Sierra Magina Natural Park forms part of the Cordillera Subbética in the province of Jaen and covers an area of 19,900ha. The park comprises mainly rugged limestone inclines with its highest peak being Sierra Mágina, at 2.165m, after which the park is named. It's an area rich in fascinating prehistoric cave paintings and architectural ruins from both built Christians and Muslims times. Its an area of beauty providing botanical interest and host to more adventurous activities such as rock climbing mountain biking as well as hill walking and caving. Caves to Visit in Sierra Magina Cuevas del Aire - In La Serrezuela near Bedmar village with stalactites and various caverns.. This is a cave for the more experienced as special equipment is needed, the entrance is set high up in a vertical wall. There is Moorish 3m-high wall right next to the entrance. Cueva de los Esqueletos - In Albánchez de Mágina there are remains from the Palaeolithic period. It gets its name from the skeletons that were found sitting in a semi circle with knives and arrows. Cuevas del Gato – To the south of Bélmez de la Moraleda for the experienced caver with some interesting geological formations. Cueva de la Granja - Near Jimena there are some Neolithic cave paintings from around 3BC. Cuevas de Majuelos y Aro - In Pegalajar stone axes, flint knives, arrowheads and human remains have been found here. Walking in Sierra Magina Natural Park One of the best walks is the circular walk - Sendero de Fuenmayor, 11km of beautiful countryside starting at the picnic area it covers the Cascada del Zurreón. This an easy going route that takes in some of the most superb panoramic views of Torres and the Sierra via fuente Nita and Los Fresnos. The main visitor centre can be found in the 13th hilltop Moorish castle on the Cerro de San Cristóbal in Jódar, It’s worth a visit with its exhibitions on the park’s ecosystems and villages.
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