Discover Spain’s Hidden Gems: Artisan Routes for Seniors

Spain offers an endless variety of local crafts and artisans, and you can discover them by following the many craft routes. These routes are a journey through time in search of Spain’s historical and artistic heritage, taking you through towns and cities where artisans have been working for centuries. The Route of the Caliphate, linking Córdoba and Granada, is an example of this, featuring the finest examples of Moorish architecture and crafts. The journey begins in Córdoba with a visit to the Mezquita (Great Mosque), the largest and most spectacular temple of its time, and the Medina Azahara archaeological complex, a palatial city built at the foot of the Sierra Morena mountains. The route ends in Granada, with a visit to the Alhambra, the most visited monument in Spain, a city-fortress with gardens, palaces, and a mosque. Along the way, you’ll find numerous artisan workshops selling pottery, leather, textiles, and other crafts made using ancient techniques. In the Andalusian city of Úbeda, you’ll find traditional olive oil and wine producers, as well as workshops where artisans create beautiful ceramics and pottery. In Baeza, you can visit the Olive Oil Museum, where you’ll learn how this precious liquid is made. In Granada, you can stroll through the Alcaicería, a former Moorish silk market now filled with shops selling local crafts. The nearby Sacromonte neighborhood is famous for its gypsy flamenco shows, and you can also find artisans working in wood, metal, and ceramics. The Route of Don Quixote takes you through the heart of La Mancha, the land of windmills and cheese, made famous by Cervantes’ novel. In Campo de Criptana, you can visit the Windmills Interpretation Centre and watch artisans make wooden toys and ceramics. The town of Almagro is famous for its lace-making, and you can watch the artisans at work or buy their creations. The La Mancha Artisan Route takes you through towns like Alcázar de San Juan, where you can visit the Cervantes Museum and see the famous Don Quixote windmills. The Route of the Nazaríes follows the old trade route from Granada to the coast, passing through towns like Alhama de Granada, where you can visit the Thermal Baths Interpretation Centre and watch artisans make esparto grass crafts. The town of Salobreña is famous for its sugar cane industry, and you can visit the Sugar Cane Museum to learn about the traditional methods of production. The Alcazaba de Salobreña, a Moorish fortress, offers stunning views of the coastline. In Motril, you can visit the Pre-Industrial Sugar Cane Museum, which showcases the history of sugar production in the region. The Route of the Almoravids and Almohads takes you through Andalusia and Morocco, linking the two regions through their shared Moorish heritage. In Andalusia, you can visit the Alcazaba of Almería, a fortress with three walled enclosures, and the Almuñécar Castle, which dates back to the 1st century BC. In Morocco, you can explore the Kasbah of the Udayas in Rabat, a fortress overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, and the Hassan Tower, a minaret that was meant to be the largest in the world. The Kasbah of the Udayas is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its narrow streets are filled with artisans selling carpets, pottery, and jewelry. The Route of the Silver is one of the oldest routes in Spain, linking Seville and Asturias. Along the way, you can visit towns like Zafra, where you can watch artisans make leather goods, and Mérida, where you can see the Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre. In Salamanca, you can visit the Salamanca Crafts Centre and watch artisans make pottery and jewelry. The Route of the Cid follows the journey of the legendary Spanish hero El Cid, taking you through Castile and León, Aragon, and Valencia. In Burgos, you can visit the Burgos Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and watch artisans make wooden toys and pottery. The town of Teruel is famous for its Mudejar architecture, and you can visit the Cathedral of Santa María de Mediavilla and watch artisans make pottery and jewelry. The Jewel Route takes you through the towns of Cordoba, Seville, and Granada, where you can find some of the finest examples of Moorish architecture and crafts. In Cordoba, you can visit the Mezquita (Great Mosque) and the Medina Azahara, while in Seville, you can explore the Alcázar of Seville and the Giralda. In Granada, you can visit the Alhambra and the Generalife, a summer palace with stunning gardens.