Welcome to the green heart of Andalucía

Wedged between the magical southern Spanish cities of Córdoba and Granada, the Subbética is a tranquil rural wonderland of undulating olive groves, craggy mountains, limestone gorges, wildflower-filled pastures and thrillingly sited pueblos blancos (white villages).

Go for a hike through one of Andalucía’s least-visited natural parks, bike along the unbelievably scenic Vía Verde del Aceite greenway, savour Spain’s finest olive oils while roaming authentic local tapas bars, or have a go at paddle-boarding, wild swimming, rafting and more, before relaxing at one of the Subbética’s dreamy ecofriendly hotels.

Location

Only 90 minutes’ drive inland from Málaga, with ancient Córdoba and fabled Granada right on the doorstep, the Subbética is the perfect back-to-nature retreat in the centre of Andalucía’s olive-growing heartland.

Where to Visit

Dazzling Baroque architecture, traditional Easter Week processions, Andalucian pueblos blancos, crag-top Moorish castles, outstanding Spanish olive mills, a magical natural park (designated a Unesco Global Geopark) and much more, plus thrilling day trips to World Heritage-listed jewels in Granada, Córdoba, Jaén, Úbeda, Baeza and Antequera.

Activities

From some of the best walking and cycling in Andalucía, to kayaking, canyoning, paddle-boarding, small-scale olive oil tours, Spanish cooking courses and long, lazy meals in Córdoba’s picturesque white towns.

Where to Stay

A clutch of southern Spain’s best rural hotels awaits in the Subbética, whether you fancy a sustainable stay in a revamped olive farmhouse, an escape to a friendly family-run village hotel or a few nights in a delightfully Andalucian boutique bolthole. Or if you prefer self-catering, choose from a range of charming country villas and traditional townhouses.

Where to Eat

Artisanal goat’s cheese, dry or sweet Montilla-Moriles Córdoba wines, world-beating olive oils and ancient family recipes infuse the Subbética’s wonderful regional Andalucian gastronomy, which you can learn all about on a Spanish cooking holiday. Sample the excellent local produce at wonderfully authentic tapas bars, taverns and creative restaurants.

Olive Oil Tourism

Dive into the golden world of Spanish olive oil and taste some of the world’s best olive oils from the protected denomination of origin regions Priego de Córdoba, Baena and Lucena.