Free walking tours in Andújar and what to see

Must-sees

Andújar lies on the banks of the Guadalquivir and its centre is quickly explored on foot. The church of Santa María la Mayor, next to the Clock Tower, holds a work by El Greco, the Agony in the Garden. Nearby are the church of San Miguel, on the Plaza de España, and the Palacio de los Niños de Don Gome, a noble house with a striking courtyard and lookout tower.

The bridge over the Guadalquivir is of Roman origin and makes a good walk. The town is also famous for its ceramics, a tradition dating back to Roman Isturgi. To the north begins the Sierra de Andújar Natural Park, with dehesas, holm-oak woods and one of the world's most important populations of Iberian lynx.

Free tours and guided visits

Free walking tours are not common in Andújar, although the tourist office occasionally runs guided visits of the historic centre. The most interesting guided option is the Sierra de Andújar. There are 4x4 or walking outings to watch wildlife, especially Iberian lynx, red deer and birds of prey, usually at dawn or dusk, when animals are easier to spot.

It is also worth going up to the Sanctuary of the Virgen de la Cabeza, deep in the sierra, setting of one of Spain's oldest pilgrimages, held at the end of April. In autumn, the deer rut draws many visitors. From Andújar you can also take day trips to Jaén, Baeza or Úbeda.

How long to spend

Central Andújar can be seen in a morning, with a visit to Santa María, the palace and a walk to the bridge. For the sierra you need at least another day. Ideally allow two or three days: one for the town, another for the natural park and the sanctuary, and a third if you want a relaxed lynx-spotting outing or to visit the province's Renaissance towns.

Where to stay

If the town is your interest, stay in the centre, near the Plaza de España and Santa María, where the shops and bars are. If you are coming for nature, the best option is the rural places to stay along the road up to the sanctuary, in or very near the sierra. That way you can set out early to watch wildlife without long drives. Either way, a car is advisable.