Where to Stay in Jaén – A Guide to this Andalusian City
Jaén is an inland city in the southeast of Spain. The capital of the namesake province, Jaén is located at the foot of Santa Catalina hill and is famous for being the “World Capital of Olive Oil” and its monumental architecture dating back to Roman, Islamic and Medieval times. In this article, we will explore the best areas to stay in Jaén, Spain.
Why you should visit Jaén
Set in an area inhabited since time immemorial, Jaén was known by the Romans as Villa Gaius and later as Jayyān by the Arabs. After the reconquest of the city by the Christians in the 13th century, Jaén became an important military, commercial and administrative post on the border with the Kingdom of Granada.
Jaén’s historic city centre stands out for its immense historical-artistic heritage. Some of the most important cultural attractions in Jaén include the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin, the Castle of Jaén, the Arab Baths, the International Museum of Iberian Art and the Plaza de las Batallas. Find accommodation in Central Jaén.
Jaén is also an excellent starting point to explore the natural wonders of Eastern Andalusia. Some of the most outstanding natural spaces in the province of Jaén include the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura and Las Villas Natural Park, the Sierra Mágina Natural Park and the Sierra de Andújar Natural Park.
If you’re interested in the culture of olive oil and love active tourism, Jaén is the starting point of the Vía Verde del Aceite, a 128-km-long trail that runs among olive groves and 19th-century railway bridges and can be travelled on foot or by bicycle. Book tours and activities related to olive oil in Jaén.
Finally, Jaén city is located a short distance from the towns of Úbeda and Baeza. Both cities are UNESCO World Heritage Sites thanks to their renaissance heritage.
When to visit Jaén
Due to its inland location in southern Spain, Jaén has a Mediterranean hot summer climate. Summer temperatures are usually extremely warm (22-33 ºC). On the other hand, winters are mild, with temperatures hovering between 5ºC and 12ºC. The best time to travel to Jaén is during spring (April – June) and autumn (October – December). During these months, temperatures are pleasant for outdoor activities.
Getting there and around
The easiest way to fly to Jaén is through Aeropuerto Federico García Lorca Granada – Jaén (GRX). Located about 100 kilometres south of the city centre, in the province of Granada, this small airport offers a handful of domestic flights to cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Bilbao, Valencia, Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
Jaén also has railway connections to Madrid, Linares, Seville, Córdoba y Cádiz and coach services to the entire south of the peninsula and cities of the Spanish Mediterranean. See bus and train routes, schedules and fares.
To move around Jaén and the different destinations in the province, the easiest thing is to rent a car. If you prefer to use public transport, the city has a tram line, several city bus routes, taxis and mobile applications (such as Uber and Cabify).
Where to stay in Jaén
The best area to stay in Jaén is the city centre. The area around the Plaza de las Batallas houses the main museums, historical and cultural attractions, excellent nightlife, restaurants, shopping areas and some of the best hotels in town. The city centre is also very well-connected to the train station. Find accommodation in Jaén City Centre.
Other excellent areas to consider when choosing the best locations for tourists in Jaén include the Catedral Quarter and around the Jaén Railway Station.
Keep reading for more information about the best areas to stay in Jaén, Spain.
The Best Areas to Stay in Jaén, Spain
1. Recommended area: Jaén City Centre & Old Jewish Quarter
The official city centre of Jaén is located around the Plaza de las Batallas, a public square with a monument commemorating the two great battles fought in the province, Navas de Tolosa and Bailén.
This square, in the middle of Avenida de la Estación and next to the Parque de la Concordia is the financial and commercial heart of the city.
To the west lies the Old Jewish Quarter (Judería) of the city, a tangle of small steep alleys flanked by centuries-old buildings once inhabited by the city’s Jewish population.
Not far away, you’ll find some of the most representative religious buildings in Jaén, such as the Royal Monastery of Santa Clara, the Convent of Santo Domingo or the Convent of Santa Úrsula.
The Villadompardo Palace, built in the 16th century on old Baths from the Muslim period, currently houses the Arab Baths of Jaén, the International Museum of Naïve Art and the Museum of Popular Arts and Customs.
