Alcaudete

Known by the Moors as al-Qabdaq, or the city of springs, due to the abundance of fresh springs in the area, Alcuadete was the site of a number of disputes between the Moors and the Christians. Alcaudete is built around the hill on which the 13th castle still stands. The castle was built over the site of a Moorish fortress. Alcaudete is situated in lovely countryside and there are amazing views from the town. The natural area surrounding Alcaudete include the Honda and Chinche natural reservoirs that are home to a number of birds including migratory flamingos.
11,000 people live in Alcaudete, the town contains several schools, a health centre and other amenities. Alcaudete is located on the N432 main road, 40km southeast of Jaén.

The town retains much of its original charm and Spanish tradition but is proving popular with northern Europeans looking for lower priced property than on the coast. Prices are probably half the price than prices on the Costa Tropical and in some cases less.

Alcalá la Real
Right in the south of the Jaén province, near to the border with Granada, Alcalá la Real is surrounded by an expanse of olive trees and wheat fields, a landscape that continues all the way down to the Sierra Nevada in the south. The area around Alcalá has been inhabited since prehistoric times and Alcalá itself became a much fortified citadel. Alcalá was the focus of many attacks by the Christians due to its position near to the fertile vega surrounding Moorish Granada. After the Reconquest in 1492, Alcalá was able to spread out from the citadel and modern Alcalá began to develop. Today it is a busy town of 21,000 inhabitants overlooked by the fortified citadel.
The citadel is emblematic of Alcalá and stands out over the rest of the city. A steep, pretty street flanked by whitewashed houses leads up to the citadel from which there are magnificent views of the surrounding countryside reaching right down to the snow caps of the Sierra Nevada on a clear day.
The Paseo de los Alamos is used by the locals for the evening and Sunday “paseo” or walk. Various fairs and markets are held on this street throughout the year. Alcalá is renowned for its traditional craft work including leather work, embroidery and pottery. Local festivals include an smaller version of the “fallas” that takes place in Valencia, when bonfires are lit in the streets on February 2nd. More bonfires and fireworks take place on June 24th in honour of San Juan and on August 15th, a colourful and impressive procession takes place when thousands of candles are lit.
A modern town with plenty of amenities including accommodation, shops, bars, restaurants, libraries, schools and a cinema screen, Alcalá is situated on the N432 that runs between Córdoba, 85km away and Granada, 47km away. Jaén is 55km to the north of Alcalá