El Bacal, local festival traditions and traces of the past offer different ways to enjoy a stay in Jayena. When looking for a holiday rental for your trip, you can focus on whether you are mainly planning to explore the natural surroundings, cultural attractions or a particular event date.
El Bacal and the Pine Forest
El Bacal is a managed camping area within the recreational area of the same name, located in an extensive pine forest in the Sierra de Almijara. The recreational area has numerous tables at barbecue spots, toilets adapted for people with disabilities, showers, drinking fountains and a kiosk-bar. If specific facilities are important to your plans, check their current status before your trip.
Traditions, Pilgrimage and Weekly Market
Jayena’s Carnival includes the tradition of “El entierro de la zorra” (“The Burial of the Vixen”): locals and visitors follow a mock funeral procession. The Romería de San Antonio currently takes place on the second Saturday in June, with a procession to the Área Recreativa del Bacal. There, visitors share food and drinks throughout the day, while music groups and orchestras provide entertainment. As the annual programme may vary, it is best to confirm the date and arrangements again for the year of your trip.
The weekly market can also add a distinctive touch to your visit: it is held on Wednesdays on Avenida del Arco. The stalls sell food, clothing and household items. If you are planning a visit specifically to the market, check locally whether the market day is still in effect during your stay.
Finds and Local History
Neolithic remains have been found in the municipality of Jayena, particularly in La Mesilla. They suggest that the site has been inhabited since that period. Jayena appears to have been founded during the Islamic period; at that time, the place was called “Chayyana.” Its historical story therefore spans early traces of settlement and a later form of the name.
The Centro de Interpretación de Jayena is located in the municipality’s former water reservoirs. The renovated building houses permanent and temporary exhibitions about the origins of the town. Workshops and activities such as essence distillation and natural soap making also help visitors learn about the cultural heritage. If you would like to take part in one of these activities, check the latest dates and access details in advance.
Mountain Trails and Historic Buildings
Mountain trails starting in Jayena lead to the Mirador del Alto de los Morros. Check trail conditions locally before including this outing in your plans.
Buildings and remains offer further ways to explore the area’s history. The Iglesia Parroquial del Santísimo Sacramento dates from the 18th century and was rebuilt in the 20th century after being damaged by an earthquake. The remains of many watchtowers dating from the period of Muslim rule can be found at Peña Gorda. The Antigua Fundición Romana was also used by the Arabs when they lived in the area.
Discover more destinations: Lobras, Orce, Alquife, Chauchina, Venta Micena, Huétor - Santillán, Bubión, Guájar-Alto
For the broader travel overview: Granada.
