Jimena de la Frontera

Jimena is a modern prototype for reclaimed frontier towns, composed of an urban-rural complex with the Castle on the hill and a town full of uniform white houses descending the slope.

Almost two thirds of its area belongs to the Los Alcornocales Natural Park, where the large majority of the landscape is characterised by the species which gives it its name: groups of large, leafy cork oaks (Quercus suber) which occupy the mountain ranges in addition to the Portuguese and Algerian oaks (Quercus faginea y Quercus canariensis), olives (Olea europaea), strawberry trees, (Arbutus unedo), heaths (Erica arborea), oleanders (Nerium oleander) and alders (Alnus glutinosa).

The presence of prehistoric man has left important samples of schematic painting, primarily in the Laja Alta Cave.

Jimena, situated on the slope of the San Cristóbal Mountain, offers an ascent through the town’s steep streets leading towards its Castle, from where it is possible to appreciate the distribution of its country houses and the beauty of the surrounding landscape. Following a walk through the urban centre Jimena’s tourist offerings continue with various facilities offering visitors open air activities such as horse riding, bicycle tours and tennis.

Hiking is another possibility with a range of routes through which to explore its exquisite natural landscape. One of these is the ascent to the Hozgarganta river bed, a route of approximately three to four hours in duration. Throughout the ascent one can observe the species which comprise the fauna which inhabit the Natural Park. In addition, it offers a constant range of rich and varied flora, such as the river bed full of oleanders and slopes covered in olive, cork and oak trees.

Source: Ayto Jimena y Turismo Campo Gibraltar.

Map of Jimena de la Frontera

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Province

City center

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(36.43455, -5.45351)

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Sol recomend:

- Hotel Jimena Real: The building of the Jimena Real Hotel is an old noble town house completely restored in 2005 that mantains the original structure, wich grant the hotel with a distinctive an unique character reflected in the clasical architecture mixed with a modern and bright decoration.

Festivals in Jimena:

Carnival: Jimena’s festive period begins with the celebration of Carnival in February or March.
Livestock Fair: In the middle of May, following the old tradition of livestock fairs Jimena hosts a livestock contest and exposition, a machinery exhibition, displays of cowboy skills and much more.
District Fairs: At the beginning of June, the area hosts the San Martín del Tesorillo Fair; and at the end of the month the San Pablo Fair in Buceite.
Feria: The Feria is held the middle of August offering traditional carriage parades, galas etc.

Gastronomy

An internal land area in the region of Gibraltar, Jimena de la Frontera stands out for its varied cooking using native foodstuffs such as pork, kid goat, game, leafed and root vegetables, fruit and fine traditional Arab desserts. Recipes include dishes such as pork trotters with vegetables and spices, using left-over parts of the pig. Others are made using lamb or kid. Using game they offer dishes such as venison, partridges and wild rabbits. The oranges from the village orchards of San Martín del Tesorillo are extremely well known, these orchards representing the fruit producers of the area.
In terms of confectionary the wine dough cakes and Jimena candied nuts are specialities, prepared using flour, honey, almonds and other additives.