La Puerta de Segura

La Puerta de Segura is located in the Jaén region of the Sierra de Segura, within the Natural Park of the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura, and Las Villas. Its name is due to its position as the "gateway" to the Sierra de Segura, serving as a necessary passage to reach many villages in the sierra.

The landscape is rich in contrasts, from olive fields to more mountainous areas. The Municipality of La Puerta de Segura also includes the villages of Los Pascuales, Las Graceas, Bonache, Los Llanos, and Los Yegüerizos. Its urban centre is divided in two by the Guadalimar River. 

The main economic activity in La Puerta de Segura is agriculture, primarily olive cultivation. Rural tourism and hotel services also stand out here. Due to its traditional olive culture, La Puerta de Segura offers intriguing Oleotourism experiences which include tastings of its exceptional Extra Virgin Olive Oils.

The town preserves a Historical Heritage worth exploring. Points of interest include the Church of San Mateo (1821) with a single nave; Bujalamé Castle as a strategic defence point since the Muslim era; the charming Theatre with a circular floor plan (1928); the bridge, built in the Muslim era at the foot of an ancient fortress. Not forgetting the Casa Tercia, where the cross of the Order of Santiago can be seen, which dominated the Sierra de Segura. 

Indeed, nature tourism is essential in La Puerta de Segura, thanks to its natural surroundings. Along the banks of the Guadalimar River that divides the town in two, there’s an enchanting promenade with recreational areas and a children's park. The bridge over the river dates back to the arrival of the Muslims. Its single arch was small, causing floods, so it was blown up at the beginning of the 20th century and a wider one was constructed. A new bridge, designed like a ship, was built to facilitate easier crossing for pedestrians. 

On the Natural Path of Segura, you can embark on interesting routes that also cover the municipalities of Arroyo de Ojanco, Segura de la Sierra, Puente de Génave, Génave, and Villarrodrigo. Along the route, you can spot examples of native wildlife, such as wild boars, fallow deer, red deer, birds of prey, and other small birds. Among the flora, you’ll find beautiful riparian forests among holm oaks, pines, arbutus, and other coniferous species. These forests offer a very special colourful scene with the changing seasons, particularly in autumn.

To enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the region, La Puerta de Segura’s municipal area offers perfect natural spots: La Buitrera to the southwest, Sierra de Oruña to the northeast, Monte Salfaraf, and the course of the Guadalimar River itself. 

La Puerta de Segura annually organises interesting local and patronal festivities. The town itself celebrates the San Blas Festivities (3rd February), the Virgin of Carmen (between 15th and 18th July), the San Mateo Festivities (between 20th and 23rd September). But its villages also hold their own patron saint festivals: Los Llanos (last weekend of July), Los Yegüerizos (26th July, Santa Ana), Los Pascuales (3rd May, Day of the Cross), Bonache (15th August, Virgin of the Assumption). Let’s not forget the traditional Multisectoral Agricultural-Livestock Fair, which includes activities of various kinds, including children's games.

Among its traditions, its gastronomy stands out for its preparation of mountain dishes such as andrajos, gahamigas, migas porteñas, galianos, ajopringue or sweet gachas, which are prepared for All Saints' Day.