International visitors discovered the province of Jaén and its three principal cities -- Jaén (the capital), Baeza, and Ubeda -- in the 1960s. For years, visitors whizzed through Jaén on the way south to Granada or bypassed it altogether on the southwest route to Córdoba and Seville. But the government improved the province's hotel outlook with excellent paradors, which now provide some of the finest accommodations in Andalusia.
Since that time, new and charming boutiques have opened up, and old monuments have been dusted off. For those who have at least a day, a detour through these towns is rewarding. If you have time for only one stop, make it ancient Ubeda, which has the most charm.
If you're visiting Granada after a previous stopover in Córdoba, you can head east along N-IV (E-5) to the turnoff town of Bailén. If you're going on to Granada without stopping over, you can head straight south along N-323, which will take you to the city of Jaén. You can stop off in Jaén for the night or bypass the city and follow the signs to E-902 into Granada.
Back at Bailén, if you want to visit Ubeda and Baeza (or both), get onto N-322 and head east, following the signs to either Ubeda or Baeza. Ubeda is on the main route, N-322. Baeza, however, is a short drive southwest of Ubeda and is reached by taking a secondary route, N-321.
Ubeda
57km (35 miles) NE of Jaén
A former stronghold of the Arabs, which today is often called the "Florence of Andalusia," Ubeda is a Spanish National Landmark filled with golden-brown Renaissance palaces and tile-roofed whitewashed houses. The best way to discover its charm is to wander the narrow cobblestone streets of the Casco Antiguo (Old Town). The government long ago created a parador here in a renovated ducal palace -- you might stop in for lunch. Allow time for a stroll through Ubeda's shops, specializing in crafts like esparto grass carpets or pottery.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
