Sabariego between the Río San Juan and Sierra de San Pedro

Sabariego lies between the Río San Juan and Sierra de San Pedro. Its white houses stand out against the green of the olive groves, while the recreation area on the Río San Juan is surrounded by extensive olive fields. The landscape and local culture offer two distinct perspectives on a stay: the river landscape, Fiesta del Palo and historic buildings each provide their own focus.

Landscape and recreation on the Río San Juan

The JV-2236 from Sabariego towards La Rábita provides access to the recreation area on the Río San Juan at the junction with the N-432 Granada–Badajoz. The area is located at Puente Palomillas. Its facilities include drinking water fountains, barbecue areas, seating, a car park and 18 tables, two of which are reserved for people with reduced mobility. As of August 26, 2026, the Puente Palomillas recreation area was temporarily out of service. Check its current status before setting out.

Fishing for trout and barbel is possible seasonally on the Río San Juan near the recreation area. Check the applicable fishing regulations before fishing. Another distinctive feature is Charconales: the large pool there contains a small cave.

The Cañón del Río San Juan, Sabariego route leads down to the road and then along the Colada de los Blancares; it ends in Sabariego. Check trail conditions before setting out. This specific route can then be included in your plans without assuming a walking time or difficulty level.

Cultural history and Fiesta del Palo

The nearby Torre de la Harina is a well-preserved round tower almost seven metres high. It is protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural monument. Given its historical context, it is considered part of a defensive belt built between the Early and Late Middle Ages. Remains of the bases of a medieval bridge also survive on the Río San Juan.

Fiesta del Palo takes place in Sabariego on May 1 and 2. It is considered the local counterpart to the town fair and has significant ethnographic value. It includes processions with San Pedro and the Inmaculada; the procession has taken place every year for more than a century.

Historically, the fiesta included a pole-climbing game in which participants tried to reach ham and sausages. An original custom also involved felling a tree and setting it up in the square; various celebrations took place around it. The origins of the fiesta point to the influence of migrations from the north in the 19th century. These historical customs should be distinguished from the recurring processions.

If you would like to plan your trip around the fiesta, check the specific event dates. The differing schedules can also help when choosing between cultural events and activities on the Río San Juan: the fiesta is dated May 1 and 2, while fishing is possible seasonally.

Discover more destinations: Villanueva Del Arzobispo, Jimena, Friar, Arroyo Del Ojanco, Mancha Real, Las Casillas, Úbeda, Hinojares

For the main travel overview: Jaen.