Upper Guadalquivir
Olive-grove and river towns east of the capital, with Montoro as the jewel.
Key points
- The Upper Guadalquivir groups the villages of the river east of the capital: Montoro, Adamuz, El Carpio, Bujalance, Cañete de las Torres, Pedro Abad, Villa del Río and Villafranca.
- Montoro is the most photogenic village: an old town in a river meander and the Donadas bridge.
- To the north begins the Sierra de Cardeña y Montoro Natural Park.
- Everything is less than 50 km from the capital.
Montoro
Montoro's old town sits in a meander of the Guadalquivir and is explored among white and ochre houses, viewpoints and squares. The 16th-century Donadas bridge crosses the river and is the classic image of the village. Montoro is also the gateway to the Sierra de Cardeña y Montoro Natural Park and shares an olive oil designation of origin with Adamuz.
Other villages of the river plain
- AdamuzAn olive and mountain village with a hilltop church and good views of the river.
- El CarpioIts 14th-century Garci Méndez Tower presides over the town beside the Guadalquivir.
- BujalanceA town with medieval walls and quiet streets.
- Cañete de las TorresTowers and walls give it its name, in the middle of olive groves.
- Villafranca de CórdobaWith a water park (Aquasierra), a good summer option with children.
Upper Guadalquivir olive oil
The landscape is olive groves as far as the eye can see. The Montoro-Adamuz designation of origin protects its extra virgin olive oil. Some oil mills offer visits and tastings. More in wine and olive oil.
Getting there
Montoro is about 44 km from Córdoba on the A-4; Adamuz about 37 km. A good day plan is to combine Montoro's old town with a route through the natural park. To continue east, see Guadajoz and Eastern Campiña.
Frequently asked questions
Which town is a must in the Upper Guadalquivir?
Montoro, with its old town in a bend of the Guadalquivir and the Donadas bridge, is the most photogenic stop in the area.