude of more than 1,300 metres. Olive trees give way to scrub, Mediterranean forest and flocks. An interesting detail: their milk provides the best goat’s cheese in the world. The entire Sierra Sur is part of the Starlight Reserve and Destination due to its low light pollution, which makes it a special area for watching the night skies.
After passing Puerto de Locubín (Locubín Pass), you will begin your descent towards Valdepeñas de Jaén, which offers impressive panoramic views of the mountains and their rocky outcrops, olive groves and low scrubland. In any of the towns of the Sierra Sur you can taste the gastronomic delicacies of the area, with typical dishes such as shank with carrots, chicken à la secretaria (stewed with peas and ham), Seville orange soup, preserved pork loin in olive oil, beans with ham, orange salad, kid stew, plum and dried peach stew, as well as pork-based cold meats. Incidentally, you must note their wines in your logbook; they have been awarded Protected Geographical Indication status, and their excellent cherries, which you will see in bloom if you are travelling in the area in early/mid April.
After stopping briefly in Valdepeñas de Jaén, to explore it thoroughly (stop 5) — its Molino de Santa Ana Museum and the lushness of the place of Las Chorreras are must-sees — the last stretch of the route takes you along wide roads in good condition. Leaving the La Pandera pass behind, you then approach the source of Río Frio (stop 6) and, from that point on, you descend steadily to Los Villares. When the weather is cold, be careful with any ice sheets there may be in shaded areas. The route then continues with heavier traffic until you reach Jaen. It is well worth climbing up to Santa Catalina Castle (stop 7), superb finishing touch to the route. From its hillock you can enjoy a spectacular view of the city and the mountains you have left behind.
#castillojaen selfie spot
Sempiterno kept watch over the city of Jaen, the Santa Catalina castle, or Alcázar Nuevo (New Fort), is one of the three fortifications that form defensive enclosure of Jaen Castle, along with the Alcázar Viejo (Old Fort) and the Abrehuí. Although its construction preceded it, the forms it displays today were forged from the 13th century onwards.
If there is an ideal route for motorcyclists who love to ride among castles, it is surely in the Sierra Sur in Jaen. Together with the Subbética Cordobesa and the Poniente Granadino, they constituted ‘the final frontier of the Nasrid kingdom.’ The province of Jaen may be the European territory with the greatest number of medieval castles and defensive structures, with more than 400 examples. Its status as a marchland during the conflicts between al-Andalus and the Christian kingdoms of the north left an impressive legacy of defensive architecture in the Sierra Sur in Jaen; citadels, castles and watchtowers crown and were the origin of many of the white villages in these mountains.
And connecting them, winding roads lead through valleys and hills, conquering the steepest peaks and fording rivers and streams of crystal-clear water. Always-curved lines that slide across a silver-green landscape, very reminiscent of naïve art, formed by millions of dots that extend as far as the horizon. A route to do unhurried, knowing the past and the present of the mountains that rise in the south of the province.
On route
You will depart from the monumental city of Martos (stop 1), which was once the Colonia Augusta Gemella Tuccitana in Roman times and, later, a Calatrava command, under the watchful eye of the two castles that dominate the historic quarter, the Peña, and the Fortaleza Baja (Lower Fort), in the town itself. You will quickly leave the countryside to reach Fuensanta de Martos, where the road penetrates further and further into the mountains, twisting and rising to higher altitudes. In general, the asphalt is in good condition, with few potholes and good grip, although you will need to exercise caution because of the many agricultural vehicles, especially during the olive harvest (late autumn and early winter)
Once you enter mountainous terrain, you will be accompanied by various towers and watchtowers on either side. After reaching an altitude of 1,000 metres at Locubín Castle, you could take a detour to visit the nearby source of the River San Juan (stop 2), a unique place whose lushness will captivate you. Then, after a long descent, you will reach the town of Alcalá la Real, which is crowned by the impressive silhouette of its La Mota alcazaba (stop 3). A monumental city like few others, it is recommended that you explore it in detail before continuing with the route. You will then pass through charming small villages and a rich meadow, until you reach the village of Frailes. You should not leave the village without visiting its zip-line and suspension bridge, and sampling its traditional kid or its churros on the roadside, a popular meeting place for bikers (stop 4). You then begin a new winding, narrow ascent, albeit with good asphalt, until you have reached an altitude of more than 1,300 metres. Olive trees give way to scrub, Mediterranean forest and flocks. An interesting detail: their milk provides the best goat’s cheese in the world. The entire Sierra Sur is part of the Starlight Reserve and Destination due to its low light pollution, which makes it a special area for watching the night skies.
After passing Puerto de Locubín (Locubín Pass), you will begin your descent towards Valdepeñas de Jaén, which offers impressive panoramic views of the mountains and their rocky outcrops, olive groves and low scrubland. In any of the towns of the Sierra Sur you can taste the gastronomic delicacies of the area, with typical dishes such as shank with carrots, chicken à la secretaria (stewed with peas and ham), Seville orange soup, preserved pork loin in olive oil, beans with ham, orange salad, kid stew, plum and dried peach stew, as well as pork-based cold meats. Incidentally, you must note their wines in your logbook; they have been awarded Protected Geographical Indication status, and their excellent cherries, which you will see in bloom if you are travelling in the area in early/mid April.
After stopping briefly in Valdepeñas de Jaén, to explore it thoroughly (stop 5) — its Molino de Santa Ana Museum and the lushness of the place of Las Chorreras are must-sees — the last stretch of the route takes you along wide roads in good condition. Leaving the La Pandera pass behind, you then approach the source of Río Frio (stop 6) and, from that point on, you descend steadily to Los Villares. When the weather is cold, be careful with any ice sheets there may be in shaded areas. The route then continues with heavier traffic until you reach Jaen. It is well worth climbing up to Santa Catalina Castle (stop 7), superb finishing touch to the route. From its hillock you can enjoy a spectacular view of the city and the mountains you have left behind.
#castillojaen selfie spot
Sempiterno kept watch over the city of Jaen, the Santa Catalina castle, or Alcázar Nuevo (New Fort), is one of the three fortifications that form defensive enclosure of Jaen Castle, along with the Alcázar Viejo (Old Fort) and the Abrehuí. Although its construction preceded it, the forms it displays today were forged from the 13th century onwards.
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Sierra Sur in Jaen route
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