Cazorla, Segura and Las Villas Natural Park Guide

The Sierras de Cazorla, Segura and Las Villas Natural Park is, according to the Junta de Andalucía, the largest protected area in Andalusia: around 210,000 hectares spread over 23 municipalities in Jaén. This guide summarises the verified facts you need to plan a visit of several days.

The park in figures

According to the Junta de Andalucía, the park covers 210,000 hectares and combines several protection designations: National Hunting Reserve (1960), UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (1983), Natural Park (1986) and Special Protection Area for Birds (1988). The Junta cites more than 1,800 plant species and about 200 vertebrate species. Its public-use facilities include 21 signposted trails, 18 recreation areas, 12 viewpoints, 10 free-camping areas and 6 campsites (figures from the planning approved by the Junta, which may have changed).

Sierra de Cazorla and the Guadalquivir valley

The Torre del Vinagre Visitor Centre is on the Carretera del Tranco, km 48 (Santiago-Pontones). According to Jaén Paraíso Interior, it offers interpretation of the natural and cultural environment, a presentation on the park’s management, information for planning activities, a café, a shop selling local products and a museum, with the Hunting Park nearby. Confirm the opening hours before you go (phone 953 713 017).

According to the Junta de Andalucía’s trail sheet, the Cerrada del Utrero trail is a 1.7 km loop with an estimated time of 45 minutes, medium difficulty and steps carved into the rock; the maximum elevation gain is 156 m. It starts at the Cerrada del Utrero information point, where you can leave your car.

Sierra de Segura

The source of the Segura river is at Fuente Segura (Santiago-Pontones), above 1,350 m according to Guía Repsol, in a recreation area with a wooden fence that prevents bathing in the protected spring. There is a walking route from Pontones of about 5.5 km, under two hours, according to a hiking guide. Segura de la Sierra and Hornos de Segura, with their fortresses, are among the points on the “Castles and Battles” cultural route of Jaén Paraíso Interior.

Las Villas and forest tracks

Las Villas occupies the west of the park. Before heading there or onto forest tracks, ask at a visitor centre about access and current restrictions; we could not verify a specific traffic regulation.

What to eat

The area produces extra virgin olive oil protected by the Sierra de Cazorla and Sierra de Segura Protected Designations of Origin, and Segureño lamb has Protected Geographical Indication status. Traditional dishes include andrajos and rin-rán. If you want to stay in the province, see our page on destinations in Jaén.

Tips

• Mobile coverage may be missing in parts of the park: download offline maps before setting out.
• Do not count on refuelling inside the park; fill up before you enter.
• If you want to camp, the park’s planning lists free-camping areas and campsites; confirm current conditions with the park.

Sources and references

• Junta de Andalucía: approval of the Natural Park planning (PORN and PRUG).
• Jaén Paraíso Interior: Torre del Vinagre Visitor Centre.
• Junta de Andalucía: Cerrada del Utrero trail sheet.
• Guía Repsol: Source of the Segura river.