THE OLIVE OIL GREENWAY

It is a 67-kilometre route (within the province of Córdoba) that crosses the southern part of the province, winding its way through a sea of olive trees and ...

From a tourist’s perspective, the Subbética Greenway is not just a path, but an open-air museum that combines industrial engineering, lush natural surroundings and historical heritage. 1. A Landscape of Contrasts The journey begins (or ends, depending on the direction) amidst the whitewashed limestone villages and the silvery-green olive groves with Protected Designation of Origin status. As they pass through the foothills of the Sierras Subbéticas Natural Park and UNESCO Global Geopark, cyclists find themselves flanked by impressive rock formations and limestone massifs where it is common to spot birds of prey. A must-see natural landmark is the Laguna del Conde Nature Reserve, a seasonal wetland that serves as a refuge for flamingos and other waterbirds. 2. Iron Engineering (The Eiffel School) One of the region’s biggest tourist attractions is its metal viaducts. Structures such as the Zuheros Viaduct or the Sima Viaduct are true gems of iron architecture. Crossing these structures offers a sensation of controlled vertigo and panoramic views that are, quite possibly, the best in the entire region. Furthermore, passing through the Túnel del Plantío adds that touch of nostalgic adventure characteristic of old-fashioned steam train journeys. 3. Stations with a Life of Their Own The old railway stations have been rescued from oblivion to become service centres. Places such as the stations at Luque, Doña Mencía, Cabra and Lucena now offer restaurants where you can sample the local cuisine (olive oil and Montilla-Moriles wines are a must), museums (such as the Oil Train Interpretation Centre in Cabra) and bike hire points. 4. Charming Villages The route allows you to ‘peek into’ villages that seem to cling to the mountainside. Zuheros, listed as one of Spain’s most beautiful villages, is a must-visit for its castle and the Cueva de los Murciélagos (Bat Cave). Doña Mencía stands out for its hospitality and winemaking tradition, whilst Cabra and Lucena offer the architectural richness of their Baroque churches and their Sephardic heritage. In short, it is a slow travel destination, perfect for families or sports enthusiasts looking to unwind whilst travelling through some of Andalusia’s most authentic and best-preserved landscapes.