Spain’s olive groves are a unique landscape. They have been part of our culture for thousands of years, and the olive tree has become a symbol of our countryside. Discover this treasure trove of biodiversity along routes that combine nature tourism with cultural heritage. Jaén, in Andalusia, is the most famous olivegrowing region in Spain, with over 550,000 hectares of olive trees. The landscape is a sea of olive trees, dotted with interesting towns and villages. In Úbeda and Baeza, you’ll find Renaissance palaces, churches, and watchtowers, all of which have been declared World Heritage by UNESCO. Follow the OliveGrowing Route to visit beautiful towns like Bailén, Linares, and Alcalá La Real. Explore the Castle Route and discover Alcaudete, with its medieval castle, and the picturesque town of Martos, with its whitewashed houses. Visit the Olive Oil Museum in Baños de la Encina, next to a reservoir, and the Interpretation Centre of Olivar y Aceite in Úbeda, where you can learn about the history and production of olive oil. You can even become an expert olive oil taster. After a day of exploration, relax in the thermal baths of Marmolejo or Alhama de Jaén. The landscape of the Sierra de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Nature Reserve is breathtaking. It’s the largest nature reserve in Spain, with hiking trails that take you through valleys, forests, and rivers. You can also go horse riding, mountain biking, or even paragliding. The region is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including deer, wild boar, and golden eagles. In the Sierra Mágina, you’ll find the highest mountains in the region, with spectacular views of the olive groves and the surrounding countryside. There are also several charming villages to explore, like Huelma and Cambil, with their traditional whitewashed houses and narrow streets. In CastillaLa Mancha, you’ll find some of the oldest olive trees in the world, with twisted trunks that have stood the test of time. The Natural Park of Los Calares del Mundo y de la Sima is a hidden gem, with a landscape of gorges, cliffs, and waterfalls. The region is also home to a rich cultural heritage, with medieval castles, Roman ruins, and prehistoric cave paintings. In the Basque Country, the Sierra de Aralar is a stunning mountain range, with lush forests and green pastures. The area is known for its traditional Basque culture, with picturesque villages like Amezketa and Ataun, where you can sample local delicacies like Idiazabal cheese and Basque cider. In the heart of Spain, you’ll find the Sierra de Guadarrama, a mountain range that stretches from Madrid to Segovia. The region is a paradise for hikers, with trails that take you through pine forests, rocky peaks, and glacial lakes. It’s also home to the famous Monastery of El Escorial, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Picos de Europa National Park is one of Spain’s most spectacular landscapes, with soaring mountains, deep gorges, and crystalclear rivers. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including brown bears, wolves, and golden eagles. You can explore the park on foot, by bike, or even by canoe. In Andalusia, the Sierra de las Nieves is a hidden gem, with a landscape of rugged mountains, deep gorges, and ancient forests. The region is home to a unique species of pine tree, the Pinsapo, which grows only in this area. The Sierra de las Nieves is also a paradise for birdwatchers, with a wide variety of species, including the rare Bonelli’s eagle. The region is also famous for its traditional whitewashed villages, like Ronda, with its famous bridge over the El Tajo gorge. In the north of Spain, the Rías Baixas are a series of fjordlike inlets, with a landscape of rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and lush forests. The region is famous for its seafood, with a wide variety of fish and shellfish, including the famous Galician octopus. The Rías Baixas are also home to a unique culture, with traditional fishing villages like Combarro, where you can see the traditional horreos, or raised granaries, that are a symbol of Galician culture.
Continuing our journey through Spain’s lesserknown treasures, the olive groves of Andalusia provide not only a stunning backdrop but also a deep dive into the regions rich history and culture. In Córdoba, the MontoroAdamuz olive trees are iconic, often referred to as the cathedral of olive trees due to their towering presence and ancient roots. This area is perfect for those who appreciate both the natural and historical. The town of Montoro itself is a gem, with its whitewashed houses clinging to the hillsides and the Guadalquivir River flowing below. You can visit the Olive Oil Museum in Puente Genil, where you’ll learn about the intricate process of olive oil production, from tree to table. This is complemented by tastings of the local oils, each with its unique flavor profile. After a day of exploration, a meal in one of the local taverns, featuring dishes like salmorejo or fried aubergines with honey, is a must. Moving north, the olive groves of Extremadura offer a quieter, more rural experience. Here, the Sierra de Gata and the Sierra de las Villuercas are home to some of Spain’s oldest olive trees, many over a thousand years old. These ancient giants stand as silent witnesses to centuries of history, and visiting them feels like stepping back in time. The region is also rich in biodiversity, making it a haven for nature lovers. You can hike through the mountains, spotting wildlife like the Iberian lynx or the black stork, or simply enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside. Extremadura is also known for its Roman and Moorish heritage, with towns like Mérida and Cáceres offering a wealth of historical sites. Mérida, with its wellpreserved Roman theater and amphitheater, is a highlight, while Cáceres boasts a stunning medieval old town that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While exploring the olive groves, make sure to sample local delicacies like jamón ibérico, often served with a drizzle of the finest olive oil. In the heart of Spain, the olive trees of CastillaLa Mancha are intertwined with the literary legacy of Don Quixote. As you drive through the region, you’ll pass the famous windmills of Campo de Criptana, immortalized in Cervantes’ novel. The landscape is dotted with ancient olive trees, their twisted trunks and silvery leaves creating a striking contrast against the deep blue sky. This is a land where tradition is still alive, and you’ll find it in the local cuisine, with dishes like pisto manchego or migas, both made with generous amounts of olive oil. In the small town of Villanueva de los Infantes, you can visit the Olive Oil Museum and learn about the traditional methods of oil production, or take part in a tasting session to discover the subtle differences between the various local oils. The region is also famous for its Manchego cheese, which pairs perfectly with the local olive oil. Finally, a visit to the Almagro Corral de Comedias, the only surviving openair theater from the Spanish Golden Age, is a must for culture lovers. Whether it’s watching a play or simply admiring the architecture, it’s an unforgettable experience. As we travel further north, the olive groves of Catalonia offer a unique blend of nature and culture. The region is home to the famous Siurana olive oil, known for its fruity flavor and golden color. The olive trees here are often planted on terraced hillsides, creating a stunning landscape that is best explored on foot or by bike. The small town of Siurana, perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the valley, is a highlight, with its medieval streets and breathtaking views. In the nearby town of Falset, you can visit the Olive Oil Museum, where you’ll learn about the history of olive cultivation in the region and taste some of the best oils. The museum is housed in a beautiful modernist building, adding an architectural element to the experience. Catalonia is also famous for its gastronomy, and you’ll find plenty of opportunities to enjoy local dishes like escalivada or calçots, both of which are traditionally served with a generous drizzle of olive oil. The region is also home to some of Spain’s finest wines, and a visit to one of the local wineries is highly recommended. Finally, no trip to Catalonia would be complete without a visit to Barcelona, with its stunning architecture, vibrant street life, and worldclass museums. Whether it’s exploring the works of Gaudí, strolling along Las Ramblas, or relaxing on the beach, Barcelona offers something for everyone.
