In Spain we have rural postcard destinations to give and give away. So, crowned as the capital of this type of tourism is not an easy task. However, by popular vote, there is a winner of this year 2022 and that is none other than the Jaen town of Cazorla. Because the classics are classics for a reason.
There are already six editions in which the Escapada Rural portal has carried out a vote to choose the winner for the title of “Capital of Rural Tourism 2022”. After more than a month of surveys and almost 100,000 participants, the town of Cazorla, in Jaén, won the coveted first place thanks to 20.9% of the votes. This represents a wide margin with respect to the second place, which ended up being occupied by Chinchón with 13.8% of the votes.
Located within the largest protected area in Spain, the Cazorla, Segura and Las Villas National Park is also the second largest in Europe, and is also declared a Biosphere Reserve. This natural enclave is one of the most beautiful places in Spain and in it, in addition to enjoying nature in the first person: with its sounds and pure air, there are also numerous outdoor activities to do.
However, it is not the only thing that Cazorla has to offer since, in addition to all this, visitors can visit ancient monuments and taste its rich gastronomy. These are some of its essential spots.
Source of the Guadalquivir River
The birth of the most important river in Andalusia It is produced in an area of great ecological value within the Natural Park. It is a fresh and pleasant place, where ash trees, maples and hawthorns accompany the “Río Grande”, as the Arabs called it. Around it we find curious geological formations with dense pine forests of black and black pine.
Waterfalls
Within the natural beauty of Cazorla, its waterfalls and waterfalls stand out. The Water Cave, for example, is a natural grotto in which the water of the Tíscar River has sculpted the rock creating a unique corner. The Cascada de Linarejos, known as Cola de Caballo, is also especially impressive.
Ruins of Santa Maria
Built on the Cerezuelo River, which forced it to be channeled previously, it enters a large vault under the main altar, crossing the entire church, to continue its course under the Plaza de Santa María. Although the exact date of its construction is not known, it seems almost certain that it was carried out in the 16th century. Its style is Renaissance and the façade facing Calle de la Hoz is an almost exact replica of the one that can be admired in the Church of San Miguel in Jaén.
Reserve of the Cazorla Valley
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Photos | istock