The castle Parador Jaen (official name is Parador Castillo De Santa Catalina) is spectacularly situated atop a steep and rugged hill. It overlooks the town below, and the views are breath-taking! You can walk directly down to the old-town from here, but if you aren't in good shape, best to grab a taxi and ride back up!
Jaen is one of the center's of the olive business in Spain. More olive oil is produced around here than anywhere else in Spain (which means anywhere else in the world).
Walking around the city is nice. Don't bypass the huge cathedral. It's well worth a visit - as is the very old Iglesia de la Magdalena. See the Banos Arabes (Arab baths) and the town's fine museums.
For a great day trip, drive over to Parque Natural de Cazorla and hike around in the beautiful mountain scenery consisting of craggy peaks, tranquil meadows, and bubbling streams. There are many well-marked trails. This park is the largest protected area in Spain. There are over 2300 species of plants in the park - including 24 found no where else in the world. Wildlife abounds, and you might see; eagles, wild sheep and boar, as well as various varieties of deer and any of a 140 different types of birds.
