Are you looking to buy somewhere that boasts of an authentic Spanish feel? Would you like to be surrounded by unspoiled natural beauty? Fancy a low cost of living and a high quality of life? Then a home in Jaén, Andalucía might suit you well. Here, Sally, who has called Spain home for many years, describes what life is like in this sun-soaked southern town.
Some years ago I drove from the Costa Brava in the northeast of Spain to Málaga on the Costa del Sol. It was a fascinating journey across inland Spain, allowing me time to stop at places previously unknown to me. Towards the end of my trip, I wanted to take a break from driving and have lunch, so I chose the Andalusian city of Jaén as my destination. I still remember it well: the delightful traditional restaurant on one of the side streets not far from the imposing cathedral, the cathedral itself and the pretty little streets and squares. I thought that Jaén might be a good place to set up a home.
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Why you will love Jaén
Could your future be in beautiful Jaén?
Jaén is not on most people’s list when considering moving to Spain which is a pity as it is an undiscovered gem.
The city maintains an authentic Spanish lifestyle and has been protected from mass tourism and as a result, it is a charming place for a quiet lifestyle with its many green spaces, squares and friendly locals. The restaurants serve genuine Andalusian cuisine and it is one of the few remaining places where you can enjoy a free tapa with your drink.
There are some pleasant trails for cycling along the Vía Verde del Aceite or for a park with open-air activities, head to the Boulevard Park, correctly known as the Juan Pablo II Park. If you are feeling energetic, climbing to the cross on the Santalina Castle will reward you with spectacular views across the city to the expanse of olive groves surrounding it.
The old town has some splendid examples of Andalusian architecture and the Arab Baths are the largest well preserved in the country. The cathedral was many centuries in the making, starting in 1249 and ending in 1724.
Plus, if you’re seeking sun, Jaén provides! The weather is warm from April to October, with highs of 33 degrees in July and August. Temperatures are coldest from November to February but even then, you’ll have days where you can get away with just a jacket.
Jaén city and the province
You would need a good knowledge of Spanish to deal with the Spanish authorities as English isn’t widely spoken.
The city and surroundings are best known for olive oil as it is the largest area in Spain for this liquid gold and its production. Some EVOOs (Extra Virgin Olive Oil) have consistently won major international prizes, including Oro del Desierto Coupage which was a top Spanish oil in 2023.
There is an International Montessori School for children up to 12 years old and the city is host to numerous foreign students at the university.
Tourism is a smaller industry but expanding. Cultural visitors enjoy exploring the unspoilt countryside with its orange-coloured earth and white houses and small towns with imposing buildings and squares.
Travelling from Jaén to the rest of Spain and beyond
Jaén lies in the east of Andalusia some 580 metres above sea level close to the motorways E92 and A44. A high-speed train to Madrid takes 4 hours and to Cádiz via Córdoba and Seville takes 4.5 hours.
The nearest airport to Jaén is Federico García Lorca Granada Airport, at about an hour’s drive, with flights to London and the rest of Europe. You might also like to fly from Málaga, which is a busier airport with more flights. It is about two hours away by car, you can also catch a bus which will add an hour to your travel time but costs just £15.
Small towns and villages
If you’re hoping to settle into the peace and quiet of small town or village life in sun-soaked southern Spain, Jaén is a superb place to look for a home.
Andújar
Enjoy trips to see your new furry neighbours…
The town of Andújar in the north of the province, straddles the Guadalquivir River and boasts a Roman Bridge dominated by a Moorish fortress. Local produce is available at the market where you will find herbs and honey from the Sierra Morena.
The Andújar Natural Park is a wonderfully wild place, heavily forested and located to the east of another natural park, the Serra de Cardeña y Montoro Natural Park which teems with birdlife – 88 species in all – as well as numerous mammals and reptiles.
Ubeda & Baeza
The Basilica of Santa Maria in Úbeda.
These two towns stand close to each other on fortified hilltops. Ubeda is typically Castilian with fine examples of Renaissance architecture and small courtyards with white-painted houses. The Parador Hotel is housed in a 17th-century palace in the town centre and there are several other palaces of note, but the real gem is the main square Plaza de Vázquez de Molina.
Baeza is a laid-back town centred by the Plaza Mayor and its cafés, but it also has some fine renaissance buildings, in particular the Marquessa de Jabalquinto. It is not surprising that the town became a World Heritage Site in 2003 and a major destination for tourists.
Taking a dip in Jaén
There are several lakes, rivers and reservoirs in the province of Jaén which give respite from the hot summers. There are nine places for simple bathing in rivers, some with food and drinks available.
Cost of living
According to numbeo, the cost of living in Jaén is 10.2% lower than it is in the expat hotspot of Alicante (without rent). Assuming that you rent in both cities, you would need €2,670 to maintain the same standard of living in Alicante for €3,000. Life in Jaén is even more affordable compared to Málaga, it’s 12.1% lower (without rent).
Keen to keep costs down overseas? Get tips from those who have already made the move!
Buying your dream home in Jaén
Property prices vary. In the city, you can find a two-bedroom apartment for under €100,000. A new large four-bedroom detached house with garage in Jaén city will cost €750,000 but you could find a detached four-bedroom home with pool in Baeda €430,000.
Plus, discover more reads on sunny southern Spain:
