Free walking tours in Begíjar and what to see

Must-sees

Begíjar is an olive-growing village in the La Loma area of the province of Jaén, a few kilometres from Baeza. Its land runs down to the Guadalquivir and is surrounded by olive trees on every side. Its most recognisable building is the tower of the old castle, medieval in origin, which looms over the village. Nearby is the church of Santiago Apóstol, built over several centuries, with a late 16th-century Plateresque façade.

Also worth a look are the Bishop's Palace, medieval in origin and once the residence of the bishops of Jaén, and the 16th-century doorway of the town hall. The area also has prehistoric sites from the Copper and Bronze Ages. But what defines Begíjar is olive oil: its mills are part of the landscape and daily life, and the harvest sets the rhythm of winter.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no free tours in Begíjar. What you can do is a guided visit to a local olive mill, where they explain how olive oil is made and you try it in a tasting. For heritage tours, the usual plan is to head to Baeza and Úbeda, both World Heritage Sites, which have guided walks through their historic centres all year round.

How long to spend

The village takes an hour or two: the castle tower, the church, the palace and the streets of the centre. Add the olive mill visit and allow half a day. The most sensible plan is to combine Begíjar with Baeza on the same day and spend another on Úbeda. If you go between November and January, you will catch the olive harvest and see the mills in full swing.

Where to stay

Accommodation in Begíjar is limited, with the odd rural house and simple places to stay, ideal if you want peace and quiet among the olive groves. For more choice, the best bet is to stay in Baeza, a short drive away, in its historic centre or around the Plaza del Pópulo. Úbeda, a little further, is another good base if you want to see both towns calmly and drive to Begíjar for the mill visit.