Jimena de la Frontera has a rich historical and cultural background, a quality that is frequently found among the features of the village. Its history dates backed to when it was first inhabited by the Romans, who called the village Obba.
Later by the Moors who built on the existing castle, a landmark for which the village is known. It became a look-out post for the Christians in the war against the former (the Moors). The remains of the castle have fantastic views over the surrounding country side, the village below, the Alcornocales Natural Park and Gibraltar.
Presently, Jimena is better known for its international music festival, cork production, mushroom picking season and its natural park, located only one minute away from the house.
This area of southern Spain is renowned as an outstanding area for hiking and hill walking, and even mountain biking; its easily accessible, diverse and stunning routes running through the national park, surrounded by beautiful flora are also a habitat full of biodiversity, perfect for those into activities such as bird- watching.
The village is also known for its unspoiled river, the Hozgarganta with its old watermills and the remains of the old Royal Bomb Factory commissioned by King Carlos III and dating back to the times of the siege of Gibraltar around 1777, when cannonballs were produced locally . There are a number of musicians and artists, local and from abroad, which have settled in the village and offer a wide variety of music, painting or ceramic courses. There is always an art exposition or concert of some sort occurring, as well as plenty of other activities, such as yoga, being held somewhere in the village or neighbouring villages.
There are many restaurants and bars to choose from, in some of the most exquisite traditional cuisine as well as many local delicacies are on offer, such as the vwry well known Chantarella mushrooms, wild asparagus and game from the Alcornacales. If you prefer, there is always the option to buy locally sourced fruit and vegetables, we recommend the world famous oranges from San Pablo; delicatessen such as chorizo and morcilla sausages from Ronda or locally produced goats cheese, just to mention a few. Fresh bread is also available buy from the local bakery. All these village shops are just 20 metres away from the house. Supermarkets and pharmacies can be found in the upper and lower sections of the village, which should provide all necessary house hold supplies.
Other services and leisure facilities within Jimena include a local health centre, an open air municipal pool and a covered swimming pool at the nearby camping. All within easy walking distance, as well as tennis and paddle courts located at the bottom of the village next to the indoor sports hall and several play parks for children. There is a gym in the lower village, as well as horse riding and a polo school just outside the village. Lessons can be arranged. Bike tours and rental is available.