Attractions and Places To See around Santo Tomé - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Santo Tomé, a region in Jaén, Andalusia, offers a blend of natural landscapes and historical sites. Situated near the Sierra de Cazorla and the Guadalquivir valley, the area features dramatic gorges, impressive waterfalls, and ancient castles. Visitors can explore diverse terrain, from winding river canyons to high-altitude plateaus. The region provides opportunities for outdoor activities amidst its natural monuments and scenic viewpoints.
Best attractions and places to see around Santo Tomé
- The most popular attractions is Elías Gorge, a gorge where the Cerrada path runs through a winding canyon carved by the Borosa River. This natural canyon is known for its geological and vegetal wealth.
- Another must-see spot is Salto de los Órganos Waterfall, a waterfall with a drop of more than 170 meters. This impressive waterfall forms a natural pool of crystalline turquoise water.
- Visitors also love Castillo de La Iruela, a castle dating from the 12th century and located at the top of a hill. It is considered one of the most beautiful castles in the area, offering views of the Guadalquivir valley.
- Santo Tomé is known for its natural monuments, historical sites, and scenic viewpoints. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from river canyons to ancient fortresses.
- The attractions around Santo Tomé are appreciated by the komoot community, with 148 upvotes and 86 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: July 7, 2026
Elías Gorge
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Salto de los Órganos Waterfall
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Castillo de La Iruela
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Rambla Seca Shelter
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Campos de Hernán Perea
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Popular around Santo Tomé
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Through the Borosa Gorge to the highest peak of the Sierra de Segura
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MTB Trails around Santo Tomé
Road Cycling Routes around Santo Tomé
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Tips from the Community
This bivouac shelter is a very unique construction, basically composed of a room with a door, windows, and a cistern to collect rainwater, with a manual pump for its extraction. It should be remembered that this is, therefore, water without any sanitary treatment. It is especially important to be respectful in the use of these shelters, whose maintenance and good condition are basic for shepherds in an area as isolated as this. If you walk the marked trail Bosques del Sur, you will find it at kilometer 11.4 of stage number 15.
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Beautiful trail in a narrow canyon formed by the river.
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Spectacular waterfall and pool. If you follow the Borosa trail, you can't miss stopping and swimming in it. In summer, the sun starts shining directly after 11:30, and the water and the bottom of the pool go from opaque black to transparent turquoise. This makes it less scary to go in, but after that time, people start to gather around this spot!
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It is the highest waterfall on the Borosa River. From above (between the first and second tunnels) it is not visible, but from below it is spectacular.
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This is not a Templar castle, as is often said, but it is a real wonder and well worth a visit. From the top of its keep, you have fantastic views of the entire Jaén countryside and its sea of olive trees. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, be careful!
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Very nice shelter. Water didn't work (5.9.24)
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This is the best preserved refuge of the 4 that we found between Don Domingo, Fuente Segura and the Rambla Seca control (GR-247 and variants). Bunk bed and wooden bed, table and bench, double glazed windows and even hangers on the wall. The only thing that didn't work was the water pump, but I don't know if it's because there's no water in the pool or the pump is broken. It's common to see it occupied some days in summer. Today it was empty. I take this opportunity to thank the users for preserving it and leaving it, at least, in the same condition.
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This is the best preserved refuge of the 4 that we found between Don Domingo, Fuente Segura (GR-247 and variants). Bunk bed and wooden bed, table and bench, double glazed windows and even hangers on the wall. The only thing that didn't work was the water pump, but I don't know if it's because there's no water in the pool or the pump is broken. It's common to see it occupied some days in summer. Today it was empty. I take this opportunity to thank the users for preserving it and leaving it, at least, in the same condition.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural attractions can I explore around Santo Tomé?