To the north of the Plaza de las Batallas, you’ll find the Museo Provincial de Jaén, which houses a collection of pre-Roman and ancient art treasures in a 16th-century palace, and the Museo Íbero, with the largest collection of Iberian art in the world.
At the top of the hill that dominates the west of the city is the Castillo de Santa Catalina, a medieval fortress offering panoramic views of the city. It currently houses the Parador de Jaén, a luxury hotel.
Jaén’s Centre is compact enough for walking and is also connected by the city’s urban bus system. Additionally, the T1 tram line connects the centre with the Plaza de las Batallas, the train station and the University Area.
The accommodation offer in the centre is the most varied in Jaén and includes everything from the simplest family-run properties to boutique hotels with spectacular views of the castle and the cathedral.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Jaén, Spain:
- Historical attractions
- Old Jewish Quarter
- Museums and cultural attractions
- City Centre
- Connected by bus and tram
- Best hotels in Jaén
Accommodation in this area
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Hotel Europa
This modern hotel is located in the city centre of Jaén and has a terrace with views of the cathedral. It offers rooms with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a TV and a private bathroom.
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Budget
Pensión La Florida 19
Set in Jaén, 650 metres from Villardompardo Palace, Pensión La Florida 19 offers air-conditioned accommodation and a shared lounge. The accommodation has a concierge service and a tour desk.
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Luxury
Hotel Condestable Iranzo
Condestable Iranzo is a classic design property located on Jaén’s main avenue, next to the Jaén Museum, and offers free Wi-Fi. It also has a seasonal rooftop terrace with a swimming pool and panoramic views of the city.
2. Cathedral Quarter (San Ildefonso)
Barrio de San Ildefonso, also known as Barrio de la Catedral, is one of the oldest areas of Jaén and is located in the southwest of the city.
The epicentre of this ancient neighbourhood is the beautiful Jaén Cathedral. Also known as the Cathedral of the Assumption, this important Catholic temple has a Renaissance style and is located on Plaza Santa María, opposite the Town Hall and the Episcopal Palace.
Built on top of the city’s Great Mosque, the design of the current cathedral dates back to the 16th century and served as a model for other churches in Spain and the American colonies. Since 2008, the Cathedral of Jaén is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
San Ildefonso is considered the most traditional neighbourhood of Jaén and one of the best areas for tapas and nightlife in the city.
Other attractions in the area include the Puerta del Ángel, the Plaza de la Constitución, the Convento de las Bernardas, the Parque de La Alameda and the remains of the old city walls of Jaén.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Jaén, Spain:
- Jaén Cathedral
- Historic attractions
- Best area for nightlife and tapas
Accommodation in this area
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Hotel Xauen
Located in the historic and commercial centre of Jaén, Hotel Xauen offers a rooftop sun terrace with loungers and panoramic views of the cathedral, the historic centre and the mountains. WiFi is free.
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Budget
Pensión Martín
Pensión Martín offers rooms with free Wi-Fi in Jaén, 600 metres from Villardompardo Palace and 350 metres from Jaén Cathedral. This 2-star guest house has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom.
3. Around Jaén Railway Station
The Jaén Train Station is a railway terminal located on Plaza de Jaén por la Paz, in the north of the city.
This station offers Media Distancia services to Madrid, Linares, Seville, Córdoba and Cádiz.
The neighbourhoods around the station offer the most modern side of Jaén, with wide streets, boulevards and parks such as Parque Juan Pablo II.
The Jaén station is connected to the city centre and the University Area by line T1 of the local tram system. The whole area has parking spaces.
The area around the train station is the best area to stay in Jaén for travellers on a train route through Andalusia.
Accommodation in this area
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Hotel Infanta Cristina
The Infanta Cristina Hotel is located in a new residential area of Jaén, near El Corte Inglés and the University. It features an outdoor pool, gym and free Wi-Fi.
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Budget
Hostal Estación
Hostal Estación is located next to Jaén Train Station, a 15-minute walk from the city center. It offers functional rooms with free Wi-Fi and satellite TV.
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