Guadajoz and Eastern Campiña
The sea of olive trees around Baena, with walls, castles and drums.
Key points
- Guadajoz and Eastern Campiña is a small area (Baena, Castro del Río, Espejo, Nueva Carteya and Valenzuela) in the east of the province.
- Baena is famous for its extra virgin olive oil, with its own designation of origin, and for its drum-based Holy Weeks.
- The Torreparedones Archaeological Park, between Baena and Castro del Río, is an Iberian and Roman city.
- Baena is about 62 km from the capital.
Baena
The town climbs a hill covered with white houses, with the Almedina quarter as its historic core, a castle and steep streets. Its Holy Week is one of the most singular in the province: the "Judíos" and the "Armaos" parade, drumming brotherhoods whose sound is heard throughout the town. One of Andalusia's best-known olive oils is also born here: see wine and olive oil.
Other villages
- Castro del RíoA village with remains of a wall, beside the Guadajoz. Torreparedones is nearby.
- EspejoA ducal castle-palace presides over the village, on a lookout above the olive groves.
- Nueva CarteyaA village of olive groves and oil, in the Baena area.
- ValenzuelaA small countryside municipality with a quiet old town.
Torreparedones
Between Baena and Castro del Río, the Iberian and Roman site of Torreparedones keeps remains of walls, streets and public buildings, including a forum. It is one of the most interesting archaeological parks in the province; check opening times and guided visits with the town hall before going. More in monuments and archaeology.
The sea of olive trees
The olive groves here are a sea of trees over gentle hills. In autumn and winter the olives are harvested and pressed in oil mills that can be visited. A good plan is to book an oil tasting and lunch in Baena after a walk around the town.
Getting there
Baena is a little over an hour from Córdoba by road. Combine the visit with the Subbética, just to the south, or with the Upper Guadalquivir.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Baena famous?
For its extra virgin olive oil (with its own designation of origin) and for the drum-led Holy Week.