The region boasts impressive natural features. You can visit Elías Gorge, a winding canyon carved by the Borosa River, known for its geological and vegetal richness. Another highlight is the Salto de los Órganos Waterfall, an impressive 170-meter cascade forming a natural pool of crystalline turquoise water. For vast, open landscapes, explore Campos de Hernán Perea, an endless plateau offering peace and tranquility, often described as a 'Spanish Mongolia'.
Are there any historical sites to visit in the area?
Yes, history enthusiasts will appreciate Castillo de La Iruela. This 12th-century castle is perched atop a hill, offering not only a glimpse into the past but also stunning views of the Guadalquivir valley. It's considered one of the most beautiful castles in the region.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Santo Tomé?
Santo Tomé is an excellent base for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous road cycling routes, including challenging tours through the Cazorla and Las Villas Sierras. There are also touring bicycle options like the 'Pasillo de Vida Trail' and several mountain biking trails, such as the 'Miradores del Río Guadalquivir' route. For more details on routes, check the Road Cycling Routes around Santo Tomé, Cycling around Santo Tomé, and MTB Trails around Santo Tomé guides.
Are there hiking trails near the attractions?
Absolutely. The region is rich in hiking opportunities. The path through Elías Gorge, known as the Cerrada path, is an old fishing trail that winds through the canyon. The route to Salto de los Órganos Waterfall is described as one of the most spectacular and challenging sections along the Borosa River. Many of the natural highlights are accessible via trails, ranging from intermediate to challenging difficulty.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Santo Tomé?
Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural beauty and the sense of tranquility. The geological and vegetal wealth of Elías Gorge is highly appreciated, especially in sunlight. The powerful 170-meter drop of Salto de los Órganos Waterfall and its crystalline pool are also big draws. For those seeking solitude and unique landscapes, the 'endlessness of the plateau' at Campos de Hernán Perea is a favorite.
Are there any facilities or refuges for hikers in the area?
Yes, the Fuente de Acero Refuge is a notable facility located in a beautiful wooded area. It's strategically positioned as a starting or end point for stages 14 and 15 of the Bosques del Sur trail (GR 247) and its variant. The refuge has access to a signposted fountain about 150 meters away, though it can dry out. It offers neat wooden beds for overnight stays.
What kind of views can I expect from the attractions?
Many attractions offer spectacular views. From Castillo de La Iruela, you can enjoy panoramic vistas of the Guadalquivir valley. The Elías Gorge provides views into a winding canyon, while the Salto de los Órganos Waterfall offers impressive sights of the powerful cascade. The vast expanse of Campos de Hernán Perea also provides endless, varied landscapes.
Is Santo Tomé suitable for nature photography?
Absolutely. The region's diverse landscapes, from dramatic gorges and powerful waterfalls to vast plateaus and ancient castles, offer numerous opportunities for nature photography. The geological formations in Elías Gorge, the striking 170-meter drop of Salto de los Órganos Waterfall, and the unique 'Spanish Mongolia' feel of Campos de Hernán Perea are particularly photogenic.
Are there any challenging trails for experienced hikers?
Yes, the trail leading to Salto de los Órganos Waterfall is noted as a spectacular and challenging section, involving steep slopes. The overall terrain around Santo Tomé, being near the Sierra de Cazorla, offers a range of difficulties, including routes classified as 'difficult' for cycling and MTB, suggesting challenging hiking opportunities as well.
What is the geological significance of the attractions?
The region is characterized by its geological formations. Elías Gorge is a prime example, a winding canyon carved by the Borosa River, showcasing significant geological wealth. The impressive Salto de los Órganos Waterfall also contributes to the area's geological interest, with its powerful water flow shaping the landscape over centuries.
Can I find places to stay overnight near the trails?
Yes, for those looking to extend their outdoor adventures, the Fuente de Acero Refuge provides a basic but comfortable option for spending the night. It features neat wooden beds and is located in a beautiful wooded area, ideal for hikers on multi-day routes like the GR 247.
Most popular attractions around Santo Tomé
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