Eight villages follow the trail of the Segureño lamb
Migratory herding and traditional dishes add depth to the journey through three Andalusian provinces
Between the mountain ranges of Granada and Albacete and the olive groves of Jaén, a gastronomic tradition invites visitors to discover villages, landscapes and ways of life connected to the countryside. The Segureño Lamb Route connects eight towns, from Orce to Castellar, in an experience that blends traditional shepherds’ recipes with strolls through historic centres and natural spots. Before embarking on the route, it is a good idea to reserve time for whatever might arise between visits. A lingering post-meal conversation, a stroll without a specific destination or the desire to try a dish again are also part of this getaway. The experience embraces this unhurried pace: Magical Towns recommends dedicating at least one week to exploring all the towns. Orce opens the way with its paleontological heritage, while Puebla de Don Fadrique introduces visitors to the Sagra mountain range. In Albacete, Aýna nestles above the gorge of the Mundo River and Bogarra combines the Batán waterfall with a sculpture route. These settings inspire both curiosity and relaxation, as travellers choose where to pause and allow the rhythm of each day to unfold between visits and walks. The Jaén segment includes Orcera, Iznatoraf, Chiclana de Segura and Castellar. Iberian heritage, towers, old walls and viewpoints accompany these stages, which shift the perspective to look beyond their cuisine. Strolling the streets before dining is another way to delight in the trip, as guests sit down to eat and share their discoveries. The connection between cuisine and landscape is better understood by learning about migratory herding, traditionally called veréa. During autumn, the flocks descend towards Sierra Morena and the Granada High Plains, returning at the end of spring to the sheepfolds in Segura. This seasonal movement offers a different view of the mountains: behind the picture-perfect postcard lie hard work, knowledge of the land and a daily relationship with the pastures. As a way to round out the itinerary, Huéscar is home to the Cordero Segureño Visitor Centre, installed in the former Church of San Francisco. It allows visitors to learn about the breed, history and movements of the livestock, with a special focus on the shepherds.
The gastronomic reward of this route takes many different forms: oven-roasted lamb with the accompanying garnish, grilled pork chops, migas or traditional shepherds’ dishes such as the galianos stew. Olive oil and other local products round out the offering along the route.