Free walking tours in Villanueva del Arzobispo and what to see

Must-sees

Villanueva del Arzobispo is the main town of the Las Villas area in Jaén and one of the gateways to the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Natural Park. In the centre, the church of San Andrés, a listed monument, stands out, along with the church of La Vera Cruz and the convent of Santa Ana. Walking its streets reveals stately homes and early 20th-century mansions, such as that of the Cosano family or the old Casino.

On the outskirts is the sanctuary of La Fuensanta, devoted to the patron saint, and the bullring houses a bullfighting museum. The municipality reaches into the mountains, with spots by the Guadalquivir such as the Charco del Aceite or the Cueva del Peinero, recreation areas surrounded by pine forest and good starting points for walks. The whole landscape around is dominated by olive groves.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free walking tours in Villanueva del Arzobispo. There are, however, guided visits organised by the municipal tourist information point, focusing on the town’s architecture and historical figures, so ask there for upcoming dates. For the mountains, the norm is hiking routes and excursions through the natural park, and from Úbeda or Baeza you can combine the visit with a day in the area.

How long to spend

Half a day is enough for the town, the church of San Andrés and the Fuensanta sanctuary. If you want to head down to the Guadalquivir spots inside the natural park, give it the whole day, as distances on mountain roads stretch out. The Fuensanta festivities in early September and those of the Cristo de la Vera Cruz in May are good times to see the town lively.

Where to stay

In town you can sleep in the centre, near the church of San Andrés, to get around on foot, or look for rural cottages and farmhouses in the surroundings if you prefer to be closer to the mountains. The choice is modest, so book ahead if travelling at festival time. As an alternative, Úbeda and Baeza have far more choice, and the villages inside the natural park make a base for walkers.