Tourist routes
Itineraries to explore the province on foot, by bike or by car.
Key points
- The Subbética Greenway is the easiest route: about 65 km of former railway among olive groves, suitable for walking and cycling.
- The Montilla-Moriles Wine Route links wineries, presses and villages of the southern countryside.
- In the capital, the patios route and a stroll through the Jewish Quarter and along the Guadalquivir take one morning on foot.
- For those with a car, the castle route brings together Almodóvar, Zuheros, Luque, Espejo and Belalcázar.
Subbética Greenway
It follows the route of the Olive Oil Train, the railway that linked the Subbética with the coast and stopped running in 1985. Today it is a flat, traffic-free path with viaducts, tunnels and old stations, among olive groves and mountains. It can be done in sections with almost no slope, so it suits families. Bring water and a hat from June to September, as there is little shade. Nearby villages such as Zuheros, Cabra, Lucena or Luque make good bases.
Montilla-Moriles Wine Route
It tours wineries and presses of the designation of origin through Montilla, Moriles, Aguilar de la Frontera, Puente Genil, Lucena and other municipalities. Many wineries offer visits and tastings, almost always by reservation. Combine a winery in the morning with lunch in the area (salmorejo, flamenquín and a chilled fino) and a walk around Montilla. Wine details in wine and olive oil.
Patios and Jewish Quarter route
A walk through the districts of San Basilio, the Alcázar Viejo, San Lorenzo and the Jewish Quarter, where the houses hide patios full of flowerpots. Outside the May festivals, some patios open all year. Finish at the Mosque-Cathedral, cross the Roman Bridge and return along the river. More in the Patios Festival.
Castle route
- Almodóvar del RíoThe most photogenic, on a hill beside the Guadalquivir, about 29 km from the capital.
- ZuherosAn Andalusi castle on a crag, beside the Bailón canyon.
- LuqueA fortress on a rock in the heart of the Subbética.
- EspejoA castle-palace above the countryside, in the Guadajoz area.
- BelalcázarThe Sotomayor castle, in Los Pedroches.
Dehesa and ham route
In Los Pedroches you move from village to village among holm oaks: Pozoblanco, Belalcázar, Hinojosa del Duque and Villanueva de Córdoba. It is the land of acorn-fed Iberian ham and of clear skies for stargazing. Visits to curing sheds and dehesas, usually by reservation. Details in Los Pedroches.
Olive oil route
Between Baena, Priego, Lucena and Montoro there are oil mills open to visitors, especially in the pressing season (autumn and winter). Try an extra virgin oil with bread and tomato. See Guadajoz and Eastern Campiña.
Nature routes
- Sierra de HornachuelosTrails among holm and cork oaks, with vultures and eagles.
- Bailón river canyonA trail from Zuheros through a limestone gorge.
- Zóñar and El Rincón lagoonsShort walks with bird observatories.
More options in natural parks.
How to choose
With one day, go to the capital or to Medina Azahara and Almodóvar; with two, add the Subbética or the wine countryside. If you prefer it ready-made, the planner suggests one- and three-day routes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Subbética Greenway?
It is a former railway, the "Olive Oil Train", converted into a trail for walking and cycling among olive groves, with bridges, tunnels and stations.