Kampaoh La Bolera

As well as boating escapades on Bolera Reservoir (five minutes’ walk), you can swim in the turquoise waters and stroll across the landmark dam wall. Take a pair of binoculars with you and keep a look out for vultures, eagles and red kites circling high in the thermals above you. You’ll never be stuck for some sort of sport to do – but if you’re keen on exploring further afield, the limestone gorges and rugged peaks of Cazorla, Segura y las Villas Natural Park are 40 minutes’ drive away for climbing, biking and caving expeditions. Dominated by the photogenic ruins of its crag-top Santa Catalina Castle, historic Jaén (90 minutes) is well-worth a day trip. Have a look at the revered Veil of Veronica relic in the handsome Renaissance-style cathedral, tour the colonnaded halls of the 11th-century Arab Baths complex – one of the biggest in Spain – and check out the Naïve paintings displayed in the Palacio de Villardompardo. Need a refuelling stop? Head for a Plaza de Santa María tapas bar and tuck into dishes flavoured with gourmet olive oil from the groves around the city.